Dual Diagnosis Treatment Pasadena

Annandale Behavioral Health is an addiction recovery center that offers specialized treatment for dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis refers to individuals who have both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. Dual diagnosis is best treated through an integrated rehab program that features expertise in the treatment of co-occurring conditions. Residential dual diagnosis treatment in Pasadena provides the appropriate level of care for individuals with co-occurring disorders.

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Understanding Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis is a condition that involves an individual experiencing a substance use disorder and a comorbid psychiatric disorder. Each of these conditions separately is challenging, but when both are present at once it can create a more complex path to treatment and recovery.

About half of those who struggle with substance use disorder have a co-occurring mental health challenge. The mental health disorders that commonly co-occur with addiction include depression, anxiety, PTSD, borderline and antisocial personality disorders, and psychotic disorders.

Research has shown that it is most effective to treat both co-occurring disorders at the same time, versus at separate intervals. The consensus is that sustained recovery is not possible if one of the disorders remains unaddressed or treated. Dual diagnosis treatment in Pasadena provides the expertise needed to achieve the most promising recovery outcomes.

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What Causes Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis can be caused by either the mental health disorder or the substance abuse appearing first. When treating a dual diagnosis it helps to know the order of onset, if only to determine a possible causal link.

However, while one disorder may lead to the other, this relationship isn’t always causal. In some cases, certain risk factors may lead to both disorders surfacing. The risk factors for dual diagnosis include:

Family history. A genetic mutation passed down from one generation to another can result in mental health and substance use disorders to run in families.
Self-medication. Individuals who struggle with a mental health disorder may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to numb the symptoms. Prolonged self-medication using a substance may eventually result in co-occurring substance use disorder.
Substance abuse. The effects of drugs and alcohol on brain structures and functioning may result in a comorbid mental health issue. Also, the negative consequences of addiction can become overwhelming, resulting in anxiety or depression.

Signs of Dual Diagnosis

Each person’s dual diagnosis symptoms reflect the specific combination of disorders involved. For example, someone with anxiety disorder and benzodiazepine addiction will have different symptoms that a person with bipolar disorder and alcoholism.

There are some common signs and symptoms that someone may be struggling with a dual diagnosis. These include:

Changes in usual habits and behaviors
Mood swings
Withdrawing socially
Sleep disruption
Impulsive behavior
Loss of interest in daily life
Decline in work performance
Suicidal thoughts

About Dual Diagnosis Treatment Pasadena

It can be somewhat challenging to accurately differentiate between similar symptoms of multiple mental health disorders. A careful assessment process is absolutely essential in identifying the disorders correctly so a tailored recovery plan is designed.

Because there are so many possible combinations, it is critical that the diagnostic process is thorough. Correctly diagnosing the co-occurring disorders is an essential first step in the treatment of a dual diagnosis.

To accomplish this, the clinician uses a variety of assessment methods. These include a detailed interview, review of mental health history, review of substance use history, and various assessment tools.

Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs

Because the relapse rate is high for individuals with a dual diagnosis, it is important to access treatment at a rehab that specializes in co-occurring disorders. These programs utilize various types of expertise, such as medical physicians, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and addiction counselors.

An integrated treatment program ensures that all aspects of each disorder are adequately addressed and treated. Treatment of one disorder at a time is not nearly as effective as tackling both disorders simultaneously.

This is because the two disorders may be triggered by each other, so identifying the specific triggers is key. This helps psychotherapists to focus in on the specific maladaptive thought/behavior patterns that are predominant in the dual diagnosis. Once identified, therapy is tailored to guide the person toward adopting new healthy responses to triggers.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Pasadena

Annandale Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment program in Pasadena that is customized to the specific combination of co-occurring disorders.

Medical Detox. In many dual diagnosis cases, the first step in recovery involves detox and withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms vary in intensity based on the specific substance use disorder, history of addiction, and prior detox attempts.

Psychotherapy. During one-to-one psychotherapy sessions, licensed therapists guide individuals in identifying the maladaptive behaviors that require change using cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based therapies.

Group Therapy. Group therapy sessions provide a safe space where individuals in recovery receive support from both a licensed therapist and their peers.

Medication Management. Medication may be helpful for treating and managing the mental health disorder and/or the substance use disorder.

Relapse Prevention. Relapse prevention planning helps to prepare individuals for recovery by teaching them how to manage stress and to recognize and avoid triggers.

12-Step Program. The 12-Step program is useful for individuals starting out their recovery journey.

Psychosocial. Individuals learn new interpersonal skills that help them develop better emotion regulation, conflict resolution, and communication techniques.

Holistic and Experiential. Holistic activities further enhance results by engaging the mind, body, and spirit. These activities include trauma-informed yoga, meditation, art and music therapy, grounding techniques, and breath work.

Health and Wellness. Integrating fitness and nutrition into the treatment process helps to restore overall health and wellness in recovery.

Aftercare Planning. Because relapse is more common among individuals with dual diagnosis, an aftercare strategy is included in the recovery planning. Actions that reinforce recovery include joining a recovery support group like A.A., engaging in alumni activities, and outpatient treatment.

Annandale Behavioral Health is a dual diagnosis treatment provider in Pasadena, California. For more information about our integrated addiction recovery program, please reach out today.