Most people who begin abusing drugs or alcohol do so as a form of self-medication. In other words, substance abuse is usually a symptom of an underlying mental health condition, past trauma, or unresolved emotions.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “approximately 9.2 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder.”[1]
If you suffer from addiction and a co-occurring psychiatric disorder, you must receive treatment for both conditions at once at a dual diagnosis rehab facility. Without comprehensive, integrated treatment, the symptoms of the untreated illness can cause a relapse in the other.
There are many benefits of seeking treatment from a dual diagnosis rehab center in California. Five of the most important benefits include:
1. Highly Individualized Treatment Planning
Dual-diagnosis treatment programs are designed to help you overcome addiction and whatever mental health condition you might suffer from. There are dozens of mental health conditions that people suffering from addiction struggle with. And, each mental illness requires different methods of treatment and support.
Dual-diagnosis treatment programs have to provide extremely individualized treatment planning to ensure that the services meet each client’s needs. When you arrive at a dual diagnosis facility in California, you will be assessed to determine what disorder(s) you suffer from, how severe your addiction is, and what lines of treatment would best suit your needs.
Since dual-diagnosis treatment programs are so focused on creating a treatment plan that suits your unique needs, you can rest assured that the services you receive will be beneficial and relevant.
2. Heavy Focus on Mental Health
Sometimes, traditional addiction treatment facilities forget about the psychological aspect of addiction. Instead of attempting to address the root cause of a person’s substance abuse, they focus on changing the addictive behaviors they experienced. While this approach can be effective, it can leave you feeling like there is something left unaddressed during treatment.
Thankfully, dual-diagnosis rehab centers in California emphasize mental health treatment. Not only do they treat your underlying mental illness, but they look at how your psychiatric symptoms led to or perpetuated your substance abuse. This ensures that no stone is left unturned.
During treatment, you will have access to a variety of evidence-based therapies, counseling groups, and even family therapy. The type of therapeutic models you partake in will depend on your specific mental health condition, personality, and goals for recovery.
3. Ability to Address Unresolved Trauma
According to the National Institutes of Health, “Up to 59% of young people with PTSD subsequently develop substance abuse problems.”[2]
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after you are exposed to significant trauma. Over time, unresolved trauma causes you to experience significant symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, significant mood changes, and more. When you experience these symptoms without proper coping mechanisms, it’s easy to turn to substances as a form of self-medication.
Thankfully, dual-diagnosis treatment centers know how prevalent trauma is among people suffering from co-occurring disorders, so they offer trauma-informed care, therapies targeted to help reduce symptoms related to trauma, and even counseling groups that connect you with others recovering from trauma.
4. Reduced Chance of Relapse
It is widely known that negative emotional states increase the risk of relapse.[3] When you have an untreated mental health condition, you are likely to experience a myriad of negative emotions. Even if you receive extensive addiction treatment, if mental illness remains untreated, the negative emotional states you experience could lead to relapse.
However, when you attend a dual diagnosis rehab in California, you will receive treatment for your mental illness and your addiction at the same time. Doing so reduces your chance of relapse and sets you up with a strong foundation of recovery to build upon for the rest of your life.
5. Learning Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Dual-diagnosis treatment centers in California know how difficult it is to stay sober when you are facing triggers in the outside world. To prevent you from experiencing a relapse once you complete treatment, mental health professionals will teach you healthy coping mechanisms to use in times of need.
Common examples of healthy coping mechanisms include:
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
- Holistic treatments like yoga, massage, exercise, and meditation
- Self-care activities that are personal to you (i.e. reading, taking a bath, hanging out with family members)
- Reaching out to loved ones or sober supports
- Journaling
- Attending regular support groups or therapy sessions
- Having a healthy sleeping routine
Get Started at a Trusted Dual Diagnosis Rehab Center in California Today
If you or a loved one suffers from addiction and a co-occurring mental health condition, it’s time to consider dual diagnosis treatment. This type of substance abuse treatment center can help you overcome addiction and a psychiatric illness at the same time. All of your needs will be addressed simultaneously, reducing your chances of relapse in the future.
To learn more about the benefits of dual diagnosis treatment in California, contact Arise Treatment Center today.
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