Mental Health Substance Abuse Treatment Centers

On their own, mental health disorders and substance use disorders can be difficult to treat.  When these disorders occur together, referred to as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders, treatment can become even more challenging.  The difficulty is attempting to determine which of the two disorders emerged first, identifying the other disorder occurring as a secondary condition.  It is helpful to have this “starting point” information when it comes to creating the most efficacious treatment plan for the particular dual diagnosis.

Neither disorder can be successfully ameliorated without the other being treated at the same time.  To only address the mood disorder, for example, would be a fool’s errand without the substance abuse also being treated.  The same applies to treating only the substance use disorder and delaying treatment for a co-occurring mental health disorder—they must be treated simultaneously for the best recovery outcome.  To accomplish this, Mental Health Substance Abuse Treatment Centers have emerged in recent years as a specialty field in addiction treatment.

About Co-Occurring Disorders

It is not uncommon for individuals with a substance use disorder to also have a coexisting mental health condition, or vice versa.  According to statistics provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 7.9 million Americans suffer from a dual diagnosis.  However, many addiction treatment programs are not equipped to manage the mental health aspect of the individual’s dual diagnosis, so they either do not receive appropriate integrated treatment or cannot locate a specialized mental health and substance abuse treatment center.

There are certain combinations of the two disorders that are more prevalent.  These include:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD and anxiety disorders with alcohol abuse or benzodiazepine abuse
• Depression with alcohol abuse. Rehab for depression and addiction together will improve chances of staying sober following treatment.
• Bipolar Disorder (BD) with alcohol abuse or cocaine abuse (depends on if the individual is in a manic or depressive phase of the BD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with marijuana abuse or alcohol abuse

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

Because of the different combinations of co-occurring disorders as well as the many shades and unique features of each, effective treatment for the dual diagnosis begins with a thorough physical and psychiatric evaluation and assessment, both the presenting and histories of each.  From there a highly individualized treatment plan can be created that will involve various treatment modalities that are combined as a customized integrated intervention. These treatment elements might include:

• Detox and withdrawal.  Before treatment can begin the individual must first eliminate the chemical toxins from the body through a detoxification process.  This typically takes 5-7 days and is best undergone in an inpatient medically supervised detox program
• Psychotherapy.  Individual and group therapy by clinicians who specialize in treating co-occurring disorders is intrinsic to recovery.  The most effective modality for dual diagnosis is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is an evidence-based treatment that has been shown to effectively treat both substance abuse and mental health disorders by helping the individual change irrational thought and behavioral patterns.  
• Medication management.  A dual diagnosis may necessitate the need for both an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication as well as an opioid antagonist or partial opioid agonist such as Suboxone or Naltrexone.  The psychotropic medications target the mental health disorder and the opioid antagonist help reduce drug or alcohol cravings. Together the medications can treat both diagnoses, improving the chances for a successful recovery.
• Recovery support groups.  Success in recovery does not end with a stint in an inpatient or outpatient dual diagnosis program.  Aftercare is an important aspect of recovery and should be a part of the comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment plan.  Aftercare includes regular active participation in a recovery community, such as a 12-step or non 12-step program, ongoing outpatient group and individual counseling, and a few months in a sober living environment.
  

Solutions 4 Recovery Mental Health Substance Abuse Treatment Centers

Solutions 4 Recovery offers specialized Mental Health Substance Abuse Treatment Centers in California.  The clinical staff is extensively trained in effectively integrating multi-modal treatment elements specifically for the dual diagnosis client.  Solutions 4 Recovery also provides supportive outpatient care following the completion of the dual diagnosis inpatient program. For more information about our expert dual diagnosis treatment program, please contact Solutions 4 Recovery today at (888) 417-1874