Dual diagnosis is a term you often hear when looking into drug and alcohol addiction treatment. It’s an important concept to understand, too, because many of those who need treatment for addiction have a co-occurring mental health disorder. If you don’t treat both conditions at once, the addiction treatment may be less effective.
However, a dual diagnosis treatment program that is designed to treat co-occurring disorders can help you on the road to lasting recovery. If you’re ready to break the cycle of addiction, learn more about dual diagnosis and the principles of effective treatment today.
The Connection Between Mental Health and Addiction
Dual diagnosis means your diagnosis includes both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. This is a common diagnosis, as the symptoms of one can exacerbate the other. Mental health disorders that can co-occur with addiction can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- PTSD
For some, using drugs or drinking alcohol is a way to self-medicate and control the symptoms of their mental illness. However, while substances might offer short-term relief, they can make the symptoms of mental health issues worse in the long run.
Before starting treatment, you first want to know if you or someone you love with a mental health concern also may have an addiction. Symptoms of addiction can include:
- Withdrawal from family
- Behavior changes that can happen suddenly
- Substance abuse under dangerous conditions
- Risky behaviors
- Compulsive use of drugs or alcohol
- An increased tolerance
The connection between mental health issues and addiction is complex. A number of factors can cause an individual to begin to struggle with their use of drugs or alcohol. Some of these factors can include a family history of addiction, past trauma, and stress at work or at home. However, no matter what has led you to this point, a dual diagnosis treatment program can help you begin again.
How Dual Diagnosis Programs Promote Lasting Recovery
Studies show that individuals who struggle with their mental health but who only receive treatment for their addiction tend to be more likely to relapse. As soon as the symptoms of the mental health disorder begin again, the need to use drugs or drink alcohol intensifies leading to relapse.
Dual diagnosis treatment is an integrated program that allows you to get care for both the mental illness and the substance use disorder. Through this type of program, you’ll develop the healthy coping skills you need to avoid relapse in the future and rebuild your life. It will start with detox to wean you off the drug. Next is going to be inpatient or outpatient treatment. You want to choose a facility that offers both mental health treatment and addiction care to ensure they come up with an integrated plan.
Westwind Recovery® offers dual diagnosis treatment in Los Angeles. In our luxury private rehab, you’ll find the support and high-quality care you need to make lasting changes in your life. We offer a fun continuum of care from detox to aftercare. During inpatient treatment, you’ll stay in a peaceful, healing environment as you build a strong foundation for recovery. If you are in need of sober housing, we offer a range of living options, from 5-star hotels to luxury AirBnBs where you can focus on your healing journey away from the stresses of everyday life.
Dual diagnosis treatment can help you break the cycle of addiction for good. Learn more about our programs today.
Reach Out to Westwind Recovery® Today
As part of our dual diagnosis program, Westwind Recovery® offers innovative solutions like adventure therapy. Our adventure therapy program can help you discover new, healthy activities to participate in while sober.
As part of the adventure therapy program, you can participate in camping, water sports, hiking, surfing, planetarium outings, and much more. Our team arranges a trip out for an adventure at least once a month.
Westwind Recovery® can also serve as your primary mental health provider. We specialize in those with a primary diagnosis of chemical dependency who also struggle with mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For instance, if you take drugs or drink alcohol to self-medicate, your primary diagnosis is substance abuse disorder because it becomes more pronounced when you have a mental health episode like mania or depression.
If you have a substance use disorder and think you may need dual diagnosis treatment, reach out to our team today or connect with us online. We can help you on your journey to sustainable recovery.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
