Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Why It’s Necessary

Drug abuse is not a simple issue. For most of those suffering from an addiction, simply going through detox and deciding not to use again is not enough to actually curb the problem. Instead, increasing research shows that the key to long-term recovery from addiction is a combination of behavioral and mental health approaches. 

If you or a loved one are currently suffering from addiction and a mental health disorder(s), here’s what you need to know. 

What Is a Dual Diagnosis Program? 

Drug addiction and mental health issues are often referred to as Co-occurring Disorders, the two have a direct effect on each other. If the mental health aspect is left untreated, for example, affected individuals may turn back to drug abuse (either the same substance or a different one from before) in order to ease their symptoms.

Modern dual-diagnosis treatment works to prevent this by treating addiction and mental health disorders at the same time. While working on curbing addictive behavior, individuals are able to confront the mental aspect that causes the behavior in the first place.

Now, every case is different and the details of each person’s addiction treatment program will vary as a result. This is why at Grace Recovery, we take the time to diagnose patients upfront and lay out a detailed plan for recovery. Many patients will need to go through detox before intensive treatment can begin, but this stage will only be the beginning. The goal is to achieve long-term addiction recovery by getting to the root of the problem and treating it accordingly. What follows is often a combination of group and individual therapy, mental health counseling (and as needed, medical care), and behavioral therapy.

What Are the Benefits?

The primary benefit of dual-diagnosis treatment is the increased likelihood of long-term addiction recovery. That said, there are other benefits to consider as well:

  • Individualized care – A dual-diagnosis program acknowledges that there are many different root causes of addiction and works to treat them on a more personal level than other kinds of addiction treatment programs. 
  • Better understanding of your condition – Many people abuse substances without fully being able to explain why. A dual-diagnosis program can bring peace of mind by helping you better understand your behavior and how you can regain control.
  • Steady progress – Because the treatment goes beyond just detox, patients are able to take the time to really change. Each day is a new opportunity to learn new skills and make progress. 
  • Improve health – Health is both in the body and the mind. A dual-diagnosis program covers both and helps patients become healthier in every aspect. 

Why Is It Necessary?

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 10 million American adults suffer from both a mental illness and drug abuse problem every year. And that’s just including those who were officially diagnosed with both kinds of disorders. Many of those suffering from addiction do not even have the opportunity for their mental health to be examined, allowing the lead cause to go ignored. And because dual-diagnosis programs are still relatively new, many other people still do not have the opportunity to treat both areas, thus letting the vicious cycle of addiction continue.

But while many of today’s addiction treatment programs are based on older research and focus on addiction’s physical aspects, the dual-diagnosis programs that are rising up provide a source of hope. As mentioned earlier, it is imperative to treat the root cause of drug abuse in order to successfully end it. Research also shows that individuals who focus on changing their behavior while identifying their mental urge to abuse drugs and alcohol at the same time have higher long-term success rates. This focused treatment then flows into aftercare, which often include mental health counseling for months or even years following the initial treatment program. Dual-diagnosis treatment is therefore necessary, and without it, relapse rates remain all too high. 

Let Us Help

We pride ourselves on going far beyond basic addiction treatment at Grace Recovery. Our approach diagnoses both addiction and the mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, etc.) that go in conjunction. Patients are then able to undergo intensive treatment in both areas at our state-of-the-art facility in Hollywood, CA. We believe that dual-diagnosis treatment is not just beneficial — it is necessary for long-term recovery. We invite you to get in touch to learn more about how we can help you. 

 

Talking About Anxiety

Anxiety: it’s real and it can make you feel absolutely terrible. Constant worrying, feeling like something is always wrong, and obsessive thoughts are all feelings caused by being anxious. It can be difficult to articulate how you’re actually feeling when you’re anxious. A lot of people don’t feel comfortable talking about their anxiety because they’re scared of sounding ridiculous. At Grace Recovery, we want to end the stigma of anxiety being made up or ridiculous. We know the cure to anxiety isn’t being told “you worry too much” or “stop worrying, it doesn’t matter”. Your feelings do matter. 

If you’re currency struggling with anxiety, it’s important to talk about it. There are also certain coping techniques that can help minimize your anxiety. 

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues that you can develop. About 19% of adults in the past year had anxiety disorder and 31% of adults have experienced some form of an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. So, the next time you’re worried that no one will understand what you’re going through, try to remember that you’re definitely not alone in this. 

