What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual Diagnosis, otherwise known as Co-Occurring Disorders, is the term used to describe a situation when an individual struggling with a substance abuse disorder also has a mental illness. At Opus Health, we use dual diagnosis treatment to help you treat your mental health disorder without the use of dangerous substances.
The term Dual Diagnosis can pertain to a broad spectrum of mental illnesses and addictions. Whether the addiction or mental illness becomes present first, the two can often be seen hand-in-hand. Substance misuse can worsen mental disorders. Additionally, some people who experience mild to severe mental illnesses can turn to drugs or alcohol in attempts to cope– hence, a vicious cycle can begin.
When you arrive at our drug treatment center, you will be surrounded by knowledgeable staff who’s one desire is to help you transition from drug or alcohol addiction to lasting sobriety.
Because many of our treatment team have firsthand experience with addiction, we are able to relate to the devastation addiction caused for you and your loved ones. We focus on what’s important, without judgment, so our clients can pour all their available resources into recovery from addiction.
Reach out and take the first step. Speak directly to a professional
Symptoms Of Dual Diagnosis
It’s important that only a licensed medical professional diagnose a mental health or substance use disorder. At Opus Health, we understand it can be common for some of our patients to have some level of Dual Diagnosis. We use professional, medical diagnosis to fully identify a co-occurring disorder. Our clinical team is equipped to address the main struggles of those in our care who may have specific needs in this case.
Signs of Dual Diagnosis:
- Using drugs or alcohol to escape mental or emotional struggle
- Extreme mood changes/ Irritability
- Purposefully withdrawing from friends, family, and loved ones
- Delusions or sensory experiences (hallucinations) that are not shared by others
- Consistent struggle to keep one’s job, pay rent, or maintain stable relationships
- Shows feelings of despair, hopelessness, or extreme outrage for several weeks in a row
Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment Right for Me?
At Opus Health, we understand Dual diagnosis treatment is essential for anyone who has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. It is important to get help for both of the issues, not just address one of them.
If you have been previously diagnosed with a co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder, then dual diagnosis treatment is right for you. Additionally, to be sure, you can:
- Speak with your primary care provider
- Speak with a licensed mental health professional
- Talk to a representative of Opus Health
Common Disorders in Dual Diagnosis:
No two mental illnesses are exactly alike, just as no addiction looks the same for every addict. Treatment for Dual Diagnosis is individualized for the patient and his specific history, condition, and psychiatric needs.
We take serious consideration and care when working with patients to meet the best possible treatment modalities for their recovery.
- Mood disorders, such as bipolar or depression
- Personality disorders, such as borderline, narcissistic personality, or antisocial disorder
- Attention deficit disorders: ADD or ADHD
- Anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Treatment Options
Co-occurring disorders are taken seriously. We work with all Dual Diagnosis patients to the best of our ability, at their own pace. Different diagnoses can require the following treatments:
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Family Therapy
Read More Related Blogs
Opus Health is different than other drug & alcohol treatment centers in Orange County, California.
We believe in the full-integrated recovery of each individual. We specialize in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), psychological & psychiatric care, daily doctor’s visits, and ongoing support from staff.
We ensure each patient in our care has the chance to see a full recovery from beginning to long-term sobriety. Our Costa Mesa Rehab Center can help you recover from addiction.
