This situation is often referred to as dual diagnosis, co-morbid disorders, co-occurring disorders, concurrent disorders or dual diagnosis, but all terms refer to the fact that the patient is experiencing mental health problems as well as drug dependence.

Because of this strong link between mental health and substance abuse many treatment centers provide both mental health and substance abuse treatment. In fact, checking substance abuse patients for mental illness is commonly done when planning a patient’s recovery.

 Experts agree that the best treatment programs for people with dual diagnosis are those that provide a mix of mental health and substance abuse treatment. Ideally, a patient would first undergo detoxification with medical supervision. Then treatment should be made to fit a patients needs, often because of mental illness, patients will not benefit from traditional 12 step programs. As a part of treatment education especially about the patient’s specific mental illness is often an integral part of recovery. This is because many patients do not understand the seriousness of mental illnesses or how they can affect a person’s decision making. Patients with dual diagnosis also need multiple support networks, so treatment centers are encouraged to provide patients with social and recreational activities, group treatment sessions and family support.

These types of treatment program also often provide services that will help a person regain a positive lifestyle. These services include help in job searching, help with housing, education on money management, and help in relationships. Treatment for dual diagnosis patients is focused on teaching the patient how to cope with both issues. Because this is a difficult process many treatment centers for dual diagnosis provide more long term treatments than substance abuse only treatment centers.