Benefits in Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
As a dual-diagnosis treatment center in Agoura Hills, we are well-equipped and properly trained to manage clients who, in addition to their addictions, are experiencing mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a multitude of other personality disorders. At Ohana Recovery, our clinicians are all trained in working with clients who have co-occurring disorders. People who suffer from dual-diagnosis should seek help from a recovery center that offers the resources and expertise needed to provide the right care for their unique disorder. Without treating both disorders, it will be that much more difficult to overcome an addiction in the long run.
A person who is diagnosed with dual-diagnosis has both a mental health disorder as well a substance use disorder. Mental health disorders can include depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, panic disorders, etc. The combination of both disorders must be dealt with differently than with someone who is only experiencing addiction problems, which can make the rehabilitation process slightly more complex. If these conditions are not treated properly, it can be difficult to fully recover from either disorder because with the combination of the two, there is an increased risk for adverse health effects.
Dual-diagnosis treatment combines the most successful aspects of substance abuse and mental health care. Substance abuse is typically driven by an underlying psychiatric disorder; therefore, having co-occurring disorders is relatively common. Although these disorders often occur together, it does not necessarily mean that one caused the other.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, there are three possibilities as to why these disorders commonly occur together. The first is that there are common risk factors that contribute to both mental health disorders and substance use disorders, and these include stress, trauma, and genetics. The second possibility is that mental disorders can contribute to drug use and substance use disorder because those with mental health disorders may attempt to use substances to feel better from their condition, which may lead to an addiction. The last possibility is that addiction can contribute to the development of a mental health disorder. The substances that are being abused have a major effect on a person’s brain, which can cause a person to develop a mental disorder.
A person who is experiencing dual-diagnosis must be treated properly for both conditions from a rehab that offers dual- diagnosis treatment programs. For the best possible chance of making a full recovery, the care should include both substance abuse specialists and mental health professionals to ensure both aspects of the diagnosis are being treated properly. It is also important to include elements of psychotherapy, which plays a key role in treating co-occurring disorders. Psychotherapists may also prescribe medication that is necessary for clients with dual-diagnosis. Another aspect of dual- diagnosis treatment is therapy that enables the client to make choices. Decision making is a necessary skill that people with co-occurring disorders may have a difficult time with, therefore it is imperative to focus on this in therapy.
