Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers California

Learn about how dual diagnosis treatment centers in California help those with both mental health and substance use disorders.

The term dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder at the same time. The disorders can happen in either order. So, the SUD might emerge first, prior to the mental health issue, or it could happen the other way around.

It isn’t hard to see why these two disorders tend to appear in tandem. People who are in pain often try to numb it with the use of a substance. On the other hand, someone in the thick of a SUD may incur severe mental distress.

When two disorders occur at once it can complicate the treatment picture. Treatment for a dual diagnosis is more complex and requires experts in the field. This means there will be both psychiatric and addiction treatment specialists involved.

What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

People are quite unique in how they adapt to stressful events—as well as the level of their coping skills. Some may have a harder time working through tough chapters in their lives, and look toward a substance for relief. The numbing effects of drugs or alcohol can take the edge off their anguish.

Someone who struggles with a substance problem on top of the mental health challenge has co-occurring disorders. Some signs of this might include:

• Loss of control over use of the substance.
• Mood swings.
• Impulsive, risky acts.
• Doctor shopping for drugs.
• Neglects obligations.
• Money problems.
• Mounting legal problems.
• Decline in work quality.
• Relationship troubles.
• Having trouble with daily tasks.
• Increased substance use.
• Withdraws from friends and family.
• Relies on substance to manage mood states.
• Detachment
• Withdrawal symptoms when substance wears off.

Treatment will be driven by which pairing of disorders are present, plus any other features. Thus, the treatment needs of someone with PTSD and alcoholism will differ from someone with depression and a cocaine addiction. The diagnoses will dictate the treatment plan.

In the past, the treatment model was very different. Back then, someone with, say, alcoholism plus depression would only be treated for the alcoholism or the depression. Over the years, it has been found that it is always a better outcome when both issues are treated at the same time.

How Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs Work

Those who’ve struggled with a mental health issue along with a SUD know how it can impact all aspects of life. Career, finances, friendships, marriage are all going to feel the effects of the dual problems.

Co-occurring disorders tend to cause the symptoms of each to become enhanced. For example, someone with anxiety may end up with a benzo problem. These drugs can lead to a worse case of anxiety once someone is dependent on them. When the drug wears off, the anxiety is much worse than if they had never used the benzos.

When you enroll in a treatment program, the intake process will be very thorough. This is so the intake person can gain a clear picture of the disorders. After a careful review of the symptoms, mental health background, medical data, and DSM-5, a diagnosis is made. This allows the rehab to design a treatment plan that is tailored for your exact issues.

Types of Conditions Co-Occuring Treatment Centers Treat

Programs that treat dual disorders will be staffed for these patients’ needs. This means that the program will have both addiction and mental health specialists on board. These two sets of experts will work as a team to treat both issues.

Substance use disorders treated include:

• AUD
• Opioids
• Stimulant
• Benzos
• Heroin

Mental health disorders treated include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar
• Personality disorder.

Some pairings are more common than others. These common combos include:

• AUD and depression.
• Cannabis and social anxiety.
• Benzos and anxiety.
• AUD and PTSD.
• Opioids and PTSD.
• Cocaine and anxiety.
• Heroin and depression.
• Meth and bipolar.

What to Expect at a Dual Diagnosis Rehab?

Once you decide to enter a rehab program it can truly turn your life around. The first step, if a SUD has occurred, will be detox. Detox allows the body to expel any toxins left in the bloodstream, and then become stable.

Detox can take a week or two, based on the type of substance and how long the SUD has been in place. Withdrawal symptoms can be hard to endure, but the detox support team is trained to manage them with meds.

Once detox is over with, it is time to shift to the treatment phase of the program, which includes:

THERAPY. Treatment programs rely on talk therapy as a central aspect of an evidence-based approach. Most of them are behavior-based therapies, such as CBT and DBT.

GROUP SUPPORT. Peer support adds an extra layer to therapy. Composed of small groups, the sessions center on topics related to recovery and honing life skills.

HOLISTIC. To round out the rehab program, holistic methods provide helpful new coping techniques. These include learning how to relax through mindfulness, yoga, deep breathing, or art.

What is the Outlook for Someone with a Dual Diagnosis After Treatment?

Someone with a dual disorder may have a more complex journey. They will need to keep up with therapy and their meds to maintain mental wellness. This is crucial in order to avoid a relapse and reduce the risk of a suicide. Joining a support group like a 12-step group is also helpful for staying sober.

When seeking treatment for both mental illness and addiction, look for expert care at a dual diagnosis treatment center. These programs will provide the most tailored and effective treatment approach.

Elevation Behavioral Health Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers California

Elevation Behavioral Health is an upscale private treatment center that can provide the very best care for someone with co-occurring disorders. Our expert team is here for you and ready to help. This private home is set in a gorgeous place, perfect for healing. Call today with any questions about our program at (888) 561-0868.