Anxiety is feelings of worry and fear. Since anxiety can be a reaction to a stressful situation, everyone will experience anxiety from time to time. If you have a big presentation coming up at work or if you have a child who is often sick, you’ll probably feel anxious and that’s ok. Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety, go beyond feelings of being worried and nervous. 

Generalized anxiety disorder, also known as GAD, is exaggerated worry and tension for months on end. GAD can be diagnosed when a person spends six months or more worrying about something without a specific focus or fear. 

In addition, people who suffer from anxiety may also suffer from panic attacks from time to time. These are intense moments of anxiety that lead to sweating, fear, a rising heart rate, and shortness of breath. These are often broken by benzodiazepines such as Xanax; however, these medications are addictive and should not be used as a long-term solution.

Effects of Anxiety

While anxiety affects your mental health, it can also affect your physical health. The constant worrying and stress can cause muscle aches, headaches, hot flashes, and even high blood pressure. 

Anxiety can affect your personal and professional relationships as well. If you’re experiencing tremendous anxiety and are unable to go to social events or be with friends, they may feel like you’re being distant. If you’re anxious and unable to focus at work, your job performance may start to decline. Because of this, it’s important to let those around you know how you’re feeling. 

Reach Out and Get Help

Don’t be afraid to talk about anxiety, you have nothing to be ashamed of. The more you keep it inside and bottled up, the worse it can get. You’ll be surprised at how reliving it can be to look at yourself in the mirror and say “I’m anxious. I am experiencing anxiety”. It will probably provide immediate, temporary, relief. 

Confiding in friends or family and seeking professional help is also extremely helpful when dealing with anxiety. Your friends and family will be happy to support you and provide a shoulder to lean on. A therapist or counselor will be able to help you dig a little deeper and try to figure out why you’re experiencing anxiety in the first place. You can then work together to figure out the coping skills you need to feel better.

Exercise, meditation, and yoga are all also great activities to do when you’re feeling anxious. Exercising will help release the happy chemicals in your brain. Meditation and yoga are amazing tools to clear your head and lessen your worries. 

Let Us Help

At Grace Recovery, we are an addiction treatment program based out of the heart of Hollywood, CA. We know that addiction has the potential to impact anyone in the Los Angeles, CA area which is why we are here to help. We provide luxurious amenities along with the latest in substance abuse programming at our detoxification and residential inpatient addiction treatment programs. If you are looking for help with mental health issues, substance abuse, or addiction recovery, please contact us today to learn more about how we can help you! 

How to Know if a Dual-Diagnosis Program Is Right for You

In order to know if this type of program will work for you, you first have to understand what dual diagnosis is and what may cause it. You should also know the benefits of simultaneously treating substance abuse and mental health issues — as well as the consequences of not addressing the underlying causes of addiction.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis treats both mental illness and substance abuse for a holistic healing approach. Up to the 1990s, those receiving treatment for mental health problems, such as depression, delusional behavior or anxiety attacks, received separate treatment from those with substance abuse.

If someone drank or abused drugs, they were often required to get sober before they could get treatment for mental health. Unfortunately, this approach ignores underlying mental disorders or puts them at the end of the treatment cycle.

What Causes Dual-Diagnosis Disorders?

Substance abuse and mental illness are biologically based. Family members should withhold judgment and blame until they understand the entire situation. It’s important to recognize the person can’t get well without help.

Why Are Dual Diagnoses Hard to Treat?

When you have mental illness and substance abuse issues, it makes it harder for doctors to know where symptoms come from. For example, if someone with a dual diagnosis gets depression, according to one study, they have to be treated together in a holistic manner.

Double diagnoses patients have a higher chance of not completing treatment. That’s due to complications from addiction.

Are Those With Mental Illness Susceptible to Addiction?

The answer is yes. Those who suffer from depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety, for example, may increase their drug or alcohol use. Many rehab facilities can’t handle dual diagnosis patients. Facilities offering dual diagnosis treatment also have to have psychiatric staff and other equipment.

Do You Rely on Substances When You Are Feeling Anxious?

If you use alcohol or drugs to calm your anxiety at family gatherings and other social events, dual diagnosis treatment may be right for you. Some people are awkward in social settings and have social phobias.

