When a person has been diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD) they often develop a mental health disorder. This is known as dual diagnosis. Individuals who are going suffering from a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder require a specialized treatment plan that tackles both. With proper personalized treatments and programs, an individual can treat their dual diagnosis and create a healthier life for themselves.
At New Leaf Detox & Treatment, our experienced staff will provide caring service to give you the best chance at recovering. Our effective and evidence-based treatments are here to help fight your dual diagnosis and put you on a path to a healthier life. If you’re looking for San Juan Capistrano Dual Diagnosis Treatment, contact us today to find out more!
A dual diagnosis is a commonly found problem. Fifty percent of people who have an issue with mental illness will also develop some form of substance abuse at some point in their lives. The same is true when flipped; a person who struggles with substance use disorder can, at some point, develop a mental illness. No matter which comes first, both will worsen the condition of the other.
People with co-occurring disorders will often have varying experiences. Drugs and alcohol can have different effects on a person’s mental health. For example, a person might find their anxiety worsens after taking cannabis; another person’s depression might increase after drinking. It is highly unlikely that someone’s co-occurring disorder will be precisely the same as another’s. It entirely depends upon the substance being used, the mental illness the person has, and how the two interact with each other. For this reason, patients must have an individual assessment and treatment plan created to fit their specialized needs.
Traditional forms of treatment for addiction issues are somewhat easier to approach compared to dual diagnosis treatment. To treat a co-occurring disorder, doctors and therapists must determine how each condition influences the other, how severe the mental disorder and the addiction are separately, and which one occurred before the other. Due to these obstacles, finding the right treatment type for the patient comes with trial and error.
While a person is likely to develop a co-occurring disorder if they already have a mental or substance disorder, it does not mean that one was the cause of the other. Researchers have found that it is difficult to determine which one comes before the other; however, they have discovered three distinct possibilities as to why it occurs.
Several common risk factors come with addiction and mental health disorders, such as genetics, trauma, and stress.
Mental health issues can often lead to drug and alcohol abuse. Often, people who struggle with mental illness will self-medicate to alleviate the symptoms caused by the disorder. Mental illness can also make changes to the brain, causing it to develop addictive tendencies.
Substance abuse often makes changes in the brain, leading to the development of a mental disorder.
There are a variety of reasons and causes that link substance abuse and mental illness together. Relationships, stress, and trauma can increase someone’s risk of becoming addicted to a substance or developing a mental disorder. These two will more than likely overlap and affect each other; statistically, 50 percent of people with a mental illness will also have a SUD, and more than 50 percent of people with a SUD will also have a mental illness.
Depression affects millions of people globally; it is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders. A person struggling with depression will often try and use drugs and alcohol to ease their symptoms. However, alcohol is a depressant, and certain drugs increase depressive thoughts and feelings once the short term euphoria wears off. To reach that same euphoric feeling requires continuous use of the substance and increased doses. Which, in turn, causes more severe depression, creating a cycle that is difficult to break from.
Anxiety is a commonly diagnosed mental disorder that affects millions worldwide. Many people who suffer from its symptoms will find temporary relief through substance abuse. Alcohol and prescription medication are frequently used to suppress the fear and unsettling social events atmosphere and reduce the physical "shakiness" that anxiety can cause. However, by relying on these substances, the risk and the likelihood of addiction increases
A bipolar disorder is the product of a chemical imbalance in the brain, which causes episodes of mania and intense depression. People diagnosed with bipolar disorder usually takes drugs or imbibe in alcohol to help alleviate the symptoms caused by the disorder. However, this can cause a severe reaction in the brain, ultimately making the condition worse. Bipolar disorder is one of the most common mental disorders associated with a dual diagnosis.
When a patient is diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder, they will undergo an assessment that helps doctors and therapists determine which disorders the patient could be suffering from. They will try to determine which came first, the substance abuse or the mental illness, as this information will help them to break the cycle of addiction. Once this has been accomplished, they will determine the best course of treatment and develop an individual treatment plan.
Learning new coping skills is extremely beneficial as it helps patients manage and take control of substance abuse and mental illness rather than the other way around. Patients will learn what their triggers are and avoid/ overcome them if they can not be avoided. Learning coping strategies can help prevent relapse and allow patients to go through life without the aid of drugs or alcohol.
One of the most essential parts of a rehabilitation program is to participate in group and individual therapy. Group therapy allows patients a safe and structured place to speak about their experiences with other individuals who have gone through similar experiences. They will have the opportunity to listen to others’ advice and benefit from the support that comes from a community. Individual counseling offers a more personal and individualized approach to patients. They can speak more candidly and develop a plan with their therapist on the best way to treat their issues.
One of the most essential parts of a rehabilitation program is to participate in group and individual therapy. Group therapy allows patients a safe and structured place to speak about their experiences with other individuals who have gone through similar experiences. They will have the opportunity to listen to others’ advice and benefit from the support that comes from a community. Individual counseling offers a more personal and individualized approach to patients. They can speak more candidly and develop a plan with their therapist on the best way to treat their issues.
Holistic treatment can be very beneficial for treating dual diagnosis. Its focus is not on the patient’s individual parts, but considers a person’s whole and finding a balance between the mind and body. Some holistic treatments include yoga, massage therapy, meditation, and nutrition.
Studies have found that the best treatment programs for patients who struggle with dual diagnosis are acquired from evidence-based practices (EBPs). These are practices that have been thoroughly studied by researchers, scientists, and doctors who have been proven to be effective in treating co-occurring disorders.
Assessment of the patient and finding out his or her specialized needs.
Research relevant studies and other investigations that are similar to the patient
Determine from the research what is valid and what isn’t and how it applies to the patient.
Discuss with the patient and together determine the best course forward.
Develop a treatment plan for the patient to follow that meets the criteria of their individual needs.
Dual diagnosis is a complicated and intimidating thing to live with. It draws you into a vicious cycle that seems impossible to escape from. At New Leaf Detox and Treatment, we can help give you a life not defined by your mental disorder or substance abuse. By providing evidence-based programs run by highly qualified staff, you will be given the best opportunity to recover from a co-occurring disorder.
Learn more about our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in Orange County. We can provide you with information about our facility and our rehabilitation programs. If you or a loved one need help, contact us today.
Send us your information and receive a free verification of benefits. All submitted forms or phone calls are completely confidential.
Your insurance could cover up to 100% of the cost of treatment.
300285AP
Exp: 3/31/26
New Leaf Detox and Treatment
63 Mallorca, Laguna Niguel,
CA, 92677
866-932-0905