Centre for Coaching, Counselling and Groupwork Training
Dual Diagnosis
2 days training
Dual diagnosis refers to the co-existence of substance misuse including alcohol and mental health problems. National evidence suggests that substance misuse among people with
mental health problems should be seen as usual rather than exceptional. The prevalence
of dual diagnosis is estimated to affect between 30 and 70 per cent of those presenting to
health and social care settings.
The most common mental health symptoms reported by substance misuse clients are
depression, bipolar disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and panic attacks. Clients with
dual diagnosis often experience more serious problems and have poorer prognosis than
those with a single diagnosis. They are also much more likely to be homeless or jailed.
Research has strongly indicated that to recover fully, a client with co-occurring disorder
needs treatment for both problems. Despite much research that supports its success,
integrated treatment is still not made widely available to clients, who often fall between
services and excluded from both mental health and substance misuse services.
Effective integrated treatment consists of the same health professionals, working in one
setting, providing appropriate treatment for both mental health and substance abuse in a
coordinated fashion. Several key themes have been identified in the literature for integrated
dual diagnosis interventions*:
- a flexible, person-centred, empathetic, non-confrontational and non-judgmental approach to foster trusting supportive relationships and shared understanding
- promoting optimism and building motivation to deal with substance problems and other associated difficulties
- understanding the chronology of the disorders, but maintaining a holistic focus in addressing the substance misuse, psychological, social and physical health problems
- prioritising problem solving
- a harm reduction approach to substance misuse in the first instance
- advice and information about the impact of substance use.
Course aims:
- Equip participants with basic knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to work with clients with substance misuse and mental health
- Provide an overview of dual diagnosis – definitions, prevalence, theoretical models, research
- Introduce the department of health Dual Diagnosis guide and capability framework.
- Explore the effects of dual diagnosis on the individual and their social networks
- Introduce common signs and symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety
- Introduce key factors, methods and skills for integrated Dual Diagnosis programme.
- Explore implementations option in relation to participants’ work.
To arrange a time for this in house course just contact us .
*The relationship between dual diagnosis, substance misuse and dealing with mental health issues; SCIE Crome et al 2009
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