You can go through treatment at a center that specializes in your health and mental health challenges related to addiction

You Have Trouble Focusing without Drugs or Alcohol

If you have a hard time focusing without drugs, you are not alone. Modern life travels at the speed of light. Drugs and alcohol may seem like a huge relief. Fortunately, you can get help and stop using substances as a crutch. That’s why it’s so important to pick a treatment program that works for you.

If you have lapses of concentration, it’s important to seek medical care right away. Treatment at a reputable drug treatment center can provide you with the tools you need to deal with things that come up in life and save money. For example, if your inability to focus stems from ADHD, dual diagnosis treatment can help you reduce disruptive behavior.

Those With a Mental Disorder who Currently Abuse Substances

Dual diagnosis treatment is necessary if you have a diagnosed mood or behavioral disorder and are using drugs. It helps you escape the cycle of cleaning up just to come back a few months later. Addressing the related issues at once may spare you a round of treatment in the future.

If you are worried that a loved one is in danger of addiction, look for the warning signs. This could include missing objects from around the home or agitation and anger, needle marks, paraphernalia and dilated or pinpoint pupils. Then, help them get help.

Grace Recovery is an addiction treatment program in Hollywood, California. You find luxurious amenities and effective detox programs that help you face recovery with a sober mind. There are both inpatient and outpatient options. Visit the website for more information.

How to Deal with Depression in Sobriety

Depression is a mental illness that can occur multiple times. The American Psychiatric Association even said that half of the people diagnosed with major depression often suffer a second episode. Apparently, 80% of those who suffered a second episode ends up having a third episode as well. The exact cause of depression is still a mystery yet it is connected to traumatic events, family history of depression, and addiction to alcohol and substance.

Addiction and Depression

Depression episode is different for every depressed individual. However, the symptoms are always the same. A depressed individual feels worthless, anxious, irritable, and lacks concentration among others. For a person who just came out of rehab, depression is always expected.

A sober alcoholic often comes with these symptoms of depression:

  • Feeling hopeless
  • Feeling guilty of why he or she became an addict
  • Feeling tired of everything around him or her
  • Wanting to taste alcohol or drugs again

Depression relapse can challenge your sobriety. This is normal. What you have to do is to acknowledge it. You are feeling depressed and you have to accept what’s coming, the symptoms. Once you accepted it, take your medication. People who are from a detox do self-medication. Be aware of how long you have been suffering. If it is taking more than a week, you better check with your doctor.

Treating Depression

For a recovering addict, treating depression can be difficult. In fact, treating depression alone is difficult. During recovery, sobriety can be put at risk once depression sets in. Imagine waking up with a sinking feeling. The next thing you know, you are reaching out a bottle of vodka again. For this reason, it is important to stay connected with a support group.

If you just came out from a rehab, ask your treatment program provider if they can suggest a support group for you. Keep your family close as well. Your family’s love and support can go a long way to continue your recovery and to fight attacks of depression.

Knowing the Symptoms of Depression

If you just came out of a treatment facility, you should be aware of the symptoms of depression. Your full recovery depends on understanding these symptoms and taking appropriate steps to deal with it.

  • Inability to sleep or having excessive sleep
  • Losing interest with your regular routine
  • Lack of energy even when you haven’t done anything yet
  • Losing focus or having a shorter span of attention
  • Losing or having an excessive appetite
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Feeling worthless
  • Feeling anxious for no reason
  • Having thoughts of death and how it can help you gain peace of mind

Watching out for Relapse

If you are able to maintain your sobriety, chances are you won’t have relapses. Being sober will help you watch out for possible symptoms of depression. If you can address the symptoms before it gets worst, you have a chance to beat depression and relapses.

Surviving a severe depression should be considered a victory. If you went through one and got through it, be proud of yourself. It is a big achievement. If you are feeling okay, don’t settle with it. You should find ways to feel much better. That way, you can avoid having a relapse.

To fight depression and relapse, you should slowly gain your self-worth from within. Self-worth that comes from within means knowing your worth as a person and loving yourself. After recovery, you often receive positive reinforcement and applauses from friends, families, and loved ones. These praises often become your external validation of self-worth. This is dangerous. Once the hype is gone and no one praises you anymore, you will start feeling down again and relapse can set it.

Still Struggling with Sobriety and Depression?

Dealing with addiction and depression can make you feel like you have nowhere to go. It can make you feel like a sore loser. It is important for you to remember that you are not. Remember, when you are so down, there is no other way but to go up. This is what recovery is all about.

