Dual-Diagnosis Treatment for Addiction: Is it Right for You?

Sometimes, a person struggles with more than substance abuse. A person struggling with addiction may also experience a form of mental illness. This is called a Dual Diagnosis.

Recently, research has pointed toward the effectiveness of treatment for Dual Diagnosis, Los Angeles being just one place where such programs are available.

In this post, we’ll go over dual diagnosis addiction treatment, answering what it is, how it works, and if it’s the right choice. And, if you decide to seek dual diagnosis treatment, Los Angeles is home to SoberMind Recovery and is ready to help.

What is a Dual Diagnosis?

Dual Diagnosis is a term used to describe a patient who is diagnosed with both a mental illness and a substance use disorder at the same time. Also known as comorbidity or co-occurrence, Dual Diagnosis comes with its own challenges. While it might be tempting to think that a patient can deal with one issue, and then the other, Dual Diagnosis is far more complex.

Despite its complicated nature, Dual Diagnosis is also shockingly common. Eight million of the twenty-one million people who live with a substance use disorder in the US also experience a mental illness. In fact, Dual Diagnosis is common enough that many clinicians who work with people struggling with mental illness expect to find it.

What Does Dual-Diagnosis Look Like?

Some symptoms of substance use disorder include withdrawal from friends and family, sudden changes in behavior, engaging in risky behaviors, developing a high tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, and feeling as though drugs are necessary to function. 

Mental illness symptoms can vary depending on the person and the illness. For example, symptoms of depression include extreme mood changes, feeling tired, a loss of interest in favorite activities, and thoughts of suicide.

When a patient experiences both substance use disorder and a mental illness, they will likely experience multiple symptoms on this list. This co-occurrence can lead to unique challenges and it’s critical to get the right treatment in order to live a healthy life.

Causes and Risk Factors

Substance use disorders are not a direct cause of mental health disorders, nor are substance use disorders the cause of mental illness, but they are linked. A person with mental illness has a higher risk of addiction. In fact, among adults with mental illness, substance abuse is twice as prevalent. This is because people struggling with mental health issues often use substances such as alcohol to self-medicate and alleviate symptoms.

Unfortunately, substance abuse can worsen the symptoms of mental illness.

What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual Diagnosis treatment is specific to a person’s substance use disorder and mental illness, involving care for both. Due to the personalization of treatment plans, it won’t necessarily be obvious what a person will need. 

However, there are many common elements between different treatment plans. For example, there is detoxification, when a patient is weaned off of a substance through a process of up to seven days. During this time, they will receive treatment for withdrawal symptoms, which can be dangerous depending on the drug. 

A patient may need Inpatient Rehabilitation at a treatment center, which can provide 24/7 care and support. During this time (or in general), the patient might receive medications that help with various mental health issues. As well as psychotherapy treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help the patient change risky patterns of thinking and learn how to cope.

There are group homes or sober homes, and residential treatment centers that assist newly sober people in avoiding relapse by providing a stable, drug-free living environment. It is important to note that while these houses are not state-licensed or funded, they have been found to provide positive outcomes for individuals in recovery.

Whatever the strategy, Dual Diagnosis treatment modifies traditional approaches to both mental health and substance abuse treatment. While traditional, one-or-the-other programs have historically failed to address the issues properly, leaving patients without treatment, more modern Dual Diagnosis treatment prioritizes the needs of the patient.

Studies have indicated that Dual Diagnosis treatment, which addresses both disorders at once, is more effective than focusing on one problem at a time. While it might be tempting to think that one needs to be treated before the other can be addressed, these conditions are connected and are best treated together.

Get the Treatment You Need with SoberMind Recovery

Dual Diagnosis Treatment is more complex than treating one health struggle. However, studies have shown it to be far more effective. By addressing both problems at once, you’ll have better support and an easier recovery tailored to your needs. 

If you are struggling with both addiction and mental illness, there is no shame in asking for help. With residential treatment, Los Angeles’ SoberMind Recovery offers state-of-the-art services that can help. Call us today to learn about our Los Angeles IOP, and any other of our services that could be of help to you.