If you are dealing with a dual diagnosis, you’re not alone. 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.

Dual diagnosis treatment is the best option to deal with both conditions simultaneously. Treating one condition without treating the other typically does not end in success. The team at Ocean Hills Recovery provides care at its San Juan Capistrano dual diagnosis treatment center to help patients deal with their mental health issues and substance use disorders.

Dual Diagnosis Symptoms

Many people may not realize that they have a dual diagnosis. Being able to recognize the symptoms can lead to quicker treatment and recovery.

Here are some symptoms to look for:

  • Using substances to cope with stress
  • Isolation
  • Behavior or personality changes
  • Mood swings
  • Problems at work or school
  • Trouble thinking clearly
  • Suicidal thoughts

Some people may present one or more of these common symptoms of dual diagnosis. When these symptoms are first noticed, it’s best to seek care immediately rather than wait until they worsen.

Mental Health Conditions that Contribute to Dual Diagnosis

Someone dealing with a dual diagnosis may have had a mental health condition before they started using a substance or vice versa. It doesn’t matter which condition appeared first. They both need to be treated simultaneously so that patients can receive the best care possible.

Several mental health conditions are common with dual diagnosis:

  • Depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar disorders
  • Panic disorders

Since the symptoms of both conditions can overlap, it can be challenging to determine that someone is dealing with a dual diagnosis and not just one issue. Healthcare providers will use many different tools to make their diagnosis so that you can receive the proper treatment.

Dual Diagnosis Risk Factors

Substance use is one of the major risk factors of dual diagnosis. Using alcohol or drugs changes the way the brain functions. This can lead to depression and anxiety. When someone has an existing substance use disorder, it can increase their chances of developing a mental illness or worsen an existing condition.

A family history of addiction can also put someone at a greater risk of developing a dual diagnosis, as well as those who have a history of trauma or abuse. Having trouble coping with everyday stress can also increase the risk.

When you enter a San Juan Capistrano dual diagnosis treatment plan at Ocean Hills Recovery, you will receive the proper care you need to successfully treat both conditions simultaneously.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Ocean Hills Recovery

Dual diagnosis treatment can include a variety of different treatments. Each patient will be assessed to determine the best course of action to help them receive the necessary treatment for their conditions.

At Ocean Hills Recovery, dual diagnosis can include a combination of the following treatments:

Therapy

Behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) have been shown to treat co-occurring disorders successfully. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches patients how to cope with and change ineffective thinking patterns. Dialectical behavioral therapy can help to reduce self-harm behaviors. Patients may also benefit from individual, group, and family therapies.

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. It can also boost their mood, helping to improve their mental health.

Medication

Medication can also be a part of a dual diagnosis treatment plan in San Juan Capistrano. It can 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

People receiving dual diagnosis treatment can take part in support groups. They provide patients with the emotional and social support needed to maintain sobriety. People get to interact with others who are going through the same experiences. They also get to hear success stories from those who are working to overcome their substance use disorder. This can give people the motivation they need to stay the course.

With the right treatment plan, people with a dual diagnosis can recover and learn how to live happy and productive lives. At Ocean Hills Recovery, we provide the tools patients need to thrive during their recovery and once they leave the program. We provide after-care planning so patients can continue on their path to recovery.

Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Improved Quality of Life

People who receive dual diagnosis treatment will see 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. They will see their mental health improve as their mood is enhanced without the use of substances.

Improved Mental & Physical Health

People who receive dual diagnosis treatment often see an improvement in their mental and 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 they are using these substances. As people learn to care for their bodies and receive the proper nutrition, rest, and exercise, their physical and mental health improves.

Coping Skills

Coping skills are a significant benefit of a dual diagnosis treatment. Patients learn how to avoid triggers that can lead to relapse. These coping skills also aid their mental health because they are no longer using substances that can lead to depression, anxiety, and other conditions.

Ocean Hills Recovery

People in the San Juan Capistrano area can receive dual diagnosis treatment at Ocean Hills Recovery to help them deal with their substance use disorder and mental health conditions simultaneously. Our team of trusted professionals helps patients to understand their conditions and learn what they need to succeed.

To learn more about how a dual diagnosis treatment program at Ocean Hills Recovery can help you, call us today or reach out to us online.