Families who have mentally ill relatives whose problems are compounded by substance abuse face problems of enormous proportions. Mental health services are not well prepared to deal with patients having both afflictions.
Often only one of the two problems is identified. If both are recognized, the individual may be bounced back and forth between services for mental illness and those for substance abuse, or they may be refused treatment by each of them.
While the picture regarding dual diagnosis has not been very positive at this point, there are now signs that the problem is being recognized and there is an increasing number of programs trying to address the treatment needs of people with both problems.
Research studies are beginning to help us understand the scope of the problem. It is now generally agreed that as much as 50 percent of the mentally ill population also has a substance abuse problem. The drug most commonly used is alcohol, followed by marijuana and cocaine. Prescription drugs such as tranquilizers and sleeping medicines may also be abused.
It is now reported that both families of mentally ill relatives and mental health professionals underestimate the amount of drug dependency among people in their care. There may be several reasons for this. It may be difficult to separate the behaviors due to mental illness from those due to drugs.
There may be a degree of denial of the problem because we have had so little to offer people with the combined illnesses. Caregivers might prefer not to acknowledge such a frightening problem when so little hope has been offered.
Craving and compulsion to use a drug lead to using it in larger amounts, more frequently, or over a longer period than was intended when use began. Psychological dependence involves giving up social, occupational, or recreational activities because of drug use, as well as persistent use despite knowing that the drug is likely causing a physical or mental problem.
The Cliffside Malibu facility is a state-of-the-art, luxury drug and alcohol treatment center that is often filled to capacity. To find out if there is a space available for you call Cliffside Malibu at 1-800-501-1988. Because of the limited number of spaces in the facility, it is possible that you will end up on a waiting list for your space. Rest assured it is our highest priority to find you a space in our center so that your journey to recovery can begin. The alcohol abuse facilities at Cliffside Malibu offer you the peace and tranquility that you need to begin your road to recovery.
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