Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in Los Angeles, California

Dual diagnosis treatment includes a plan for co-occurring mental disorders and substance use disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about half of all people with an addiction have at least one mental disorder. However, each case differs in terms of which disorder occurred first.

While dual diagnosis disorders include many conditions, mental condition symptoms can also cause addictions. For instance, a person might self-medicate for depression by drinking alcohol. They can become dependent on alcohol while their depression goes untreated. Substance use disorders can cause symptoms of depression and anxiety. Thus, treating both disorders at the same time has proven to be successful. 

Risk factors for dual diagnosis disorders include the following:

• Growing up in poverty
• Veterans and first responders
• Those affected by chronic illness or pain  
• Genetics and biological factors
• Disruptive home environment
• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• History of trauma and/or abuse

Dual diagnosis treatment in Los Angeles, California includes in-depth education. As such, clients discover how beliefs and thought processes add to both conditions.

Signs and Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis

Symptoms of mental conditions can become worse with a substance use disorder. Likewise, symptoms of a substance use disorder can be more difficult to treat with a co-occurring mental disorder.

Dual diagnosis treatment in California allows staff to separate the signs and symptoms for successful treatment. Experiencing two or more disorders at the same time proves difficult. For instance, it is harder to know which diagnosis produces each symptom.

For this reason, our dual diagnosis treatment includes the assessment of risk factors such as:

• Trouble thinking and controlling emotions
• Sudden changes in mood or behaviors
• Excessive feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worry, and shame 
• Suicidal ideations or behaviors
• Engaging in risky behaviors when drinking or using drugs
• Increased tolerance for drugs and alcohol
• Having withdrawal symptoms when no longer using or drinking
• “Needing” drugs or alcohol to feel normal 
• Isolating and withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss of interest in hobbies and preferred activities
• Continued alcohol or drug use despite negative consequences
• Using drugs or alcohol to numb emotions or block thoughts

When a person displays these signs and symptoms, they need dual diagnosis treatment.

Our Los Angeles, California dual diagnosis rehab recognizes the importance of treating both mental health conditions and addictions at the same time for the best results in ones recovery. In addition, treatment for dual diagnosis disorders needs to consider the factors that contribute to the diagnosis.

Each treatment could involve both medication and therapies. This method of treatment must be selected separately for each case. In other words, there are no one-size-fits-all treatments for dual diagnosis disorders. Assessment tools are also used to correctly identify potential disorders.

Treating mental health and substance use disorders at the same time allows for faster healing times. In addition, it leads to a better outcome for sobriety. Therapy can uncover the underlying causes of the addiction. It also helps clients develop healthy and positive coping skills.

Individual treatment plans are made after a thorough evaluation of a dual diagnosis disorder. Dual diagnosis treatment centers in Los Angeles, California use medication and therapy to achieve sobriety. 

The following steps occur while treating dual diagnosis disorders:

Detox

Detox is the first treatment step to overcome withdrawal symptoms of addiction. Continual medical monitoring during detox takes place by medical professionals for about one to two weeks.  

Inpatient Rehab

Following detox, inpatient rehab offers a secure and supportive setting for treatment. In addition, a client has ongoing support and help. With inpatient rehab, all types of medication, therapy, medical services, and mental health treatments are available.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps to identify underlying causes and factors of a dual diagnosis disorder. The theory behind CBT is that a client’s thoughts influence feelings and behaviors. Thus, by replacing unhealthy thoughts and beliefs, a client can also change their behaviors. CBT helps clients develop positive coping skills for their symptoms.

CBT is also the basis for most therapies offered during dual diagnosis treatment in Tarzana.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Some clients struggle to feel motivated to make positive changes in their lives. They might not follow their treatment if they don’t feel motivated themselves. However, motivational interviewing (MI) helps to motivate clients to stick to their treatment plans.

MI uses the following steps to help a client feel motivated for their recovery:

• Engaging: Discussions of hope, beliefs, and thoughts to develop trust with a therapist
• Focusing: Identifying negative behaviors that need to be recognized and changed
• Evoking: Using encouraging language to increase understanding and change
• Planning: Setting goals and making plans to achieve them

Often, people feel their motivation for treatment comes from others. They might feel pressured to make changes in life, yet don’t really feel the need themselves. MI helps a client find the reasons why treatment is important to them.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) used to treat certain mental conditions and addictions. DBT is one of the best treatments for borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, DBT is also helpful with other mental health conditions associated with a dual diagnosis disorder.

DBT helps with unique mental health symptoms, such as:

• “All-or-nothing” thinking
• Trust and relationship issues
• Self-harming behaviors
• Emotional regulation

These issues can cause a person to use drugs or alcohol to cope. However, DBT will teach them healthy ways to cope with these symptoms.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

REBT focuses on identifying irrational beliefs and changing them into rational beliefs using self-awareness. These irrational beliefs often lead to self-destructive behaviors, such as substance use. Thus, by changing these beliefs, a client can develop a healthy outlook on life.

Family and Group Therapy

A combination of family and group therapies can help to form healthy relationships and support from others. Both peers in treatment and family members are vital to building support systems. As a result, clients have better outcomes in recovery when they feel supported.