Addiction on its own is already difficult to deal with. Imagine having to struggle with the effects of substance abuse and mental health disorders at the same time, without the help of a dual diagnosis treatment center.
People with a dual diagnosis face a difficult challenge. But a dual diagnosis treatment center is specifically equipped to handle such problems. Here we are going to discuss mental health disorders, addiction therapy services, and how a treatment center can make all the difference for someone with a dual diagnosis.
TRUST SoCal is one example of a dual diagnosis treatment center that can help patients struggling with a substance abuse problem and co-occurring mental health disorders. TRUST SoCal is one of the best dual diagnosis treatment centers for mental health and substance abuse treatment.
If you are looking for a drug addiction treatment center that specializes in dual diagnosis, you have to know what dual diagnosis is first. This will allow you to make informed decisions based on what you or your loved one needs.
Dual diagnosis is when an addicted patient also has co-occurring disorder. The co-occurring disorder in this case is a mental health disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.
Addiction and mental health have a complex relationship, which is why dual diagnosis is actually more common than you may think. About half of all people who have mental illnesses eventually develop substance abuse disorder at some point in their lives.
It does not necessarily mean they become addicted, but they may experiment with drugs or alcohol. They will abuse drugs or drink excessively to cope with their mental health condition. They self-medicate in an attempt to get rid of the symptoms or make themselves feel better.
Drug abuse and alcohol abuse doesn’t always lead to addiction, but it puts the person at greater risk of becoming addicted. This situation is further complicated by the person’s underlying mental illness.
It could also happen the other way around. Some people abuse drugs or alcohol and develop a mental disorder in the process. Because of the connection between substance use disorder and mental health disorder, it is important to address both problems simultaneously.
Luckily, there are plenty of dual diagnosis treatment programs that specialize in dealing with such conditions.
Many people who are diagnosed with mental health issues achieve recovery by going to a treatment center and undergoing a complete mental health treatment program. There are many components to a mental health treatment program. A lot of patients participate in individual treatment or group treatment. Some rehabs offer both types.
But since everyone is different, a personalized treatment approach is always preferable. A personalized treatment program based on the patient’s specific needs is very important.
For common mental health disorders like anxiety disorder, depression, etc., psychotherapy is used. Psychotherapy is the therapeutic treatment of mental illnesses with the help of a trained mental health professional.
Psychotherapy dives into the person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, seeking to improve their general well-being. Paired with medications, psychotherapy promotes a speedy and effective recovery. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy are all examples of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy may be used during dual diagnosis treatment programs.
Medications are typically administered to help with the symptoms of mental illness. It can be hard to function on a day to day basis when you are being hindered by co-occurring disorders. Some people have mental health issues that prevent them from being productive at work or keep them from developing healthy relationships with others.
In rehab, or during treatment for mental illness, medical professionals can administer medications to help keep symptoms under control so that the patient can focus on their recovery. With fewer symptoms to worry about, they can put more focus on the proper coping mechanisms and healthy habits they are learning in treatment.
Some mental health services offer case management, which is a service that employs a case manager to assess, plan, and implement a number of strategies to help facilitate recovery.
In some cases, such as when addiction is involved, hospitalization is necessary for those with mental health problems. Hospitalization ensures that the patient receives round the clock care from treatment professionals. A dual diagnosis treatment center will often provide hospitalization services. In a hospital environment, the patient can remain safe and comfortable as they are closely monitored and accurately diagnosed. Their medications can be adjusted as their condition shifts.
Support groups also play a vital role in the treatment of mental illnesses. The social factor should not be left out. A support group provides each member with guidance and reassurance from people with similar experiences. Each participant can feel supported by their peers who know exactly what they are going through.
Finally, a self-help plan is a unique health plan wherein an individual addresses their condition by covering things like recovery, triggers, wellness, and warning signs. With a self-help plan in place, a patient will not feel lost or confused even when they are out of the treatment center and dealing with their problems in the real world. They can manage their co-occurring disorders appropriately without spiraling back into substance abuse.
In cases wherein the patient has a co-occurring mental illness, a dual diagnosis treatment center is the right approach because they specialize in treating patients with this particular problem. Because of the complexity of having co-occurring disorders, you need specialists who are trained to deal with it.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), over eight million Americans are suffering from a dual diagnosis. Meanwhile, reports found in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that around 50% of people with severe mental health disorders are also affected by substance use disorder. This same journal also reported that 37% of alcohol users and 53% of drug users also have at least one serious mental health problem.
On the flip side, 29% of people with a mental health disorder abused alcohol or drugs, according to the report.
Treatment for dual diagnosis is not straightforward, because there are plenty of different mental health conditions out there. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and eating disorders are only some of them. But in a dual diagnosis, you also have to take into consideration the various effects of substance abuse.
Different drugs can cause different physical and psychological effects. These effects are further influenced by the dosage taken, the frequency of intake, and other things such as genetic and environmental factors.
A dual diagnosis treatment center treats patients much in the same way regular rehabs do, but they pay closer attention to the connection between addiction and mental health. These facilities are designed to handle the complexities of dual diagnosis and co-occurring conditions.
