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Dual Diagnosis Treatment

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Dual Diagnosis Treatment - old
Dual Diagnosis Treatment - old
Dual Diagnosis Treatment - old

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in Orange County

Dual diagnosis is the condition in which 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. 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 in San Juan Capistrano offers a safe and structured environment, with immediate access to psychiatric professionals as well as addiction specialists.

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Dual Diagnosis Treatment - old

What is Dual Diagnosis?

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!

What to Expect During Treatment

Mental Disorder
Dual Diagnosis 50%
Substance Use Disorder
Dual Diagnosis 50%

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.

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Dual Diagnosis Treatment Vs. Traditional Addiction Treatment

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.

Why do Mental Health Disorders and Substance Use Disorders Co-Occur?

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.

dual diagnosis

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.

Common Co-Occurring Disorders

Depression

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

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

Bipolar Disorder

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.

What are the Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

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.

Which Treatment Programs Work Best?

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.

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Step 1

Assessment of the patient and finding out his or her specialized needs. 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment - old

Step 2

Research relevant studies and other investigations that are similar to the patient

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Step 3

Determine from the research what is valid and what isn’t and how it applies to the patient.

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Step 4

Discuss with the patient and together determine the best course forward.

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Step 5

Develop a treatment plan for the patient to follow that meets the criteria of their individual needs.

Finding Recovery at New Leaf Detox

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.