Dual Diagnosis

Dual

Diagnosis

Dual
Diagnosis
Treatment

Substance abuse does not simply happen on its own. For many people, drug and alcohol addiction is a symptom of a deeper and unresolved issue. More often than not, these issues are psychological in nature. When people struggle with a substance abuse problem and a mental health issue simultaneously, it is known as dual diagnosis. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) statistics, 9.2 million Americans are afflicted with dual diagnosis disorder. Since it involves mental illness and drug addiction, dual diagnosis is a complex condition that can be exceedingly difficult to treat.

Seeking addiction treatment while living with co-occurring disorders is crucial to ensure happiness, health, and long-term sobriety. When seeking dual diagnosis treatment centers in Southern California, you may feel overwhelmed with the options that lay before you. Fortunately, the dual diagnosis program at California Centers for Recovery provides the tools and support you need to make a full recovery.

Millions of people who live with substance use disorder also have co-occurring mental health disorders. Issues such as:

Understanding

Dual Diagnosis

A dual diagnosis occurs when an individual has a mental health issue along with drug or alcohol addiction. The most common mental health issues associated with substance abuse include anxiety, depression, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Dual diagnosis does not exclusively apply to those with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. It can also occur in those who have “process” addictions, such as gambling addiction, food addiction, and sex addiction.

Before the 1990’s when the concept of dual diagnosis became known, people who were experiencing mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, or mood swings were treated separately from those who sought treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. If people had an addiction and mental illness overlap, they would have to address their substance abuse issues before tackling any mental issues. This would result in an individual’s dual diagnosis growing deeper and becoming much harder to address and get under control.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis?

People with substance abuse issues and mental illness have symptoms that overlap and create a unique situation for treatment. At its core, people are at greater risk of developing a dual diagnosis if they have the following characteristics:

People cannot remember the last time they experienced any peace or joy without the use of substances. It is often the case that people will self-medicate with substances when confronted with stresses in their daily life. If people need substances in order to find comfort, that could be a sign of a deeper issue.
People with dual diagnoses have stress and anxiety issues that are long-standing and unresolved. While we all experience these feelings in our day-to-day life, those feelings create havoc when not addressed healthily. As a result, they may resort to drugs and alcohol to numb those feelings. While substances can provide some relief in the short term, it does not address the root cause. As a result, those feelings can blossom into a mental illness, and they may also develop a substance abuse problem.
People with dual diagnoses may also have experienced trauma in the past that also has been resolved. The source of trauma can include a sudden death of a loved one, surviving a natural disaster, experiencing a war-type situation, among others.
People with dual diagnoses may come from families with a history of mental illness or addiction.

Additional signs and symptoms that dual diagnosis may be present include the following:

Social withdrawal from family and other loved ones
Wide mood swings
Onset of insomnia or other sleep issues
Excessive feelings of worry
Intense feelings of despair, hopelessness, and worthlessness that do not subside
Difficulty in keeping up with work, school, or family obligations
Relationship issues
Dramatic shifts in moods or energy levels

If you are experiencing these symptoms and struggling, it is crucial to find dual diagnosis residential treatment in California that can help you address your issues.

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What to Expect

from a Dual Diagnosis Center in California

When looking for a dual diagnosis treatment center, you must do diligent research. The best dual diagnosis treatment centers in California need to have programming that addresses many different mental health disorders. When you come to CCR, you will meet with our mental health counseling staff to assess your general comfort levels and what issues you are experiencing upon arrival.

When the detox process is complete, you will participate in a variety of therapy programs, including private therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and many other therapeutic activities. Our therapy programs are designed to identify and alter negative thinking patterns and behavioral conditioning. When these are identified, our counseling staff will give you the tools to implement healthier coping skills.

When you undergo our dual diagnosis treatment program, our programs offer you the time and space needed to address the complexities of your dual diagnosis. While many treatment facilities offer programs that last 30 days, that time frame may not allow clients to work through their underlying issues fully. Our dual diagnosis programs in Southern California last 60-90 days or even longer. Also, our dual diagnosis facilities are both state and nationally accredited.

Additionally, our therapy and treatment programs are evidence-based that are extensively researched, tested, and proven to work. Most importantly, we offer a broad continuum of care that provides long-term support. These features include comprehensive medical detoxification, inpatient care, intensive outpatient counseling, and sober living. These components allow clients the space and time to address their mental health and addiction issues while gaining the skills and support they need to overcome their problems and become happy and healthy for the long term.

F.A.Q.s

What is the admissions process?

During the admissions process, our patients meet with mental health counselors. This initial appointment on the very first day of treatment is a brief one. This is merely an opportunity to assess comfort levels, and determine the level of anxiety that a person is feeling when entering detox. However, once detox is complete, all of our patients take part in private therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and many other therapeutic activities.

What are some benefits of dual diagnosis therapy?

Therapy in addiction treatment is designed to:

• Alter negative and self-defeating thought patterns
• Identify negative forms of behavioral conditioning
• Teach new and healthier coping skills
• Provide many other benefits that promote success in recovery.

Can a therapists really help my individual case?

Our therapists are also adept in identifying and diagnosing mental health issues, and can prescribe medications or define multi-pronged treatment plans for managing, mitigating, and minimizing their symptoms. Each person is assessed and treated according to individual symptoms and needs. For high-risk patients, medications for managing mental health disorders are strictly limited to drugs and drug classes that do not have addictive properties. All of our patients are encouraged to learn healthful stress management techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and diaphragmatic or deep breathing, and all are given tips, tools, and information for using good nutrition and other health-focused strategies for achieving mood balance. Talk therapy, immersion therapy, and other therapeutic modalities are frequently used for helping people.

What can dual diagnosis help me deal with?

• Process past traumas
• Deal with unresolved guilt or grief
• Learn to identify their triggers
• Consciously balance their emotions
• Choose healthy and supportive relationships and environments

Completely Heal with the Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in California

Coming to grips with a dual diagnosis can create feelings of hopelessness, frustration, and even anger. If you are struggling with a dual diagnosis, help may seem out of reach. Fortunately, California Centers of Recovery has a dual diagnosis treatment program that can be tailored to fit your needs. We offer a wide range of evidence-based programs that will give you the tools and support you need for the long term.

Call us today for more information on the benefits of our dual diagnosis and other programs. Begin your journey and healing with the help of the best dual diagnosis treatment center in California—CCR.