Dual Diagnoses in Therapeutic Communities for Addicts - Possibilities and Limits of Integrated Treatment
Abstract
Dual diagnoses (DDs) are found in an average of 50% of both addictological and psychiatric clients. It is generally accepted that clients with DDs have more severe health and social consequences, more difficulties in treatment, and worse treatment results than clients with a single disorder.
The paper starts with a summary of the literature on the frequency of DDs and their diagnostic profiles and etiological assumptions. Then various treatment methods and models are discussed.
In the next part, the integrated treatment of DDs in therapeutic communities (TCs) for drug addicts is analysed. Its conditions, possibilities, and limits are considered in terms of the clients’ perspectives, the competences of the staff, and the role and position of a psychiatric consultant.
The viewpoint of the therapeutic team and their capacity, acceptance, and expectations are also taken into account. At the end, some topics for future research are entioned.