Indian Path Pavilion offers Dual Diagnosis program

Research has shown many patients with substance abuse problems are also suffering from other psychiatric issues such as mood, anxiety or stress disorders, which can be the core of the problem. Referred to as a “dual diagnosis,” this condition is now being addressed by a new program offered at Indian Path Pavilion in Kingsport. 

“Substance abuse is an issue that tears at the fabric of so many families in our community, the results of which are long-lasting and potentially devastating,” said Jody Shipley, Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Patient Care Services for Behavioral Health Services at Mountain States Health Alliance. “All too often, individuals initially turn to a substance in an effort to cope with some issue or stressor experienced in their lives, jobs, families or schools, only to find that they develop an addiction. This results in a crippling issue for individuals and those around them.”

Shipley said developing a clinical program designed around a dual diagnosis approach allows individuals to face the initial behavioral health problems in conjunction with identifying healthy and safe coping skills that do not include the use of alcohol or drugs.

“This clinical program allows Behavioral Health within Mountain States to address this issue in a very specialized and tailored fashion for individuals in our community, from children to elderly,” Shipley said. “We have a newly designed program which utilizes the skills and passions of our team of providers, nurses, therapists and case managers to work with the patients in an intense treatment design with individual, group and family therapy as well as established community resources. We are also able to include a spiritual support element to treatment as well. We are very excited about the responsibility and opportunity to help our community.”

With so much going on in the world right now, many folks are experiencing stress at all-time high amounts in their lives. Unfortunately, substances that can be abused are inappropriately glamorized at times and are easily available. This only makes the temptation greater and, therefore, the problem becomes even more common.

“Our community has not been insulated from any of these issues,” Shipley said. “This new program at Indian Path Pavilion will allow us to evaluate the different factors affecting the patient and better address them.”

As part of the new program, patients will first stop using the abusive substance. When the patient has completed detox, he or she will immediately begin the treatment process. Staff members will focus on identifying and assisting in problem-solving, helping the patient identify social support, verifying that the patient has skills for behavior change and encouraging small initial steps.

What is substance abuse?

Only a doctor or counselor can diagnose a substance abuse problem, but there are some signs to look for. A person may suffer from substance abuse if he or she:

·              Frequently uses alcohol or drugs when alone

·              Experiences an increased tolerance to alcohol or drugs

·              Has problems at work or school due to substance use

·              Turns to alcohol or drugs to get away from problems at home or work

·              Has a family history of drug abuse or alcoholism

·              Has been in trouble with the law due to substance use

Treatment Steps
Detoxification Process

The detox process will take place for the first 72 hours of a patient’s admission or as determined to be clinically appropriate. During this time, the patient will be thoroughly assessed by all disciplines, including:

·              Psychiatrist/addictionologist

·              Nursing

·              Therapy

·              Discharge planning

·              Recreational therapy