What are the Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual diagnosis treatment is designed for individuals who are struggling with a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder that may or may not be the result of addiction.

At Starbridge Recovery, we help our clients determine the root cause of their addiction and address any additional mental health concerns on our luxury campus. We support each individual with a personalized treatment plan that is designed to address their specific mental, physical, and emotional needs.

What Does Co-Occurring Disorders Mean?

Co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis disorders exist when an individual is struggling with a substance use disorder and an additional mental health disorder. This can occur naturally, as a symptom of drug use, or as a result of self-medicating.

Unfortunately, co-occurring disorders are common and can lead to increased risks. Individuals who struggle with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder are at a higher risk of severe or intense reactions, overdose and suicide, and are more likely to develop an addiction more quickly.

What are Common Co-Occurring Disorders?

Common co-occurring disorders can be directly connected to the drug being abused, or totally unrelated. They can occur naturally or as a symptom of the substance abused. The most common dual diagnosis disorders are anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, other mood disorders, personality disorders, and disorders related to trauma and PTSD.

Stimulant use is often directly connected with increased levels of anxiety and mood and personality disorders. Scientists believe this is due to the impact that stimulants have on the central nervous system and the symptoms that can result in jitteriness and psychosis.

Depressants are often connected with depression and bipolar disorder. Depressants can cause an individual who is already struggling with depression or intense mood swings to feel even more intensive depression or mimic a mood swing that makes a person feel depressed.

Individuals who experience PTSD and trauma often use substances to forget, which can lead more quickly to addiction and increases the risk of retraumatization or suicidal thoughts.

What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual diagnosis treatment is the treatment of both the substance use disorder and the additional mental health concern at the same time.

At a dual diagnosis rehab, individuals go through detoxification from the substance and any medications related to the mental health disorder. Medical professionals evaluate and monitor necessary medication and support individuals through the withdrawal process, which can be more intense due to the additional stress of a second mental health disorder.

Clients can begin the treatment process following detoxification and regulation of necessary medication. This will be specialized to help individuals manage both the substance use disorder and address the specific concerns of the additional disorder. Through individualized, group, and even family therapy, clients can learn to manage both disorders in a substance-free way.

After completing a dual diagnosis treatment program, clients are often recommended to continue aftercare treatment through a licensed clinician outpatient treatment program. Because dual diagnosis places additional stress on the system, having structured and planned follow-up care can help prevent relapse, continue supportive therapies, and provide oversight throughout the recovery process.

What are the Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual diagnosis rehab offers multiple benefits for clients who are struggling with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. Clients who receive treatment for their co-occurring disorders simultaneously have higher sobriety rates, more stable mental health outcomes, and can live happier, healthier lives when using the skills and tips provided in dual diagnosis treatment.

While this does not mean that slips or relapses won’t occur, an individual who has the opportunity to learn to manage both disorders at the same time are more likely to be successful in stressful situations and triggering events, especially with thorough and continued aftercare treatment.

How to Find Dual Diagnosis Rehab

While dual diagnosis rehab is not hard to find in Southern California, expert professional care in a luxury dual diagnosis facility is. But have no fear. At Starbridge Recovery, we are here to address your specific mental health needs in a comprehensive detox and addiction treatment center. Our luxury residential facility is designed to support clients through the beginning steps of addiction treatment and provide organized and structured treatment for individuals struggling with dual diagnosis disorders.
Contact an admissions counselor to see if our comprehensive treatment is right for you.