Analysis: The Family Intervention For Dual Diagnosis

(Those who have schizophrenia have a higher chance of co-occurring substance use disorders. This is connected to increased depression and suicide, as well as frequent relapses, rehospitalizations and legal problems than those who only have schizophrenia) (The Family Intervention for Dual Diagnosis (FIDD) program works on building communication, goal setting, psychoeducation, as well as problem-solving skills in the family system in order to eliminate stress that comes with being close to someone with a dual disorder.) (This article examines a man’s psychosis as well as his dependence on marijuana, and explains how FIDD helped resolve his substance use, while also build certain skills, such as empathy, and reduce stress.) (Schizophrenia …show more content…
First, the lessons of the chronic and relapsing nature of dual disorders. Robertmadesignificantreductionsinhismarijuanausebuthisresumptionofdrinkingwasarisk forrelapse.Thiscaseillustratestheneedtomaintainclosemonitoringoftheclient’sfunctioning and provide booster sessions and family meetings to address continued addiction. Second, the case demonstrates the need to instill and cultivate motivation to address substance abuse. It is difficult to motivate clients to change substance abuse when the negative consequences of their use are not apparent or are compensated for by someone else. Talking openly about Robert’s marijuanauseandhelpingJessicatoexpressherresentmenttowardsRobertfor“notpullinghis weight” around the house enabled the couple to overcome their minimization of Robert’s drug use, eventually leading to cessation. Teaching effective communication and problem-solving skills facilitates the family’s ability to talk honestly while maintaining a low-stress environment to avoid triggering relapses. Third, the case illustrates the role of goal setting in addressing substance abuse. In session, motivational interviewing methods such as identifying the client’s personal values and helping him see the discrepancy between those values and his substance abuse, were used to move the client toward reducing his drug use. For instance, Robert wanted to be a better father to his daughter and wanted to improve his relationship with Jessica. Articulating these goals and exploring how Robert’s marijuana use interfered with them were central to Robert’s developing motivation to get control over his substance use and eventually his choice to become abstinent. Researchhasdemonstratedthatthecomorbidityofschizophreniaandsubstanceabusecauses a host of problems for clients in terms of heightened psychotic symptoms, increased difficulty with daily functioning, and