Dual diagnosis

South Pacific Private is a treatment centre that specialises in treating co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders at the same time, by the same group of clinicians, within the same treatment program.

Often when a person is struggling with addiction issues there may be a co-occurring mood disorder such as depression that has fueled the development of, or exacerbated, the substance use issues, or vice versa. This results in people having problems related to both their substance use issues and their mental illness.

Both clinical practice and research have established that the high prevalence of coexisting mental illness and substance use disorders is a growing concern in the mental health field in Australia and overseas. This is evidenced by national and state based policy initiatives to address these complex problems.

Dual diagnosis (or comorbid mental illness and substance use disorder) presents a complex set of challenges to the treatment team as people with dual diagnosis need a high degree of clinical expertise and a specialised treatment approach to address their co-occurring problems effectively, in order to support sustainable long term recovery.

Commonly Co-Occurring Conditions:

What are the problems that are caused by dual diagnosis or comorbid conditions?

People with dual diagnosis struggle with problems associated with both the mental illness and the substance-use disorders and in addition can struggle from other problems associated such as:

• Increased risk of illness and injury (including suicide and self-harm)
• Complicated issues causing poorer psychiatric and physical outcomes
• Risk of side effects from substances
• Routine treatment less effective, unless specialised care provided
• Poorer adherence to treatment
• Higher risk of relapse
• Risk of poly-substance abuse

Do I have a co-occurring disorder? If any of these signs resonate – you can contact South Pacific Private here on 1800 063 332 to find out more.

People struggling with dual diagnosis or co-occurring conditions have specialised treatment needs.

South Pacific Private offers an ‘Integrated Model’ of care where both disorders / conditions, are treated at the same time, at the same place and by the same clinical team, so that there is a holistic approach to supporting the person into long term and sustainable recovery from both co-occurring conditions.

Addiction and mental health concerns are cunning, baffling and overwhelming and are most effectively treated in a therapeutic environment supported by addiction professionals who have experience treating comorbid conditions.

If you would like to speak to someone who understands the problems you might be facing, and who can discuss your particular situation and treatment needs, we suggest that you call the Client Care Team who will offer a free and confidential preliminary chat, or full assessment if that is your preference.

Contact the Client Care Team on 1800 063 332. You can also email the team on info@southpacificprivate.com.au