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My name is Justine Trippier, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust’s Nurse Consultant, Dual Diagnosis.
The term dual diagnosis refers to people diagnosed with mental health problems, who also use
illicit drugs or alcohol. It may, for instance, include someone diagnosed with a psychotic
illness who uses street drugs, or someone who is depressed and drinking heavily or using
stimulant drugs (such as amphetamine or ***) in order to feel more socially confident.
People with mental ill-health who also use drugs or alcohol may face extra difficulties
such as family and work problems, physical ill-health and prejudice.
Oxleas is working to reduce the harm that drug and/or alcohol can cause and improve
people’s experience of our services.
If you decide to use our services we will ask you about your past and present drug and
alcohol use including:
What substances you use and how much
Whether you think your use is a problem
What you would like to change about your use.
We’ll openly discuss your use of drugs and/or alcohol and how it affects your mental health
– we won’t judge you. We won’t tell you to stop either, but will help you to plan
to cut down or stop when you are ready.
Staff will give you advice and information about any harm or risks associated with your
use. They will listen to you and help you make choices - and respect the decisions you
make.
If you are an Oxleas service user, and would like help with any aspect of your drug and
alcohol use, please speak to your car coordinator, psychiatrist, or nurse who will explore options
with you.
If you don’t feel you want help for your mental health, but would like support for
your drug and or alcohol use, you can ask you GP for details of local services, or call
NHS Direct on 08 45 46 47.