Speaker discusses `dual diagnoses’

PRESQUE ISLE — Dr. Bert Pepper, a nationally known psychiatrist, recently provided training for several Aroostook Mental Health Center supervisory, residential and clinical staff. Several care providers from the central Aroostook region also attended.

Pepper is known for his research, published works and presentations on the “dually diagnosed.” The dually diagnosed are those who suffer from the combined traumas of chemical dependency and mental illness.

During a daylong workshop at AMHC offices, Pepper spoke of research giving credence to professional observations that substance abuse and mental health are closely allied. Those attending his workshop learned of current treatment methods and gained insight into services available for the dually diagnosed.

Pepper is founder and executive director of The Information Exchange on Young Adult Chronic Patients Inc. in New York.

Pepper’s visit to the area was made possible by the Bureau of Mental Health and the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.