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At New Leaf Detox, we provide evidence-based programs to help you recover from addiction and a mental health disorder. Our Orange County treatment center offers a safe and structured environment, with immediate access to psychiatric professionals as well as addiction specialists.
Dual diagnosis refers to when a person experiences both mental illness and a substance use disorder (SUD) at the same time. It is also referred to as comorbidity or a co-occurring disorder. Individuals who are 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 Orange County dual diagnosis treatment, contact us today to find out more!
A dual diagnosis is common. 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.
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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.
There are several common risk factors for developing co-occurring 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.
Depression affects over 332 million people globally, making it 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. This, in turn, causes more severe depression, creating a cycle that is difficult to break from.
Anxiety is a commonly diagnosed mental disorder that affects over 359 million people worldwide. Many people who suffer from its symptoms will find temporary relief through substance abuse. Alcohol and prescription medication are frequently used to suppress social anxiety and reduce the physical “shakiness” that anxiety can cause. However, by relying on these substances, the risk and the likelihood of addiction increases.
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 drink 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.
There is a high chance of relapse even after a patient completes detox and they are no longer physically addicted. The mind will still crave the drugs or alcohol, and the underlying issues that could have been a factor in starting the addiction will still be present.
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 how to 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 and support groups allow 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 being. Its purpose is to find a balance between the mind and body. Some holistic treatments include yoga, massage therapy, meditation, and nutrition.
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 and have been proven to be effective in treating co-occurring disorders. At New Leaf, we go through the following steps when treating dual diagnoses:
Dual diagnosis is a complicated and intimidating thing to live with, but you’re not alone. 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.
