Name: Ciconia Recovery London
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Co-Occurring Disorders

A unique approach. Proven Results

It is the process of identifying concurrent conditions with addiction which might include adult ADHD, anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In some instances, the agony and alienation caused by a mental condition can spur an individual to turn to substance abuse. These are some examples of how complex these self-destructive behaviours can interact, and the results are often shocking.

Many treatment centres unintentionally harm their patients and potentially increasing the risk of relapse. The proper and only way to reach full recovery from co-occurring conditions is to take a comprehensive approach. That could be done by treating the addiction and the root cause for addiction which is the mental health disorder that can make patients hurt themselves and their loved ones, both emotionally and physically.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Many treatment centres approach self-destructive behaviours as if they are isolated drivers. Add to that the fact that it is simply easier to choose one straightforward label to understand and describe someone’s suffering, which means that too many patients don’t get the proper support they really need.

In simple words, Dual diagnosis is a combination of mental illness and substance addiction.

When someone has a mental illness and an addiction, it is possible to treat both conditions simultaneously because one disorder often leads to another and vice versa.

Patients who are suffering co-occurring disorders are challenging to treat, that is because it is hard to establish where symptoms are coming from in this case. When a person with dual diagnosis has a mental illness, it is challenging to understand the cause. Only a psychiatrist specialised dual diagnosis can discover the root cause and treat it accordingly.

Signs and symptoms of Dual Diagnosis

Co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders have many variations depending on the type of addiction and the type of mental illness involved. Some of the warning signs that may point to the need for a dual treatment are:

An acute need for alcohol and drugs to feel normal.
Problems with holding on to a job or maintaining a relationship.
Struggling to meet social obligations.
Feeling of isolation.
Erratic behaviour.
Depression and anxiety when stopping the substance use.
Legal and Financial problems related to substance abuse.
Ignoring hygiene and neglecting physical health.
Withdrawal symptoms.
Rapid weight gain or loss.
Impulsivity and taking unjustifiable risks.
Change of sleeping pattern.

Patients with Dual diagnosis are at a high risk of violent behaviour and suicide. That is why it is very important to seek medical help from a psychiatrist immediately if they discovered any of the above symptoms.

Are co-occuring disorders normal?

According to Public Health England, the risks of people with mental health disorders developing substance use problems or people with substance use problems developing mental health disorders are much higher than the risks of developing substance use issues or mental health separately within the population.

The high frequency of coexisting mental health and substance use problems within mental health services is well-documented, with recorded occurrence rates in various UK studies at up to 46%. With even higher rates in substance use services, with recorded rates of 75% in drug services and 86% in alcohol services.

So many people who are suffering from dual diagnosis seek the help of both mental health and substance use services, and clinicians who are not experienced with dual diagnosis face a difficult challenge. How can they best serve their patients given that they only hold one piece of the jigsaw!?

People suffering from various addictions usually face Mental health disorders such as:

Adult ADHD
Mood-related disorders such as; depression
Anxiety-related disorders such as
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Social anxiety

Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment

At Ciconia Recovery, we know that we must address co-occurring disorders together since they influence one another. And we totally believe that:

Treating one disorder will not cause the other to improve automatically.
Parallel treatments do not come together to become a single effective solution.

The treatment plan for co-occurring conditions involves medication and behaviour therapies. It is vital to stop using drugs and alcohol as soon as possible for the treatment to be effective.

During the treatment, we will give both disorders the same level of attention. We address them as chronic conditions that require long-term support.

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Do I need Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

If you suffer from mental health and substance abuse disorders simultaneously, you may need integrated treatment. It is imperative to avoid parallel treatment options and seek professional assistance for co-occurring disorders.

With the right treatment, you can address both problems at the same time, improving the chances of recovery substantially. At Ciconia Recovery, we are equipped to handle both conditions and can provide the necessary care. For more information about dual diagnosis treatment options, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

Frequently asked questions

What is dual diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorders) means experiencing a mental health condition and a substance or addiction problem at the same time. The two often interact, so we treat them together.

Why treat both conditions together?

Treating mental health and addiction separately often works less well. An integrated, coordinated plan treats the whole picture and improves the chance of lasting recovery.

What does treatment involve?

A personalised combination of psychiatric care, psychological therapy and, where needed, medically supported detox and relapse-prevention support.

How do I know if I have co-occurring disorders?

If mental health difficulties and substance use are affecting each other or your daily life, an assessment can clarify what is happening and the right support.

How soon can I be seen?

We aim to offer prompt appointments, often within a short time of your enquiry.

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is required — you can contact us directly. We also welcome referrals from GPs and other professionals, and can liaise with your GP with your consent.

Who will I speak to when I call?

You will speak with a member of our team who can answer your questions, explain the process and help arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.

How much does treatment cost?

Fees depend on your assessment and treatment plan. Please contact our team for current pricing and details of what each appointment includes.

Does my insurance cover assessment or treatment?

Many private insurers cover psychiatric assessment and treatment, though cover varies by policy. We recommend checking with your provider; our team can supply the details you will need.

Do you offer aftercare and follow-up?

Yes. Care includes follow-up review and ongoing support to keep your treatment plan working well over time.

Are your clinicians qualified?

Your care is led by experienced consultant psychiatrists and clinicians registered with the relevant UK professional bodies. Our service is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Are your staff qualified?

All Ciconia Recovery staff are qualified for their specific roles with many years of experience in working in the addiction and mental health fields. In addition all our staff are always up to date with all their relevant training and registrations.