DUAL DIAGNOSIS: HOW ADULTS DIAGNOSED WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER EXPERIENCE IN-PATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FOR STIMULANT USE DISORDER

Abstract

Dual diagnosis has become a topic of interest in recent years. In South Africa individuals diagnosed with dual diagnosis are left without adequate services as a result of the separation of substance abuse and mental health treatment services. Through a phenomenological study the authors aimed to explore how adults diagnosed with both bipolar disorder and stimulant use disorder experienced treatment at treatment centres. Considered from a bio-psychosocial perspective, the findings give insight into service users’ living world with a dual diagnosis, their experiences, their unique needs for treatment and requirements to maintain abstinence. Recommendations for social work services at treatment centres are offered.