December 29th, 2015
Struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol is difficult enough on its own. However, for some patients, addiction is accompanied by other issues as well. This creates a situation called, “dual diagnosis”.
While nearly any emotional or psychiatric condition can be part of a dual diagnosis, some of the most common issues include:
- Depression – A mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in things an individual once loved.
- Codependency – Excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner—typically one who may be struggling with his or her own problems or even addictions.
- Anxiety Disorders – Generalized feelings of anxiousness or serious, anxious feelings in certain situations, such as social anxiety.
- Mood Disorders – Bipolar disorder, dysrhythmia disorder, and other serious mood-altering disorders can make it difficult for a person to function in day-to-day life.
For those struggling with a dual diagnosis, getting the right treatment in place is vital. That’s why at Free by the Sea, we offer several types of care options for dual diagnosis. These include:
- Psychological Services – These services can include one-on-one and group therapies, behavior modification, and other treatments to implement self-awareness. For many patients, this is the first step towards combatting addiction and the dual diagnosis issue.
- Psychiatric Services – A psychiatrist can offer help with mental health issues and a holistic approach to defeating addictions and managing other diagnosis issues as well.
- Crisis Intervention – With a dual diagnosis, there is always the chance of a crisis. Our intervention team can help by suggesting short and long-term solutions to help get the patient back on his or her feet while battling addiction.
- Medically Managed Services – There are certain medications that are necessary for a dual diagnosis situation. Our team can help you learn to use these responsibly while managing addiction to other drugs or alcohol at the same time.
While a dual diagnosis can be a challenge for the patient and those they care about, with the right team of professionals, both problems can be managed, and you can get back to feeling more like you again. Don’t let your fear of a dual diagnosis keep you from getting the treatment you need. Contact us at Free by the Sea today!
Dr. Richard Crabbe joined our team in 2019 as our psychiatrist and medical director. He attended the University of Ghana Medical School where he became a Medical Doctor in 1977. From 1978 through 1984, he was a medical officer in the Ghana Navy and provided a variety of services from general medicine to surgeries. He received his Certificate in General Psychology from the American Board of Psychology and Neurology in 2002.
