Specialization in Alcoholism and Mental Health Residential Treatment: The “Dual Diagnosis” Problem

Abstract

This article examines the current problem of catering treatment services to “dual diagnosis” patients – those who suffer from co-occurring alcohol and mental health problems. One important aspect of this problem involves differences in the clinical philosophies employed in alcoholism and mental health residential treatment. This article reports on observations and interviewing of staff in halfway house-type programs for alcohol and psychiatric problems. It discusses differences in etiological models, therapeutic techniques, and roles for treatment providers and clients in the two different types of services, and how these influence the dual diagnosis problem.