Post by gillianem on Jul 25, 2015 10:17:13 GMT
The dual diagnosis study day has definitely improved my knowledge on how using illicit substances can greatly complicate the care and treatment of those affected. Not only is it difficult for the client; it is also difficult situation for their loved ones and their treating team. I often see the effects of how the use of drug and alcohol can affect the client. Personally, I felt a little fearful when clients come in who have recently been on illicit substances. They can become a big risk to themselves and others. They can start withdrawing which can be deadly in itself. It was difficult for me to fathom why they would allow themselves to get to that point. I thought having a mental illness was difficult enough.
However, the study day has given me greater insight into why dual diagnosis is such a growing issue. These illicit substances can provide the client with something to hinder the symptoms of their illness and they can use it as a form of a coping mechanism. This has made me become more empathetic towards clients who are battling with a dual diagnosis. It has increased my knowledge on how these illicit substances can affect a person's body and brain. Therefore, enhancing my knowledge on how to care for them better when they are affected. I have also learnt that these substances are more dangerous than I thought. After this study day I've seen how a patient who was finally starting to get better, go downhill again due to them returning to drugs while in a supposedly secure ward. It is difficult to control the source of it, which has highlighted the importance of doing a thorough room search when doing a shift swap over.
My motivation to try and help push those who feel they don't need to change has greatly increased. As mentioned in the study day, drug and alcohol units are only for those who are willing to go there and seek help. There's almost no point of them going if they feel they don't need the help and they don't need to change. Just getting a patient to a point where they recognize that they have a problem and need to get help for it would be very rewarding.
I feel I still have a lot to learn regarding illicit substances and their effects on those affected with a mental illness. I continue to learn a lot from patients and their experiences.
However, the study day has given me greater insight into why dual diagnosis is such a growing issue. These illicit substances can provide the client with something to hinder the symptoms of their illness and they can use it as a form of a coping mechanism. This has made me become more empathetic towards clients who are battling with a dual diagnosis. It has increased my knowledge on how these illicit substances can affect a person's body and brain. Therefore, enhancing my knowledge on how to care for them better when they are affected. I have also learnt that these substances are more dangerous than I thought. After this study day I've seen how a patient who was finally starting to get better, go downhill again due to them returning to drugs while in a supposedly secure ward. It is difficult to control the source of it, which has highlighted the importance of doing a thorough room search when doing a shift swap over.
My motivation to try and help push those who feel they don't need to change has greatly increased. As mentioned in the study day, drug and alcohol units are only for those who are willing to go there and seek help. There's almost no point of them going if they feel they don't need the help and they don't need to change. Just getting a patient to a point where they recognize that they have a problem and need to get help for it would be very rewarding.
I feel I still have a lot to learn regarding illicit substances and their effects on those affected with a mental illness. I continue to learn a lot from patients and their experiences.