The road to complete recovery and sobriety is by admitting that you have a problem. Once you accept this fact, you can start taking a treatment program. If you are in the Hollywood, CA area, you can check rehab facilities that offer treatment programs for alcoholics. Most facilities in the CA area like Grace Recovery comes with stare-of-the-art- addiction treatment program that can help you with your addiction.

Aside from getting treated with the latest substance abuse programming from Grace Recovery, they can also offer you extended support to prevent depression from setting in. They can provide you with a holistic or group therapy, depending on what suits your personality. Don’t let depression steal your sobriety. You worked hard to be sober so continue working hard to fight depression as well.

The Benefits of a Dual-Diagnosis Program

Sometimes depression and addiction go hand in hand and anxiety and addiction too. Depression and anxiety lead people to use drugs and alcohol to alter their moods and help them feel better. It leads to having two different disorder that needs to be treated. Many rehabilitation and recovery centers do not have dual treatment programs. At Grace Recovery, we have two dual treatment programs that address the problem of depression, anxiety, and addictions.

Anxiety and Addiction Treatment

Anxiety disorders often lead to the abuse of drug and alcohol to cope with the feelings it brings. Many people do not seek help but medicate themselves with alcohol and drugs. Treating anxiety with medications and therapy can prevent it from leading to an addiction. When a patient needs anxiety and addiction treatment, we offer 30, 60, or 90 days of inpatient treatment. For very serious cases detox is needed. It helps the patients deal with the side effects of getting off alcohol or drugs.

When a person goes through detox, they are supervised medically by our trained staff. They use medication to minimize the side effects of withdrawal. Their physical and mental health is closely monitored. They eventually participate in programs that help them with the process. Activities are individual therapy,  group therapy, holistic activities and taking the right medications. for the detox program. We have many ways to treat different types of drug or alcohol addictions.

Anxiety has many symptoms like trouble sleeping,  racing thoughts, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, tremors, panic attacks, and fear.  We have many therapies for anxiety to help patients cope and change their behavior. Patients can talk with qualified therapists or social worker, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, learn meditation, take medications, yoga,  participate in exercise programs,  and try new hobbies.

Benefits of Dual Treatment for Anxiety and Addiction

When you have two disorders it can lead to treating one or the other. Often this fails because it does not treat both disorders. It can lead to a cycle of treatment as an outpatient and relapse with the need for inpatient care. If you are treated just for addiction it can lead to relapse because the anxiety and the cause of the addiction is not addressed. Treating both disorders with dual diagnosis leads to recovery, and we have outpatient and aftercare services available to help you return to the community.

Depression and Addiction Treatment

Severe depression sometimes leads to alcohol or drug addiction. Those with an addiction often suffer from depression. Depression causes sadness, apathy, lack of energy, aches, and pains, sleep problems, anger, loss of appetitive, and trouble concentrating.  Without treatment, it can lead to problems with addiction. Often when someone is treated for depression it prevents them from developing an addiction. Many people with depression do not seek treatment.

When a patient has an alcohol or drug addiction we treat the addiction first. Often we begin with detox for 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the severity of the addiction. During that time the patient is supervised by the medical staff to ensure they get off the substance with a  minimum of symptoms.  Patients often take medications to helps them cope with withdrawal. They often attend group therapy, individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy,  participate in exercise and relaxation exercises.

After the addiction has been dealt with they are given therapy to deal with the depression. It can be on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Both provide individual counseling, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, developing an exercise and diet routine, meditation, yoga and developing new hobbies.  Treating both addiction and depression can prevent relapse. Outpatient therapy for both anxiety and depression offer patients an organized routine and the benefit of having their family participate.

After the person is discharged from Grace Recovery, we help them with aftercare. This means often helping them develop skills to find jobs and return to school. We teach them valuable skills about money, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and joining social groups. We have therapy groups, medication management, and assistance with finding a place to live.

Benefits of Our Dual Treatments Programs

There are few places like Rose Recovery that treat anxiety, depression, and addictions together. The benefits are that long term treatment can keep the patient from relapse and help them to recover more quickly. They teach valuable skills to help patients cope with the road to recovery. We are located in Los Angeles, CA  near  Hollywood.  Call today to learn more about our dual treatment program at 1-866-431-6302 or fill out our online form.