Dual Diagnosis Programme
The Dual Diagnosis Programme is designed for adults who are currently abusing (clients must meet the criteria for dependence) or dependent on alcohol or chemical substances, and in addition, have a co-morbid diagnosis of a mental health difficulty such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder (Axis 1 disorder, DSM-V).
The aim of this programme is not only to enable clients to achieve abstinence and recovery in relation to substance use, but also to facilitate awareness, understanding and provide practical support and knowledge in relation to their mental health difficulties.
It aims to assist the client in the recovery process by providing a bio-psychosocial support structure and the therapeutic environment necessary to foster their recovery. This includes a combination of group and 1:1 support to help in the transition from complex mental health and addiction issues to a more sustainable and healthy life in sobriety.
The Dual Diagnosis is a staged recovery programme, delivered by Psychiatrists, Addiction Counsellors, Ward based nursing staff, with input from other disciplines including Psychology, Social Work and Occupational Therapy and includes:
- Initial detoxification and assessment by MDT
- In-patient, residential service for approximately four weeks (longer if required)
- 12 week Stepdown programme (not always required, pending treatment pathway)
- Aftercare for 12 months
The programme includes the following elements:
- Individual multi-disciplinary assessment: This facilitates the development of an individual treatment care plan for each client.
- Psycho-education lectures: A number of lectures are delivered weekly with a focus on providing education on substance misuse and recovery, as well as approaches for managing mental health issues e.g. CBT, and Mindfulness. There is also a weekly family and patient lecture, facilitated by Addiction Counsellors, providing information on substance misuse and recovery to clients and their families.
- Goal setting and change plan: This group is facilitated by therapists and encourages participants to put plans and structure in place for time spent outside of the hospital.
- Mental health groups: This is a psycho-educational group focussing on Mental Health related topics such as Depression, Anxiety and Recovery.
- Role play groups: This group aims to allow clients to actively practice drink/drug refusal skills, to learn how to communicate about mental health, and to manage relapse in mood and substance misuse. The group creates opportunities to role play real life scenarios that may have been relevant to the client or may be relavant in the future.
- Recovery plan: This group facilitates and supports clients in developing and presenting an individual recovery plan. It covers topics such as Professional Monitoring, Community Support groups, Daily inventories, Triggers, Physical care, problem solving, Relaxation, spiritual care, Balance Living, family/friends, work balance etc.
- Reflection group: This group provides a safe place to support clients through the process of change; an opportunity to reflect on the extent of dependence on substances and mental health difficulties.
- Relapse prevention and management groups: This group focuses on developing successful relapse prevention and management strategies.