Top Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers California

Elevation Behavioral Health offers Top Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers California

When an individual experiences both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder simultaneously it is referred to as a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnoses are very common, with nearly 8 million U.S. adults having the co-occurring disorders. In some cases the mental health disorder emerges first, spurring the use of drugs or alcohol to self-medicate and resulting in a subsequent substance use disorder. In other cases, the many negative consequences resulting from a drug or alcohol addiction can result in a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety.

When a dual diagnosis is present it is important that the individual receive care through a specialized program that is appropriately prepared to manage the sometimes unpredictable features of the dual diagnosis. These dual diagnosis programs will have both psychiatric services available as well as addiction recovery services that provide an integrated approach to treating both disorders simultaneously.

There are also dual diagnoses that do not involve a substance use disorder at all, but that might involve one diagnosable mental health disorder with a co-occurring secondary mental health disorder or a behavioral addiction, such as gambling addiction. Just as when the co-occurring disorder happens to be an addiction, these types of dual diagnoses also should be treated simultaneously for the best treatment outcome.

How Are Co-Occurring Disorders Diagnosed?

A dual diagnosis is a complex condition that requires careful screening when an individual approaches treatment. Receiving a dual diagnosis is the result of careful screening for both mental health disorders and substance use disorders during the intake interview and evaluation process. Although the specific features associated with a particular substance or a certain mental health disorder will vary significantly, the individual will be screened for some general signs and symptoms of each:

Substance use disorder

• Loss of control over use of a substance
• Lying about or hiding the amount of alcohol or drugs consumed
• Increasing tolerance to the effects of the substance
• Becoming obsessed about having the substance, obtaining it
• Continue to misuse the substance even in light of negative consequences
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Engaging in risky behaviors
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to cut back or discontinue use of the substances

Mental health disorder

• Extreme mood swings
• Confused thinking
• Memory problems
• Changes in eating habits, unusual weight gain or loss
• Changes in sleep habits, hypersomnia or insomnia
• Avoiding activities once enjoyed
• Isolating from friends
• Lethargy
• Suicidal thoughts or actions

Different Combinations in Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis can take on many different forms. People with an addiction issue may present with a coexisting mood disorder, an eating disorder, a behavioral addiction, a personality disorder, or a serious mental illness like schizophrenia. With the high prevalence of individuals who struggle with both a mental health condition and a drug or alcohol addiction there are bound to be some detectible patterns in the co-occurring disorders. Some of the more common dual diagnoses include:

• Depression and alcoholism
• Depression and heroin
• Anxiety and benzodiazepine addiction
• Anxiety disorder and cocaine abuse
• Bipolar disorder and alcoholism
• Social anxiety disorder and marijuana abuse
• PTSD and alcoholism
• PTSD and opioid addiction

Dual Diagnosis Treatment California

The treatment plan for someone with a dual diagnosis will be tailored to the specific types of disorders present. For example, if someone has a drug or alcohol addiction with a co-occurring mood disorder, they will encounter detoxification as the first step in their treatment protocol. Each person’s treatment plan will include the treatment elements appropriate for their specific needs.

Generally dual diagnosis treatment involves an integrated approach that includes:

• Detoxification, if there is a co-occurring addiction
• Supportive housing in an inpatient program
• Medication management, which may include medications for both an addiction, such as an opioid addiction, and a mental health disorder
• Psychotherapy, both individual and group sessions
• Family therapy
• Addiction education and relapse prevention if a substance use disorder is present
• Support groups
• Holistic activities, such as meditation, yoga, and art therapy
• Fitness and nutritional counseling
• Continuing care planning for outpatient therapy

Gaining control over a dual diagnosis and reclaiming your life is possible with patience, commitment, and expert support.

Call Elevation Behavioral Health today for residential dual diagnosis treatment at (888) 561-0868, and allow us to help you meet your recovery goals.