OVERVIEW
'Dual diagnosis' describes a situation that is far more common than many people realise: a person living with both a mental health condition and a substance use (drugs and/or alcohol) problem at the same time. You may also hear it called co-occurring conditions, co-occurring needs or comorbidity. Whatever the term, the reality is the same — two interwoven sets of difficulties that affect each other and are hard to untangle, and that are common among the people supported by health, social care, housing and frontline services.
This awareness-level course is written for care, health, social care, housing and other frontline staff who may support, meet or work alongside people with co-occurring needs. It explains what dual diagnosis is and how common it is; explores the complex two-way relationship between mental ill health and substance use; looks honestly at why people often 'fall through the gaps' between separate services, and at the higher risks and double stigma they can face. It sets out the 'no wrong door' and integrated-care approach that good services aim for, and the practical, compassionate things you can do — non-judgemental conversations, harm-reduction awareness, building trust, recognising and responding to risk, and signposting to the right help.
