It’s common for those who are dealing with substance use disorders to also experience a mental health condition at the same time. Professionals refer to this as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. The combination of two or more complex diagnoses makes maintaining sobriety even more complicated. Trying to overcome a dual diagnosis on your own without addiction treatment therapies can be difficult. However, a quality women’s addiction treatment center can help you or your loved one make lasting changes through dual diagnosis for addiction.
At Soledad House, we’re familiar with the complexity of dual diagnoses. Our staff is ready to support you on your path to recovery and is committed to treating you as a whole person, not just your diagnosis. Long-term, sustainable sobriety is more than possible in our residential treatment center. Connect with us at 866.314.3222 or reach out online today to learn more about how co-occurring disorders work.
The Connection Between Addiction and Mental Health
Close to half of those who struggle with substance use disorders also face mental health challenges. These might include anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. The connection between these conditions is clear, but the way they develop can be complicated.
When it comes to having both a dependency issue and a mental health condition, either could have developed first. It’s not always clear which one influenced the other. There are often overlapping issues between diagnoses. Some of the factors that can lead to the development of these conditions include:
- Past trauma
- Genetics
- Environmental factors like stress
- Illness
- Certain medications
These can complicate treatment greatly, but that doesn’t mean such problems are impossible to overcome. What we know is that addiction treatment services must address both disorders in order for recovery to be successful. Dual diagnoses come in a huge assortment of combinations, and treatment needs to be personalized to every individual in our care. This approach helps the patients at Soledad House heal in body, mind, and spirit.
Possible Symptoms of a Dual Diagnosis
Because each case is unique and there are so many combinations that may exist, symptoms will vary. Any sudden change in behavior could be a tipoff that there’s a problem. Withdrawing from friends and family or from activities that a person once enjoyed is another likely indicator that at least one of these issues is present.
Other signs that you or a loved one would likely benefit from going to a dual diagnosis treatment center in Southern California include:
- Engaging in risky or dangerous behaviors
- Using prescription medications in ways other than as prescribed
- Needing to use drugs or alcohol to get through each day
- Relying on substances to cope with the symptoms of mental health issues
- Needing to use more of the substance to feel the same effects
Early intervention for co-occurring disorders can lead to positive long-term outcomes. If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Our Approach to Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Integrated intervention is typically the best way to approach the treatment of dual diagnoses. This approach allows medical professionals or therapists to give equal attention to both substance use disorders and mental health conditions during treatment. In order to fully treat the presenting problems, it’s necessary to address all the issues. In this case, that means treating both the substance abuse and the mental health condition. Treatment planning is an individual process. An approach that is right for one individual might not be right for another.
Although every patient participates in an individual therapy program, group therapy and activities are important parts of our treatment programs. Building a network of support can be invaluable in recovery.
Inpatient rehabilitation after a successful detox program is usually the longest-lasting part of treatment. Residing in a supportive environment away from daily stresses and temptations is incredibly significant to increasing the odds of recovery.
Another big part of successful treatment is psychotherapy. Exploring your specific background for the causes of your current difficulties is a quite powerful step toward overcoming them. Learning strategic ways to cope with them is also incredibly useful. Medication may also be beneficial in addressing any mental health issues that could be contributing to your presenting addiction. Transitional care that extends the learning and recovery process between rehab and home is another piece of the overall treatment puzzle.
Reach Out to Soledad House Today
Dual diagnosis is a complex issue that requires expert knowledge, support, and treatment of the whole person in order to overcome. The addiction treatment staff at Soledad House is eager to help you along your journey and ensure you don’t have to face these seemingly monumental problems on your own. Specific mental health treatments in our dual diagnosis treatment program include:
- Anxiety treatment program
- Depression treatment program
- Trauma therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- EMDR therapy program
- Exercise therapy program
We create personalized treatment plans for every individual in our care. Our approach to recovery involves support for your body, mind, and spirit through our spirituality-based programs.
Do you need dual diagnosis treatment in San Diego? Contact Soledad House today at 866.314.3222 or reach out to us online for a consultation or to find a treatment program that is right for you or a loved one.