Pacific Bay Recovery provides comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment for individuals who struggle with both a substance use disorder and a coexisting mental health disorder. SAMSHA describes dual diagnosis as a complex and prevalent condition that impacts about 25% of those battling addiction. Individuals with dual diagnosis are advised to seek specialty dual diagnosis treatment centers San Diego where both conditions will be treated together.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis involves the complex interplay between substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health challenge. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 8 million Americans struggle with a dual diagnosis.
In diagnosing and treating individuals with dual diagnosis, it is sometimes difficult to discern which disorder originated first. For example, someone battling depression might decide to self-medicate the symptoms by misusing drugs or alcohol. As a result, eventually they develop a substance use disorder, too. Conversely, a person who regularly abuses alcohol and becomes alcoholic may develop depression as a result of the consequences caused by drinking.
Regardless of the order of onset of each disorder, a dual diagnosis treatment program provides specialized care and support.
Signs of a Dual Diagnosis
The presenting symptoms of a dual diagnosis reflect the dominant disorder, and are influenced by the specific substance and mental health condition involved. For these reasons, the symptoms of dual diagnosis disorder are wide-ranging and diverse.
When substance abuse is paired with a mental health challenge, one disorder amplifies the symptoms of the other. However, there are some general signs and symptoms that are common with a dual diagnosis, including:
- Engaging in erratic, impulsive, high-risk behaviors
- Cognitive impairments
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Declining performance at work or school
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Inability to maintain healthy relationships
- Sudden personality changes
- Mood swings
- Mismanagement of personal finances
- Difficulty managing responsibilities and daily obligations
- Avoiding social events, isolating behaviors
- Having thoughts of suicide and death
- Mounting legal problems
- Being non-compliant with mental health treatment
- Exhibiting signs of withdrawal symptoms
Examples of Common Dual Diagnoses
Our experienced treatment team at Pacific Bay Recovery has found there are certain combinations of co-occurring disorders that are more prevalent. The most common dual diagnoses include:
- Alcohol use disorder with depression
- Alcohol use disorder with anxiety disorder
- Marijuana use disorder with social anxiety disorder
- Benzodiazepine use disorder with anxiety disorder
- Alcohol use disorder with PTSD
- Opioid use disorder with PTSD
- Cocaine use disorder with anxiety disorders
- Heroin use disorder with depression
Medical and psychosocial interventions
Pacific Bay Recovery dual diagnosis treatment centers San Diego provides evidence based-treatment that encompasses both medical and psychosocial interventions:
- Medication. The medial aspect involves the use of medications to help manage symptoms of a mental health disorder. Medication may in some cases also be warranted for managing early addiction recovery, including naltrexone, methadone, or buprenorphine.
- Psychosocial. The psychosocial aspect assists the individual in changing dysfunctional thought patterns that have kept them stuck in substance abuse. This involves participation in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other behavioral therapies.
Psychosocial interventions help the individual:
- Improve overall functioning
- Engage in recovery activities
- Improving interpersonal functioning
- Establish a structured daily routine
- Increase the motivation to make fundamental change
- Reduce the risk of relapse
Dual Diagnosis Treatment San Diego
Dual diagnosis features many complexities, creating unique challenges in treatment. At Pacific Bay Recovery, treatment involves a full spectrum of therapeutic interventions that work together in an integrated approach. These treatment elements include:
Medical Detox. To launch the recovery process, the individual ceases all substance use, allowing the substance to be purged from the body. During the medical detox process, withdrawal symptoms are managed with both medication and psychological support.
Individual Psychotherapy. Therapy is an essential core element for treating both disorders. The therapist guides the individual in examining any sources of emotional pain or trauma that may be factors. CBT helps shift maladaptive behaviors when encountering triggers, toward positive, productive behavioral responses.
Group Counseling. A core aspect of both addiction and mental health recovery is the use of small groups to open up discussions. In group therapy or family therapy, a therapist introducing topics pertaining to recovery and facilitates the conversation. These discussions allow individuals to share their personal experiences and fears in a safe, nonjudgmental space.
Medication Management. Medications for the mental health disorder and/or the alcoholism may include, for example, antidepressants and naltrexone.
Relapse Prevention. Individuals create a personalized and detailed relapse prevention strategy by identifying specific triggers or situations that could lead to relapse.
Holistic Activities. Rounding out the dual diagnosis rehab program, holistic methods provide helpful new coping techniques through relaxation. These include guided meditation, massage therapy, acupuncture, and yoga.
Reinforcing Recovery After Dual Diagnosis Treatment
After completing the inpatient dual diagnosis program at Pacific Bay Recovery, you will be guided toward valuable aftercare activities. These help to solidify the progress made in treatment and thereby reduce the risk of relapse. They include:
- Recovery Community. Joining a local A.A. group or a similar type of recovery community can provide several social support resources. Members can offer each other encouragement at or after the meetings, and sponsors are available to offer additional support if desired.
- Outpatient Rehab. Stepping down to an outpatient program offers tremendous benefits in recovery, especially during the first year. People are often surprised at the challenges or issues that can emerge in the early months of recovery that can threaten sobriety. Outpatient services offer the additional support to succeed.
- Sober Living. A sober living environment provides a safe, substance-free living space shared with others in recovery. Fellow residents become an important source of support and accountability during the early months of recovery.
- Support Network. Develop a small but mighty support network, such as a trusted friend, colleague, or family members who are there for you. These are individuals who care about your recovery success and provide the needed emotional support.
Start Your Recovery Today
Pacific Bay Recovery is a leading dual diagnosis treatment center in San Diego. For more information, please reach out today at 866-511-2610 or fill out our contact form.
