Dual Diagnosis
The term Dual Diagnosis covers a wide range of co-existing mental health and substance misuse problems. It is hard to assess the exact levels of substance misuse (drugs and alcohol), both in the general population and in those with mental health problems, however research indicates that substance misuse is much more prevalent in those with mental health problems, with alcohol being the most common substance misused.
The needs of Dual Diagnosis service users are often complex, and in most cases cannot be met by individual services. Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust recognise the importance of collaborative working between mental health and substance misuse services and are therefore working alongside partner organisations to ensure that service users are not shunted from one service to another.
This webpage is intended to be a resource for all practitioners, service users, carers and the general public to raise awareness of the issues of Dual Diagnosis and promote collaborative working.
Documents
Please click on the title to view the document
This is the strategy for all of LCFT which is currently being implemented to promote collaborative working between mental health & substance misuse services.
A Practical Guide For Professionals & Practitioners. Tool Kit developed by Rethink & Turning Point- “Practitioners can be experts in their own field but unsure of how other relevant services work. We hope this toolkit will build bridges to promote understanding, co-operation and better outcomes for people affected.” - Lord Victor Adebowale Chief Executive, Turning Point Cliff Prior Chief Executive.
To access this journal click on the above link and then input the following log on details:
Username: pendle
Password: nelson
Training Events
For all Blackpool staff & volunteers, and anyone else who may come into contact with someone who is dually diagnosed, training sessions have been arranged to collectively equip us with the tools to work with people who have a Dual Diagnosis (mental health & substance misuse problem.)
For more information and to book a place on one of the training sessions please click on the following link: Dual Diagnosis Training Events
Contacts
Please click on the title to view the contact
Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde Link Workers
Nominated link workers from all mental health & substance misuse teams in Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre
Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn & Ribble Valley Link Workers
Nominated link workers from all mental health & substance misuse teams in Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn & Ribble Valley
For general enquiries please email Yvonne Guilfoyle: yvonne.guilfoyle@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Useful Links
Please click on the title to view the link
Self Management & Recovery Training- helps individuals gain independence from addictive behaviours (substances or activities)
Daily Dose
Drug & Alcohol News Service
Information Leaflets for Service Users
The dual diagnosis section contains good practice examples as well as useful tools, documents and key resources in the areas of Commissioning and implementation, Educational materials, Policy and reports, Research and opinion, Statistics and Training and toolkits.
Narcotics Anonymous
NA is a non-profit Fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using.The information on this site is provided for those who think they may have a drug problem, professionals working with addicts seeking recovery and recovering addicts.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men & women for whom alcohol has become a major problem. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Information about all AA meetings in this area.
National Treatment Agency
The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) is a special health authority within the NHS, established by Government in 2001 to improve the availability, capacity and effectiveness of treatment for drug misuse in England.
Steroid Use/Performance Enhancing Drugs
Information about steroid use. Discussion boards to post queries regarding treatment & advice re steroid use.
The monthly magazine that brings you news, views, in-depth analysis, research and best practice in mental health and social care today. Mental Health Today is advised by an editorial group representing key organisations in the voluntary sector including: The Mental Health Foundation, Together, Rethink, Mental Health Media, the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, the King’s Fund, and the Scottish Development Centre.
Medication Management for Patients with Dual Diagnosis
An interesting American presentation detailing medications that may be contra-indicated in treatment of co-existing mental ill health & substance use & those medications which may be helpful.
