Sometimes, when a person experiences a traumatic event or has a psychiatric disorder such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder and does not obtain proper treatment, they may be more prone to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. Vice versa, some drugs and also prolonged alcohol use can lead to psychiatric illnesses as well, like depression or mania.

benefits of dual diagnosis treatment

Why the Need to Seek Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual Diagnosis is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms often overlap. An estimated 7.9 million Americans suffer from both addiction and mental illness.

Although the short-term effects of illicit drug or alcohol use may mask the primary mental ailment, this overwhelmingly leads an already struggling person down a dangerous path of addiction.

Substance use becomes part of life, allowing individuals to function ‘normally.’ Beyond the standard substance abuse treatment options, a supportive and dedicated team, such as The Key Addiction Treatment Center in Santa Cruz, CA, can make a critical difference in understanding why one becomes addicted.

Our treatment program for Dual Diagnosis will address the root cause of your behavioral or mental health concerns, aligning you with the proper addiction treatment program for a smooth and lasting road to recovery.

Factors Contributing to Dual Diagnosis

  • Environmental Factors: Exposure to violence or traumatic events can result in substance abuse to “fix” trauma. The need to self-medicate, often with alcohol or drugs rather than seek professional medical help, contributes to Dual Diagnosis.

  • Biological Factors: Biological factors, also known as genetic factors, can contribute to a Dual Diagnosis. Being prone to substance abuse and mental health disorders can be dictated by genetic predisposition. In other words, it may run in the family.

  • Physical Factors: Physical factors can also contribute to Dual Diagnosis. Those who suffer from chronic pain or debilitating disease or are on chronic medications may find themselves prone to misuse as they have trouble coping with their health conditions.

  • Economic Factors: Losing a job or career or suffering hardships and financial issues can contribute to Dual Diagnosis. Those facing economic hardships tend to abuse drugs to ‘escape’ their sometimes harsh reality.

  • Psychological Factors: People with psychological disorders resort to substance abuse to feel better. IE, someone suffering from a loss cannot cope with their feelings. Those with mental health issues become addicted because they try to find a way to escape their mental pain.

image of the signs & symptoms of Dual Diagnosis Disorders

of Dual Diagnosis Disorders

Dual Diagnosis is a condition affecting millions of people all over the globe. However, it is a condition that is tough to spot and can affect anybody unknowingly. Besides the Dual Diagnosis being unpredictable, those surrounding the person can also fail to notice. However, there are signs and symptoms of Dual Diagnosis that might help you identify the condition, which includes:

Mood swings

Mood swings

Inability to control emotions

Inability to control emotions

Withdrawal from family and friends

Withdrawal from family and friends

Hallucinations and delusions

Hallucinations and delusions

Mistrust and paranoia, and secretiveness

Mistrust and paranoia, and secretiveness

Trouble concentrating

Trouble concentrating

Mental health issues causing substance abuse

Mental health issues causing substance abuse

Withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms

How is Dual Diagnosis Treated at The Key Addiction Treatment Center?

At The Key Addiction Treatment Center, when it comes to dual diagnosis treatment programs, we utilize a wide variety of evidence-based therapy approaches and support groups. Some of these therapeutic approaches and evidence-based treatment modalities within dual diagnosis treatment programs include:

  • Outpatient Treatment: For those who have gone through detox or treatment for substance addiction and/or mental health concerns that need continued support services in the outpatient setting.

  • Individual Therapy: Involves a session with a professional therapist who counsels the patient on a personal level.

  • Group therapy: Helps clients relate to each other and find strength in one another. They encourage one another, offering solace.

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Helps an individual identify and change behaviors/perceptions relating to substance abuse tied to mental health disorders such as depression, PTSD, anxiety and suicidal ideations.

  • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Provide various benefits, including a structured support system and continued addiction and mental health treatment.

What Mental Disorders Are Associated with Dual Diagnosis?

Dual Diagnosis differs depending on the individual. Some common mental health disorders include anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, trauma/PTSD, OCD, personality disorders, schizophrenia, ADHD, and eating disorders. Each of these mental health disorders calls for different methods of treating the underlying condition.

  • Personality Disorders: A personality disorder is a mental illness in which the person affected has a fixed and unhealthy way of thinking, behaving, and functioning. An equilibrium may be hard to find, so self-medication is a solution.

  • Anxiety Disorders: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorder is common and affects around 3.1 percent of Americans. People diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder are likely to use alcohol, opioids, and other drugs to curb anxiety.

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Primary symptoms of PTSD are nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, and stress due to uncontrollable thinking about a prior traumatic event.

  • Depression: Depression is expressed by consistently depressed moods, constant worry, and loss of interest in daily activities. Many result in substance abuse to escape the sequence of anxiety and mood loss they experience in their lives.

  • Bipolar Disorder: Heightened mood swings and manic episodes can leave those battling bipolar disorder to find a level playing field.

dual diagnosis treatment program in CA

Dual Diagnosis Treatment at The Key Addiction Treatment Center

We understand that Dual Diagnosis clients face enormous struggles with both substance use and symptoms of one or more psychological disorders. Our deep understanding and academic background uniquely position us to treat those with Dual Diagnosis. The Key Addiction Treatment Center sets itself apart by offering treatments and therapies designed to help break the often entangled mental illness and addiction cycle.

Each of our clients receives a personalized treatment plan that focuses on overcoming obstacles to recovery.

Dual Diagnosis clients have to understand how addiction and mental health disorders feed off of one another, it’s equally important that family members understand what their loved one is dealing with. Our family program brings siblings, spouses, parents and children closer together.

What Happens Next?

Every client is different, as is their journey to addiction and recovery. No matter your specific needs, our mission is to find the Dual Diagnosis treatment strategy that will most effectively address them.

Help is just a phone call away for you or a loved one who may have a mental health issue and is simultaneously self-medicating with drugs or alcohol. Contact our addiction care and mental health specialists, who will craft a customized rehab program tailored to your specific treatment needs. You can learn more about our programs by calling us at 831-484-4191

our mental health professionals can help you overcome addiction

Frequently Asked Questions

The first step to your recovery is to get in touch with us. Call us today to get started at 831-604-1965. 

At The Key, IOPs aren’t covered by insurance. However, we do offer comprehensive payment options that you can take advantage of to start your treatment.

The IOP treatment centers work by providing regular contact for recovering addicts over a set period of time. These sessions occur daily at a set time, with different treatment options happening according to the individualized treatment plan. 

Recovery is all about finding the resources and evidence-based treatment that work for you, and relapse prevention is part of that. With The Key Addiction Treatment Center, you’ll have mechanisms and aftercare available and a caring support system. 

We use evidence-based treatment strategies to form an individualized support program that offers aftercare and additional support.