What to Expect When Seeking Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders in Los Angeles

Addiction and mental health often come hand in hand. Sometimes, people with underlying mental health issues begin abusing drugs and alcohol to cope with their symptoms. When this causes them to develop an addiction, they have co-occurring disorders.

Co-occurring disorders are characterized by having a substance use disorder and a mental illness at the same time. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “approximately 21.5 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder.”[1]

While having both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder can complicate treatment, dual diagnosis treatment centers were created to ensure recovery is possible. These recovery programs combine mental health treatment with evidence-based addiction services. You’ll engage in an in-depth assessment, medical detox, individual therapy, group counseling, relapse prevention planning, and aftercare.

At THC Recovery, we offer highly personalized addiction and mental health treatment to ensure our clients receive the tools and support they need to achieve long-term recovery. If you want to overcome a substance use disorder and learn how to manage your mental health disorder, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, you will learn: 

• What is a co-occurring disorder?
• What mental health disorders occur with addiction? 
• What are the risk factors for co-occurring disorders?
• What should you expect during co-occurring disorder treatment in Los Angeles? 

What are Co-Occurring Mental Disorders?

Co-occurring disorders are characterized by having a substance use disorder and a mental health issue at the same time. This could mean you have an anxiety disorder and suffer from alcohol addiction. It could also mean you suffer from opioid addiction and struggle with depression. 

Oftentimes, people are unaware that they have co-occurring disorders. You might deal with intense emotions and try to numb them using drugs and alcohol. Over time, this causes you to develop an addiction. 

Sometimes, mental health conditions can arise when you abuse drugs, like substance-induced psychosis. It is also possible for an underlying mental health disorder to begin affecting you after you’ve abused a drug, as certain substances can trigger symptoms to begin. 

Whether your mental health condition or addiction begins first, you’ll need to receive treatment services for both illnesses.

What Mental Health Issues Co-Occur With Substance Use Disorders?

Any mental health issue can occur at the same time as a substance use disorder. That said, certain mental health disorders are more common among people with addiction than others.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the following mental illnesses are the most common to co-occur with addiction:[1]

• Anxiety disorders
• Mood disorders like depression
• Bipolar disorder 
• Schizophrenia 
• Conduct disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Other mental health conditions that could occur at the same time as addiction include personality disorders, eating disorders, and more. 

The best way to receive an accurate diagnosis for co-occurring disorders is to attend a dual diagnosis treatment center. Upon arrival, you’ll undergo an in-depth assessment to determine whether you have a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.

Common Risk Factors for Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

Co-occurring disorders, where a mental illness and substance use disorder occur simultaneously, can be influenced by several genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. The factors that influence co-occurring disorders simply make them more likely to occur. Just because you have some of the common risk factors does not mean you will develop one. 

The most common risk factors for co-occurring disorders include:

• Having a family history of mental illness and addiction 
• Inheriting certain genes that make you more susceptible to mental illness and substance abuse 
• A history of adverse childhood experiences and trauma 
• Experiencing chronic stress from financial trouble, relationship difficulties, or work-related issues 
• Experiencing peer pressure or having a lack of social support
• Early exposure to drugs and alcohol in childhood or the teen years 
• Using drugs and alcohol to self-medicate a mental illness
• Leaving emotional distress unresolved 
• Lack of access to mental health care

Certain mental health disorders develop after experiencing significant trauma. For example, trauma can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder or personality disorders like borderline. You are also more likely to engage in substance abuse when you have these conditions. 

It is also possible for other mental health disorders, like anxiety disorders, to cause you to develop a substance use disorder through self-medication. When you are anxious, you might be more likely to abuse a drug or alcohol to calm yourself down. 

What to Expect During Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders in Los Angeles

If you suffer from a co-occurring disorder, it’s time to consider attending a dual diagnosis treatment program. 

These centers help you recover from co-occurring disorders by offering individualized treatment plans that include a variety of services, including:

• In-Depth Assessments – The first step in a dual diagnosis treatment program is an in-depth assessment, where the treatment team will ask you questions about your mental health and substance abuse history. This will allow them to create a personalized care plan for the comprehensive treatment program. 
• Medical Detox – Medical detox programs can help you recover from the physical aspects of substance use disorders. Medications will be used to manage symptoms and cravings, keeping you safe and comfortable throughout the process.
• Individual Therapy – Individual therapy is used for treating both addiction and mental health disorders. It allows you to understand how your mental health disorder caused you to develop an addiction, discuss past traumas in a safe space, and learn healthy ways to cope in the future.
• Group Counseling – Group counseling is used for mental health disorders and addiction as well. You’ll learn healthy coping mechanisms, communication skills, and develop important life skills that will help you maintain recovery from co-occurring disorders.
• Relapse Prevention Planning – Relapse prevention planning offers you the information, education, and skills you need to avoid a relapse in the future. You’ll learn what triggers you could experience, practice coping skills, and make a plan of action to use in case you experience a relapse later on. 
• Aftercare – Lastly, aftercare keeps you connected with recovery after you complete dual diagnosis treatment. You’ll have continued access to therapy, medication management, the ability to partake in an alumni support group, and more.

Co-occurring mental disorders can be difficult to cope with, but dual diagnosis treatment makes it possible. When you are engaging in therapy, the professionals will use evidence-based approaches like dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) or contingency management. 

Treating co-occurring disorders requires an integrated treatment approach in a residential treatment center, which is something we provide at THC Recovery. 

Get Connected to Treatment Providers for Dual Diagnoses and Co-Occurring Disorders 

If you or a loved one suffers from co-occurring addiction and mental health conditions like anxiety disorders or PTSD, THC Recovery is here to help. We offer medical detox, behavioral therapies, and relapse prevention planning, and we treat patients with the dignity and respect they deserve. 

Whether you need dialectical behavior therapy or medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction, we are here for you. 

Dealing with severe mental health symptoms like risky behaviors, mood swings, suicide attempts, and severe substance abuse is never easy. That said, our treatment program can help you recover, regain control over your life, and improve the overall quality of your daily life. In other words, we offer effective treatment for dual diagnosis cases, no matter what symptoms you are experiencing. 

Attending addiction and mental health treatment can save your life. Our program is designed to treat co-occurring disorders and psychiatric symptoms, helping you learn how to manage your conditions and become successful in all areas of your life.

Contact THC Recovery today to get connected to integrated substance use disorder and mental health disorder treatment. 

References:

1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions