Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Patterson, CA

Dual diagnosis treatment in Patterson is a relatively new strategy. Mental health conditions are the number one cause of addiction, but the relationship between mental health disorders and substance abuse goes even deeper than simple one-way cause and effect. Substance abuse can worsen existing mental health conditions or even uncover dormant mental health disorders.

It is estimated that roughly 14 million Americans suffer from both an addiction and mental health disorder at the same time. Statistics indicate that one third of alcoholics and half of all drug abusers have at least one serious mental health disorder. Two thirds of individuals who suffer from a mental health disorder will abuse one or more substances during their lifetime. In short, the link between mental health disorders and addiction is strong.

The combination of chemical dependency and a mental health condition is often referred to as dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis treatment in Patterson is designed for individuals in this situation. Skilled professionals in dual diagnosis treatment in Patterson understand that treating just addiction or just a mental health condition in a person with a dual diagnosis is not effective. Both conditions must be treated at the same time to offer the best long-term opportunity for recovery and healthy living.

Common Dual Diagnosis Rehab Conditions

Dual diagnosis is a very broad term referring to someone who experiences mental illness and substance abuse at the same time. Dual diagnosis can range from someone developing mild depression because of binge drinking to someone abusing heroin because of underlying bipolar disorder. Mental illness may precipitate substance abuse or substance abuse may precipitate the development of a mental health condition. While drug and alcohol problems can coexist with any mental health condition, they most often occur in conjunction with the following.

Depression and other mood disorders

Depression is the most common mental health disorder in the world. It is also the most undertreated mental health condition in the world. It is not surprising that the lack of adequate infrastructure for diagnosing and treating depression results in many individuals seeking relief from substances of abuse. Dual diagnosis treatment programs in Patterson often specialize specifically in the treatment of comorbid depression and substance abuse.

Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Roughly 20% of individuals with anxiety also have a substance abuse disorder and fully 25% of individuals who seek treatment for OCD abuse one or more substances. Substance use not only provides relief from anxiety and the relentless obsessions of OCD, but can also become a compulsion in people prone to compulsive behavior. These individuals benefit greatly from dual diagnosis treatment programs.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is characterized by scattered thoughts, delusions, and frightening hallucinations. It is also an exceptionally difficult condition to treat. Anyone suffering from schizophrenia and a substance abuse will require care in a specialized dual diagnosis treatment program.

Personality disorders

Personality disorders are often associated with anxiety and risk-taking behavior. Drug and alcohol addiction in Patterson are not only a byproduct of this anxiety, but also feed into the substantial impairment that these individuals face. Dual diagnosis rehab is critical for these individuals.

Why Are Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs Necessary?

Unfortunately, only about 7.5% of individuals with a dual diagnosis will receive appropriate treatment. This sad situation occurs because few treatment centers specialize in dual diagnosis treatment. Research reveals that people with a dual diagnosis require specialized treatment from integrated dual diagnosis treatment programs. Studies indicate that separately treating a mental health condition apart from its coexisting substance abuse disorder can alienate individuals from treatment and result in poor outcomes.

It should not be surprising that many illegal drugs can be effective in reducing the symptoms of mental health conditions. Effects that illegal drugs have are similar to the effects of many prescription medications. Alcohol, for instance, can act like a benzodiazepine (e.g. Xanax) to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Same effect can be achieved with marijuana. Heroin and other opiates can dull pain and help to reduce the racing thoughts experienced by people with bipolar disorder and other forms of mania.

Unfortunately, illicit drugs have myriad negative side effects that overwhelm their positive attributes. Additionally, it is well known among mental health professionals that medication alone is almost never enough to treat a mental health condition. Rather, a combination of medications and behavioral and psychological therapy are necessary to achieve long-term positive outcomes.

To fully prepare our patients for returning to their original environment, we also provide programs for relapse prevention in Patterson. Dual diagnosis treatment in Patterson is a specialized program designed to correctly identify and treat both addiction and associated mental health conditions.

Call Patterson Drug Rehab Centers today at (877) 804-1531 to get the help that you need.