Statistics show that half of all people who have a substance abuse disorder will also have a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. When this occurs, a person is said to have a dual diagnosis. At Ocean Hills Recovery, we offer help with Dana Point dual diagnosis treatment to help patients deal with both conditions simultaneously. This gives them the best chance to overcome both health issues and live a productive life.
What are Examples of a Dual Diagnosis?
When someone is diagnosed with a dual diagnosis, the mental health condition may have preceded the substance abuse or vice versa. Either way, both conditions need to be treated at the same time. Several common co-occurring mental health conditions can occur with addiction, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Bipolar disorders
- Panic disorders
At times, it can be challenging to determine if someone has a dual diagnosis because the symptoms of both health issues can overlap. Your healthcare provider will use several tools and ask questions to determine which disorders you may have so that you receive the proper treatment.
How Do I Know I Have a Dual Diagnosis?
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of dual diagnosis can help to determine if you or a loved one has a condition that requires medical intervention.
Some signs and symptoms include:
- Behavior or personality changes
- Mood swings
- Using substances to cope with stress
- Isolation
- Problems at work or school
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Suicidal thoughts
Some people may present one or more of these common symptoms of dual diagnosis.
Dual Diagnosis Risk Factors
Several factors can put someone at a greater risk of developing a dual diagnosis. Substance use changes the way the brain operates, which can lead to depression and anxiety. Having an existing substance use disorder can increase the chances of developing a mental illness or make an existing one worse.
People who have a family history or addiction can be at a greater risk of developing a dual diagnosis, as well as those who have a history of trauma or abuse and who may have trouble coping with everyday stress.
At Ocean Hills Recovery, our Dana Point dual diagnosis treatment program provides the professional treatment you need to successfully treat both conditions simultaneously.
What is Included in Dana Point Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Ocean Hills Recovery?
For dual diagnosis treatment to work, a patient must first detox from drugs or alcohol. Once the detox process is complete, they can begin to seek treatment for their addiction and mental illness.
Therapy
Treatment for dual diagnosis can involve different types of therapies, such as individual, group, and family therapies. Behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) have been shown to treat co-occurring disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches patients how to cope with and change ineffective thinking patterns. Dialectical behavioral therapy can help to reduce self-harm behaviors.
Holistic Treatments
Dual diagnosis patients can also benefit from holistic treatments such as yoga, massage, art therapy, and acupuncture. Learning how to relax and focus can help people resist triggers and relapse.
Medication
Some dual diagnosis patients also benefit from medication along with other parts of their treatments. Medications help people to manage their mental illness and better cope with their dual diagnosis. Medications can be prescribed for one or both conditions.
Support Groups
Support groups are also an integral part of dual diagnosis treatment. They can be extremely beneficial because they provide the emotional and social support needed to maintain sobriety. Support groups allow patients to interact with others in the same situations and hear from those who have worked through their issues. This can give patients the motivation they need to continue their treatment.
With the right course of treatment, people with dual diagnosis can recover and learn how to live happy and sober lives. At Ocean Hills Recovery, we develop a tailored treatment plan so that each patient has the proper care for their specific issues. We provide support and various therapy options to help patients find success in their program.
Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Improved Quality of Life
People who receive dual diagnosis treatment will benefit from an improved quality of life. Addressing both conditions simultaneously gives patients the comprehensive treatment they need to have the best chance at recovery and maintaining a sober life.
More Effective Treatment
Dual diagnosis is a more effective treatment because if not treated together, symptoms may reoccur. It helps to treat the underlying causes rather than just the symptoms. This often leads to longer-lasting results.
Improved Mental Health
People who receive dual diagnosis treatment see an improvement in their mental health. When someone suppresses their feelings, their mental health does not improve. Treatment will help people learn positive coping skills that can make a difference.
Improved Physical Health
Substance use disorders can harm physical health due to the short or long-term effects of the toxins a person is exposed to. When people learn how to take care of their bodies through proper nutrition, rest, and exercise, their physical and mental health improves.
Coping Skills
When people receive dual diagnosis treatment, they learn essential coping skills that can help them avoid triggers and prevent relapse. This can also help their mental health because they are no longer using substances that can lead to depression and anxiety.
Seek Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Ocean Hills Recovery
Ocean Hills Recovery provides dual diagnosis treatment to help people deal with their substance use disorder and mental health conditions simultaneously. Our team has the professional experience to help people understand both conditions and receive the proper treatment to get on a healthy and sober path.
To learn more about our Dana Point dual diagnosis treatment program, call us today or reach out to us online.