Dual diagnosis, also know as co-occurring conditions, is a term used to describe the existence of both a mental illness and a substance use disorder. In addition to having an addiction, a person with a dual diagnosis also suffers from a mental health disorder, such as clinical depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or an eating disorder. Dual diagnosis treatment incorporates therapy and behavioral management techniques to address both disorders, in order to achieve successful rehabilitation. Co-occurring disorders almost always interact with each other, increasing in severity and further complicating one another. For example, a veteran suffering from PTSD may use alcohol as a means to cope with the anxiety, flashbacks, and depression that they experience due to the illness. Eventually, the patterned use of alcohol causes the individual to become dependent on the substance, as their body grows accustomed to the presence of alcohol. If only the alcohol addiction is treated, then the unresolved PTSD may cause the person to relapse.
Addiction and mental illness are disorders that both affect the brain individually. Various medical professionals have discovered that neurological pathways in the brain become destroyed by the use of chemical substances, causing an acceptance of the numbing or stimulating effects. Over time, these changes can become permanent, resulting in the development of a mental illness. In other instances, a mental illness will exist on its own, but may cause a person to self-medicate and abuse substances in an attempt to relieve their symptoms. Eventually this behavior will lead to the development of addiction, resulting in a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis treatment programs at Restore Drug Rehab LA are designed to thoroughly address both illnesses and are tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual client.
The following are some of the common co-occurring disorders treated at Restore Treatment Center:
Addiction and other mental disorders cause a person’s brain to function differently. However, many of the co-occurring mental health issues have similar effects on the brain’s function. People who suffer from a dual diagnosis, and people who suffer from just one disorder, both report problems with disinhibition, are often introduced to substances in a social setting, and report using substances in order to combat boredom, anxiety, insomnia, or loneliness.
People with co-occurring disorders tend to be more sensitive to the effects of addictive substances. Alcohol and other substances also have a more adverse impact on one’s behavior and mental stability. These individuals are less likely to be able to use alcohol and drugs in moderation without experiencing negative consequences.
Co-occurring disorders were originally treated separately and sequentially, meaning that people had to seek help for one problem before pursuing treatment for the other. However, in the last few decades there has been a strong push to recognize that treatment outcomes significantly improve when rehabilitation for mental health problems and addictions are integrated.
Through dual diagnosis treatment at Restore Drug Rehab LA, clients can receive state-of-the-art therapy that educates them on what to do when stress or anxiety become too much to cope with. Examples include:
Integrated dual diagnosis treatment at Restore Center LA, begins with building a case management team, consisting of both substance abuse and mental health professionals. Once a client becomes engaged in our treatment services, our staff uses motivational approaches to help them recognize the substance abuse problem and instill the desire to change. When a client expresses the desire to change, therapists will employ cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to teach them the necessary skills for achieving abstinence. Clients are taught how to change their thought and behavioral patterns in relation to their addiction.
Dual diagnosis recovery is a long process, which often requires a person to construct an entirely new life. Treatment programs at Restore Drug Rehab focus on providing clients with access to rehabilitation groups and therapies as a substitute for their old habits, relationships, and activities. Community-based rehabilitation also provides social services, such as supported housing and employment.
Another powerful vehicle for Restore clients in dual diagnosis treatment, is attending peer-oriented groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. These groups provide clients with both support and a new peer group, which can help them steer clear of the social ties that previously led them to substance abuse to begin with.
Dual diagnosis is an intricate and challenging disease to overcome. Fortunately, our elite team of staff at Restore Treatment LA recognize the importance and effectiveness of an integrated approach to treatment. If your loved one is living with both a mental illness and a substance use disorder, do not let them suffer any longer. Contact one of our professionals at Restore Treatment Center today to learn how we can help your loved one turn their life around.
We Accept Most Major Insurance Companies. We accept other forms of payment to make treatment affordable for yourself or a loved one