Illuminating Dual Diagnosis
Examining the Spiritual Component
Description:... Sequel to Faces of Dual Diagnosis (2011) and Reflections of Dual Diagnosis (2015).
Studies reveal that about 1 in every 350 people (perhaps 90,000 Canadians) are affected by both mental health problems and addictions a condition referred to as "dual diagnosis" or "concurrent disorders." In this, the third in a series of publications upon the subject, Dr. R.B. Pereira examines the spiritual dimension of the disorder thereby shedding light upon a controversial and under-studied subject. Dr. Pereira received his certification in Addiction Medicine from the American Board of Addiction Medicine in 2012. Since that time he has worked with a dually-diagnosed clientele most recently in two addiction clinics in Vancouver, B.C. treating individuals with polysubstance abuse as well as a variety of concurrent mental health conditions. Dr. Pereira contends that adverse childhood events (ACEs) play an important part in the presentation of both substance use disorder (SUD) and comorbid mental health issues.
Dr. Pereira begins by documenting the progression in the addictive process that often occurs right from the very first cigarette all the way through to the genesis of concurrent mental health issues on through to the development of a comorbid SUD. Dr. Pereira is himself a survivor of childhood trauma and was diagnosed with comorbid-bipolar disorder in 1997 at the age of 32. He speaks candidly of his diagnoses and his life prior to sobering up. Dr. Pereira attempts to demonstrate through the course of this work how the medical establishment is on the cusp of profound changes in the way cormorbid SUD is conceptualized. Crucial to this development is an understanding of the role consciousness plays in lending itself toward a deeper appreciation of the importance of belief systems. Dr. Pereira had been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for almost twenty years but left because he alleges he outgrew the dependency which kept him shackled within that organization. He contends that a regular and disciplined spiritual practice has brought with it growth, balance and the accompanying freedom which he enjoys within both his personal and professional life.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Bernard Pereira received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of British Columbia in 1986 and went on to complete his medical degree at UBC in 1990. A certificant of the Canadian College of Family Physicians (CCFP), he has completed two years of postgraduate medical training in the Department of Health Care and Epidemiology at UBC, working towards a Master of Health Science degree (MHSc).
He has completed official certification with the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine and is a diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine.
Dr. Pereira is married and lives in Ladner, BC. He divides his time between a busy practice in family medicine in Surrey and an affiliated addiction and mental health practice in both Surrey and downtown Vancouver.
When not working, writing or speaking, Dr. Pereira enjoys researching alternative forms of medicine, in particular psychospiritual applications, and traveling. He collects rare Indian artifacts related to the gods and myths of India.
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