Treatment for Dual Diagnosis

Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment for Dual Diagnosis

Many individuals who struggle with a substance use disorder may have a co-occurring mental health disorder. When two disorders coexist, it is referred to as a dual diagnosis. The existence of a dual diagnosis creates a more enhanced, even erratic, overall version of a substance use disorder. This is because the substance abuse exacerbates the symptoms of the mental health issue, and the mental health disorder can lead to increased dependence on a substance to manage the symptoms. This creates a revolving cycle where one disorder augments the effects of the other, which introduces a more complex clinical treatment challenge.

There is no agreement yet in the mental health profession regarding the significance behind the primary disorder, whether it is the substance use disorder or the mental health disorder. The co-occurring disorders can originate either way. For example, someone with depression may rely on alcohol to help mask the emotional pain of the depression. Eventually the alcohol use escalates and becomes the secondary condition, alcohol use disorder. On the other hand, someone with an alcohol addiction may begin to experience the destructive consequences of the disorder, which can result in depression.

Different Dual Diagnosis Combinations

There are certain combinations of co-occurring disorders that are more common. These include:

Treatment Elements For Dual Diagnosis

The objective for both outpatient and inpatient programming is to provide tools to help the client remain in sustained sobriety while managing the symptoms of the mental health disorder.

Detox and withdrawal

If the substance use disorder is the primary disorder, there is a good chance the client will need to first undergo a residential detox before beginning therapy. Detox involves a period when the body attempts to adjust to the absence of the substance while purging the residual toxins or chemicals related to the substance. This can result in unpleasant or painful withdrawal symptoms for a few days. The detox specialists will provide interventions as needed to help manage the withdrawal symptoms while guiding the client safely into treatment.

Therapy

Evidence-based psychotherapies are the centerpiece of addiction treatment and mental health treatment. The particular modalities will be selected according to the specific mental health diagnosis. Generally, clients will benefit from behavior-based therapies that guide them toward making lasting changes in negative thought and behavior patterns. Some of these therapies might include:

Capo by the Sea offers a specialized treatment for dual diagnosis for adults affected by psychological disorders that may require a psychologist’s oversight, as well as medication management. Dual Diagnosis or Co-Existing Disorders may encompass every aspect of the patient’s life.

Capo by the Sea has an extensive and successful history of treating those that are suffering from a Personality Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Dysfunctional Social Interactive Behavior Patterns, or any number of issues in addition to their addiction. The severity of one’s addiction, coupled with other psychological factors will be assessed and an individualized treatment plan will be developed for that particular patient. Learn more about our highly effective dual diagnosis program.

Something to Consider

One matter that is extremely important to consider in treatment for Dual Diagnosis is the particular personality of the patient. The presence of or susceptibility to a Personality or Brain Disorder when combined with alcohol and/or drug abuse is known as Dual Diagnosis.

Outpatient or Inpatient Treatment for Dual Diagnosis

The alcohol and/or drug treatment that we employ for patients with a Dual Diagnosis will be slightly different than in the case of solely drug or alcohol abuse treatment.

Call (888) 529-2114 to speak with a counselor about our Dual Diagnosis Treatment program.