Classroom Course » Double Trouble—Dual Disorder of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness: Assessment and Intervention Issues

This workshop highlights the nature and etiology of dependence and abuse of controlled substance and legal drugs. It delineates the effects and health risks involved in the use of a variety of such drugs and offers an understanding of how substance abuse can produce a variety of psychiatric symptoms and problems. Addressed are basic issues of how treatment of chemical dependence/substance abuse involves the management of physiological and psychological issues linked to dependence and withdrawal. Including the complex psycho-social factors that motivate and sustain drug use behaviors. It provides understanding of how psycho-active substance can compound the management and treatment of clients with a mental disorder.   Guidelines in assessing clients with dual diagnosis are provided. An introduction is presented to Harm Reduction and Multi-Modal Approaches in working with Dual Disorders.

1.        Describe and identify the basic neuro-chemical mechanisms related to chemical dependence/substance use problems

2.        Analyze and explain the nature and action of various types of psychoactive substance such as psycho-stimulants, hallucinogens, central nervous system suppressants.

3.        Describe and explain the co-occurrence rates between substance use disorders and various forms of mental disorders.

4.        Explain and discuss the co-occurrence of mental disorders and substance use/abuse treatment options related to such conditions.

5.        Analyze the reciprocal relationship between health conditions, substance abuse and mental disorders and their impact on the cognitive and psycho-social functioning.

6.        Explain and analyze pharmacological intervention as a major tool in drug detoxification and its impact on the management of psychiatric symptoms

7.        Apply Harm Reduction Principles and Multi-Modal Approach in working with clients with dual disorders.

Social workers, psychologists and other mental health/behavioral professionals, substance abuse counselors, nurses and other health care professionals, health educators and case managers.