Like traditional rehab, a dual diagnosis treatment center will combine behavioral therapies and medications to treat a patient. They will tackle both the addiction and the mental health disorder at the same time to give patients the best chances of maintaining long term sobriety.
A dual diagnosis may be overwhelming to deal with, but it can be done through a proper dual diagnosis treatment program. Rehab will treat the patient’s physical symptoms while teaching them healthy coping mechanisms to avoid relapsing. The dual diagnosis treatment program will dive into their behavioral disorder and help patients recognize unhealthy thought patterns, triggers, and unhealthy behavior that are causing their addiction.
The goal is to not only help the patient get sober again, but to help them address their co-occurring disorders and teach them to stay sober even on their own. While relapse is a possibility, it is also a common part of the recovery process. It does not mean that the person failed or the dual diagnosis treatment program did not work. It is just another obstacle in your recovery journey.
This is why substance abuse treatment has to take into consideration the patient’s mental health condition. By addressing their mental health struggles, it will be much easier for them to stay sober and make better choices. Without a mental disorder to slow down their progress, patients will be able to focus on learning how to stay drug and alcohol-free. They can handle themselves better once they leave the treatment facility. They will be equipped with the necessary skills to face the challenges of the real world.
A dual diagnosis treatment center will use an integrated approach to reach this goal. This means implementing lifestyle chances and prescribing medications as necessary to help patients with their drug or alcohol addiction. At the same time other mental illnesses will be managed with the same approach.
A lot of treatment services also integrate peer support into their programs because the social aspect of treatment is also very important. Patients need that reassurance that they are not going through this difficult journey on their own.
Drug abuse and alcohol abuse are very common problems. Even dual diagnosis is more common than people think. But it is easy to feel alone and overwhelmed when you are going through it. Your mental health condition will make you believe that there is no hope for your substance use disorder. It becomes a constant cycle of alcohol abuse or drug abuse and feeling bad about yourself for not being able to recover.
Rehab, medications, behavioral therapy, and peer support can all contribute towards breaking this vicious cycle.
A dual diagnosis treatment center treats co-occurring disorders by addressing the relationship between mental health and substance abuse. They target both substance use disorders and mental illness simultaneously. A treatment center like TRUST SoCal understands this complicated connection and understands the importance of tackling co-occurring conditions at once.
Some people cope with anxiety disorders by drinking excessively or using drugs. Some abuse drugs or alcohol to cope with the stress of work. Some use it to deal with emotional pain. This form of self-medication eventually leads to a bigger problem, as the person develops physical dependence or addiction. They become tolerant, meaning they need to increase their intake just to feel the same effects. Whether it’s drugs or alcohol, they now have to drink or take more just to feel relaxed or enjoy a euphoric high.
On the other hand, it is also possible for people struggling with addiction to develop a mental illness as a result of their substance abuse. Take note that the interactions between addiction and mental health are not always consistent. Just because someone has mental health issues does not mean they will become addicted, and vice versa.
A treatment provider may offer different programs to handle these co-occurring conditions. There are intensive outpatient programs, inpatient rehab, luxury rehab, etc. There is no shortage of solutions when it comes to dealing with a co-occurring illness. But finding one that specializes in dual diagnosis should help you or your loved one make significant progress towards life-long sobriety. Look for a rehab facility that offers the program you need and attend treatment today.
No matter which condition came first, a dual diagnosis disorder needs to be treated right away. It may feel overwhelming, but it is possible to recover from dual diagnosis disorders. Don’t be intimidated by the many treatment options available. Start by looking for nearby treatment facilities that offer dual diagnosis treatment.
Collect information on local treatment facilities that offer psychiatric treatment for patients struggling with substance use problems and co-occurring mental illness. Learn about insurance coverage and payment options.
Location is an important factor to consider, especially if you are planning on an outpatient program, which will allow you to drive back and forth in between treatment sessions. You don’t have to stay in the rehab center for the duration of the program, which means you can take care of your other responsibilities while receiving proper care from your treatment provider.
The best treatment centers always create a personalized plan for each of their patients dealing with substance use disorders.
Look for the best treatment centers by targeting programs and facilities that are licensed and accredited. Do your research beforehand and see if they have the credentials to back up their claims. See if the facility offers any aftercare programs. This is another essential part of the treatment journey, and you may have to find a separate facility for aftercare.
When in doubt, go for TRUST SoCal. This is one of the best treatment centers for dual diagnosis.
TRUST SoCal provides high quality behavioral health services. This addiction treatment center recognizes the need for more mental health services across the country, which is why they have dedicated their rehab approach to mitigating these issues with the use of intensive treatment.
TRUST SOCAL believes in highly personalized treatment that addresses a client’s specific addiction treatment needs. What makes TRUST SoCal different is their evidence-based practices, coordination of care, true discharge planning, and feedback-informed treatment.
TRUST SoCal also follows the eight dimensions of wellness: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, and social. This allows them to address most concerns that affect a person’s ability to recover from their addiction. CALL TRUST SOCAL TODAY AND LEARN MORE ABOUT ADDICTION TREATMENT IN SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA.
Sign up to receive updates, promotions, and sneak peaks of upcoming products. Plus 20% off your next order.
