What is dual diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis treatment, also known as co-occurring disorders, is a method used for a patient diagnosed with both a mental disorder and an addiction. Nearly 8.9 million Americans are affected by co-occurring mental health disorders and substance use disorders. Dual diagnosis treatment was invented in the early 1990’s for people experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder. Before dual diagnosis, patients with a mental health disorder were treated individually from those seeking help for substance abuse. Mental health diseases, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, panic disorder, and OCD often overlap with addiction. Underlying mental health disorders are often the driving force of substance abuse. Dual diagnosis treatment blends the most successful aspects of mental health care and substance abuse recovery. Research continues to reveal that people with co-occurring disorders require a specialized form of treatment including dual diagnosis treatment. Today dual diagnosis recovery blends the most successful aspects of mental health care and substance abuse treatment. It’s crucial to treat co-occurring disorders together because both disorders play off of each other. As opposed to separating psychiatric health and addiction they are treated as a continuum.
Signs and symptoms of a person suffering from addiction include:
- Struggling to keep up with work or school
- Staying up late at night and sleeping during the day
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Extreme or high-risk behavior
- Expressing guilt or regret about compulsive behavior
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
Symptoms and signs of a person struggling with mental illness are:
- Dramatic changes in energy
- Following complicated rituals
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Isolation
- Difficulty motioning obligations such as work or school
- Expressed feelings of despair, hopelessness, and worthlessness
At Silicon Beach Outpatient we offer specialized treatment for patients suffering from a co-occurring disorder with our treatment program. Therapies at our IOP and OP in Los Angeles include trauma therapy, relapse prevention, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family systems, and 12-step program. If you or a loved one are suffering from a co-occurring disorder contact us today at 310.846.8215.
