California Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

Dual Diagnosis Treatment in California

Someone who has a dual diagnosis has both a mental illness and an alcohol or substance use disorder simultaneously. Also called co-occurring disorders, the presence of both conditions is increasingly common. Many individuals who are diagnosed with one may develop the other later on.

 According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 52.9 million adults in the United States have a mental illness and 37.9 million have a substance use disorder. Of these people, 17.0 million (or 6.7% of the population) have both a mental illness and a substance use disorder.

Treating dual diagnosis is not like treating only mental illness or only substance use disorder. The presence of both conditions creates the need for a unique approach that considers each individually as well as how they interact. Dual diagnosis treatment centers provide the specialized care required to overcome these co-occurring conditions.

Dual Diagnosis Rehab

Dual diagnosis rehab is a program that understands the specific needs of people with dual diagnoses. They incorporate treatment approaches that work best with these individuals to achieve effective and lasting recovery both from their substance use and their mental illness.

Mental Health Treatment

Mental health treatment typically involves a combination of psychological and pharmacological approaches. Clinicians use medication to relieve or stabilize symptoms so therapeutic measures can be more effective.

Addiction Treatment

Addiction treatment varies depending on the type or types of substances a person uses. Individual and group therapy are common approaches to working with individuals in addiction treatment. Additionally, some types of medications help relieve withdrawal symptoms or reduce cravings during early recovery.

Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment

A common question when working with dual diagnosis individuals is which came first, the mental illness or the substance use? Some individuals experience mental illness and turn to drugs or alcohol for relief from their symptoms. Others began using drugs and alcohol which led them to develop mental illness as a result.

Dual diagnosis treatment recognizes that no matter which condition came first, both need to be treated with equal attention. Yes, people need to be separated from substances before treatment can be effective. However, separating someone with mental illness from drugs or alcohol will likely exacerbate their presenting symptoms.

Co-occurring disorder treatment requires methods from each mental health treatment and addiction treatment. Trying to incorporate approaches from only one or the other does not address the needs of the individual seeking help. Instead, developing a blend of addiction treatment modalities for each individual will lead to the best results.

Finding The Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Finding the best dual diagnosis treatment can feel like an overwhelming or impossible task. Even asking for help may seem like something you’re not sure you can do. But the right dual diagnosis treatment program will make you feel heard, understood, and accepted, fostering an environment where you’re safe to let go of the substances that appear to keep you safe.

Begin Dual Diagnosis Treatment Today

If you’re ready to take the next step and begin dual diagnosis treatment today, reach out to us for help. Our compassionate, knowledgeable staff is ready and waiting to answer your questions and help you find the program that’s right for you!