Addiction is a term used to describe the mental and physical dependency that develops after long-term abuse of a substance. Doctors and psychiatrists refer to addictions as substance use disorders or SUDs. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “A substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to a person’s inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications.”[1]
If you have a substance use disorder, you may also be suffering from a mental health condition. Sometimes, people develop addictions to self-medicate the symptoms of their mental illness. Other individuals may begin to experience the symptoms of a mental disorder after long-term abuse of drugs or alcohol.
When you have both a mental illness and an addiction, this is known as having co-occurring disorders. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that nearly 9.2 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder.[2]
If you are suffering from a co-occurring disorder, you must receive treatment that addresses both your addiction and mental illness. ARISE Treatment Center offers an inpatient dual diagnosis treatment program for co-occurring disorders in Southern California that uses a holistic approach, promoting whole-person healing. Call today to get help for yourself or a loved one.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders occur when you are suffering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol and a mental health condition at the same time. There are several reasons why you might develop co-occurring disorders, including shared risk factors, self-medicating mental illness with substances, and substance abuse contributing to the development of psychiatric disorders.
While any mental health condition can co-occur with a substance use disorder, it is more common among certain illnesses. The most common psychiatric disorders to co-occur with addiction include:[2]
- Anxiety and mood disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Conduct disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Similarly, any type of substance use disorder can co-occur with a wide range of mental health conditions. For example, someone with bipolar disorder might become addicted to methamphetamine, while an individual with PTSD could develop an addiction to heroin.
What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment Like?
Inpatient treatment centers specializing in co-occurring disorders in Southern California combine the traditional aspects of addiction treatment with evidence-based mental health recovery techniques. Dual diagnosis treatment may include:
Medical Detox
Before you can begin working on recovering from your mental health condition, you must first overcome the withdrawal process. When you are addicted to a substance, your body becomes accustomed to having it in your body, and if you suddenly stop taking that drug, you will experience symptoms of withdrawal.
Medical detox centers use medications to soothe symptoms of withdrawal and prevent cravings. Medications can keep you medically stable, and comfortable as well as ensure that you do not relapse during the early stages of your recovery. The length and intensity of your detox treatment will depend on a variety of factors, including the substance you were addicted to, how long you abused it, and your overall health.
Behavioral Therapy
Once you complete detox, you can move on to treatment to address the behavioral and psychological aspects of addiction and mental health recovery. Dual-diagnosis rehab centers in Southern California create individualized treatment plans that allow staff members to personalize your treatment based on your unique history of addiction and mental illness.
Common types of behavioral therapies used to treat co-occurring disorders include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Assertive community treatment (ACT)
- Contingency management (CM)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Behavioral therapies help you develop healthy ways of coping to replace any negative behavioral patterns you might have been engaging in. Since everyone is different, it’s important that each of these therapies is tailored to your needs.
Medications
Lastly, depending on the mental health condition you suffer from and the severity of your symptoms, you might be prescribed psychiatric medications. It is important to note that you will not be given mind-altering substances that include a risk of abuse or addiction.
Common types of medications used in dual diagnosis rehab programs include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat symptoms of depression or anxiety
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are often used to treat anxiety and depression
- Antipsychotic medications are frequently used to treat conditions like bipolar disorder or psychotic conditions like schizophrenia
- Mood stabilizer drugs are often prescribed to treat bipolar disorder or other mood disorders
- Sleeping medications are commonly prescribed to help you sleep when you suffer from insomnia or sleep issues related to other mental health conditions
The medication(s) you are prescribed will be based on your mental health condition and the symptoms targeted.
What to Look for at an Inpatient Treatment Center for Co-Occurring Disorders
When you are considering attending an inpatient rehab for co-occurring disorders, you must choose carefully. Not every rehab program is created equally and it is important to find a reputable facility that can provide you with the tools and support you need to recover.
If you are thinking of attending a dual diagnosis program, look for the following qualities and services:
- Individualized treatment planning
- Specialties in treating co-occurring disorders
- Highly qualified staff members (nurses, doctors, psychiatrists, addiction specialists, and psychologists)
- Accreditation and licensing
- Options for medical detox
- Payment plans or options to use health insurance for payment
- Evidence-based behavioral therapies
- Good reviews and testimonials
Find Compassionate Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders in Southern California
If you or a loved one suffer from co-occurring addiction and mental illness, recovery is possible. Dealing with a substance use disorder and a mental health condition at the same time can be incredibly difficult, but receiving support and treatment from a reputable dual diagnosis program can ensure that you make a full recovery.
At Arise Treatment Center, we understand that everyone is unique and that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all situation. That’s why we approach treatment with individually-tailored care plans and a comprehensive clinical approach. Throughout your experience with us, we are committed to working alongside you to make sure your needs are met.
If you or a loved one are struggling with a co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a team member about your treatment options. We’re always here to help.
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