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GLBT Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis patients are individuals who suffer from co-occurring mental disorders and alcohol or drug addiction issues. So for example, a person may be living with clinical depression and also be addicted to heroin. This is obviously a highly dangerous set of circumstances that puts the individual at great risk for a variety of conditions – from heart failure and overdose to suicide. Members of the GLBT community who enter into drug rehab are commonly found to also have mental conditions that would classify them as dual diagnosis. Getting these people the help they need is a challenge – but one that is absolutely essential to the long-term health of the individual.

Why is GLBT Dual Diagnosis so Prevalent?

Sadly, our society places a great deal of unnecessary strain on the GLBT community. Issues of discrimination and hatred are both highly prevalent in this country, and as such, many individualsmay develop depression, anxiety or other mental illnesses as a result. The problem is compounded when these individuals attempt to self-medicate using drugs or alcohol as a means of escaping their pain.

Also, many GLBT suffer from self-esteem issues or a history of physical and sexual abuse that can lead to both mental illness and addiction. The result is a significant number of gay and lesbian individuals who are classified as dual diagnosis.

What are the Most Common Conditions Associated with Dual Diagnosis?

As mentioned earlier, dual diagnosis features a mental illness component and an addiction component. The following represent some of the most common instances of each:

Mental Illnesses:


Addictions


Any combination of these, or other related disorders and addictions classifies the individual as a dual diagnosis patient.

Finding Help for the Gay or Lesbian Dual Diagnosis Patient

There are several key reasons why traditional drug rehab will not provide appropriate care for the GLBT dual diagnosis patient. First, those with a dual diagnosis require integrated care – psychiatric professionals and addiction counselors working together and sharing information about the individual so that they receive proper treatment. Drug rehab facilities that do not specifically treat dual diagnosis patients are unlikely to feature the kind of expert-level staff needed to help these individuals.

Secondly, the root causes of addiction and mental illness in gay and lesbian individuals are often different that those found in the straight community. Counselors who understand these root causes of GLBT drug addiction MUST be present in order to help the individual change unwanted behaviors and begin to get their lives on the right track.

Michael's House offers exceptional care for both dual diagnosis patients and members of the GLBT community. At Michael's House, there are medical professionals and addiction counselors working together to provide comprehensive care for those with a dual diagnosis. Michael's House is also a "safe place" for gay and lesbian individuals. Every counselor understands this community – and its special problems pertaining to addiction – very well. Contact Michael's House today at for more information.

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