Psychiatric comorbidity in the addictions treatment setting: Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment

Abstract The typical dual disorders article focuses on individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. A large population of individuals exists that has a dual disorder that consists of a serious substance abuse problem and a mild or moderate, emotional disorder. This article deals with that group. It addresses issues of screening, including the importance of safety factors, and the importance of an ongoing assessment process. The article reviews important medication issues for this group of dual disorders including issues of medications that have an abuse potential. Treatment for the disorders is presented in the context of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Evaluation Dimensions. The emerging problem of dual diagnosis in pathological gambling is also identified.