Dual Diagnosis Treatment Is Available for the LGBT
Dual Diagnosis Information
Dual diagnosis is a term that refers to individuals who have both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder. It may be used interchangeably with “co-occurring disorders” or “comorbidity.” According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an estimated 10 million people in the United States will have a combination of at least one mental health and one substance abuse disorder in any twelve-month period. The number is even greater within the LGBT or gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Substance abuse is the most common and significant co-occurring disorder among adults with such severe mental illnesses as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It may also be observed in individuals with mental health diagnoses that include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or eating disorders. The term “substance abuse” refers to substance use disorders that range along a continuum from abuse to dependence or addiction.
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Dual Diagnosis
Today it is clear that the co-occurrence of mental illness and substance abuse is common: about 50% of individuals with severe mental illnesses are affected by substance abuse. A dual diagnosis is also associated with a host of negative outcomes that may include higher rates of relapse, hospitalization, incarceration, violence, homelessness, and exposure to such serious infections as HIV and hepatitis. Dual diagnosis in the gay and lesbian community is at about 60 percent.
Children of alcohol or other drug-addicted parents are at increased risk for developing substance abuse and mental health problems. Disruptive behavior disorders coexist with adolescent substance abuse problems more often than not. Other special groups that may be affected include older adults and the LGBT with mood or anxiety disorders, especially those who are grieving numerous losses. They may drink or misuse or abuse prescription drugs to cope with their lowered quality of life. These factors can often complicate treatment of hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and other health-related problems that affect the elderly as well.
Abuse of alcohol or other drugs may occur in persons with eating disorders in an effort to deal with guilt, shame, anxiety, or feelings of self-loathing as a result of bingeing and purging food. Many military veterans suffer from anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder and have histories of substance abuse. Services for veterans are woefully inadequate, adding to the chronic nature of dual diagnosis among them.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for the LGBT
Dual diagnosis treatment for the LGBT population is no different than the heterosexual population with one exception. The dual diagnosis treatment center needs to be what we call “gay friendly” so in conjunction with addiction treatment and mental health treatment the iissues specific to the gay community can be addressed. There is nothing called gay dual diagnosis treatment, but there is dual diagnosis treament that takes into account the challenges of the LGBT.
To locate dual diagnosis treatment that can be effective, call the national dual diagnosis helpline at 1-800-511-9225. They will help you access dual diagnosis treatment for adults, adolescents, gay or older adults. The information is available at no cost and the dual diagnosis helpline is toll free.
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