–Tess Callahan
Dual diagnosis refers to having both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. This is a common diagnosis, as half of people who experience a substance use disorder during their lives will also have a mental illness and vice versa. Because one disorder can mask or exacerbate the symptoms of the other, it’s often difficult to determine which came first. Fortunately, dual diagnosis treatment addresses both disorders simultaneously.
Lotus Recovery offers dual diagnosis treatment in Thousand Oaks, CA. We understand that individuals are unique beings who come from their own set of experiences. This is why we take the time to understand each individual and how we can support their journey to recovery. Treating dual diagnosis does have its challenges, but with the right support, you can overcome both conditions and rediscover your true self.
Why Do Mental Health Disorders and Substance Use Occur Together?
Even though there is a strong correlation between mental health and substance use, this does not mean that one illness caused the other—even if one condition did appear first. Instead, there are a number of factors that must be considered, including your genetics, environment and life experiences.
Some evidence shows that addiction and mental illnesses are caused by underlying brain deficits, genetic influences and/or exposure to trauma. In fact, roughly 40-60 percent of a person’s vulnerability to addiction stems from their genetics. However, your genetic makeup isn’t the only thing that impacts your risk for dual diagnosis. Environmental influences, stress and trauma all play a role as well.
Now, let’s say that you are experiencing depression. It runs in your family, and so you are predisposed to it genetically and have witnessed it in your everyday life. Depression, like other disorders, are established risk factors for substance use. When you’re feeling down or worthless, you’re more likely to reach for a drink or an illicit substance to dull the pain and quiet your mind.
As you continue to use drugs or alcohol, changes occur in the brain that can lead to mental illness. But since you are already dealing with depression, the changes happening in your brain exacerbate your symptoms and make you feel worse. To cope with the pain, you turn even more towards drugs or alcohol. It’s a destructive cycle that’s almost impossible to break on your own. Fortunately, you do not have to do this alone.
What are the Signs of a Dual Diagnosis?
The signs and symptoms of dual diagnosis vary depending on the mental illness you have and the substances you are using. However, many of the symptoms are the same across the board, as addiction is still a disease that affects people in similar ways, regardless of the substance itself.
The signs and symptoms of a potential dual diagnosis are:
- Trouble controlling substance use
- Strong cravings
- Risky behavior
- Abrupt personality changes
- Social isolation
- Financial or legal troubles
- Physical tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Eating/sleeping problems
- Inability to function in daily life
- Unexplained pain
- Exaggerated emotions and expressions
Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Thousand Oaks
Lotus Recovery knows that the most beautiful experiences come from the darkest places. That’s why we chose the name we did! The lotus flower plunges into life from beneath the mud, giving us hope that we can do the same. Your experiences are a part of your story, but they do not define you.
As a dual diagnosis treatment center, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care in a compassionate setting that lets you learn and grow, free of judgment. It can be more challenging to treat multiple conditions at one time, but dual diagnosis treatment is highly effective and leads to the best outcomes.
Depending on your substance use and mental illness, your treatment plan may include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Support groups
- Introduction to the 12 steps
- Life skills education
- Holistic therapies
- Medications (if needed)
Lotus Recovery provides a safe environment for individuals with dual diagnosis to heal from their conditions and rebuild their lives.
By focusing on one step at a time, you can begin the healing process and make positive changes in your life. Contact us today to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment center near you in Thousand Oaks, CA.
