Dual Diagnosed (01:32)

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Pamela Parker says a dual diagnosis comes with two stigmas. Tony Driver and Parker reflect on their experiences with mental health service and drug treatment. Dr. Brian Iddon discusses patient unwillingness to admit to drug use if they have a mental health issue.

What is Dual Diagnosis? (01:23)

Dual diagnosis typically refers to mental health and substance abuse issues. Driver believes he has more than two problems. Prof. Graham Thornicroft states that a study revealed approximately 30% of patients with a psychiatric disorder use drugs or alcohol; it is more common among men and young people.

Do Drugs Cause Mental Health Problems? (01:30)

Experts discuss the connection between mental illness and substance use. Driver self-medicated with drugs to lift his mood.

Why do People Use Street Drugs? (04:15)

Driver knows people who were able to "keep a lid" on their mental illness by using street drugs. Experts discuss the use of psychiatric drugs, the effects of street drugs on mental health symptoms, and perception of dual diagnosis.

Treatment Services (01:28)

Driver states that when he mentions drug use along with mental illness, treatment gears toward drug use. Those with dual diagnosis are often transferred between mental health and drug treatment services; each thinking the other is the main problem.

How Can We Respond? (04:21)

Those with a dual diagnosis pose a new challenge to treatment services. Maggie Bristow discusses the importance of getting the "big picture" when treating those with a dual diagnosis— motivational interviewing.

Therapeutic Alliance (04:18)

Driver and Bristow discuss Bristow's approach to treating a person with a dual diagnosis. Driver feels he has some power in his life and "things" are more achievable.

And the Future? (03:00)

Iddon does not think mental health services understand the scale of illicit substance use. Experts consider reduction approaches, and drug and mental health services working together. Driver has not been in residential treatment since working with Bristow.

Credits: Pillar to Post (01:03)

Credits: Pillar to Post