A co-occurring disorder, also known as a dual diagnosis, is when someone has both a mental disorder, such as depression or borderline personality disorder, and a substance abuse disorder. It is common for people with a mental health disorder to also develop a problem with drugs and/or alcohol, because they often use their substance of choice as a coping method for their mental disorder. Co-occurring disorder treatment in Malibu is often difficult, because both disorders require their own individual treatment as well as treatment of the underlying causes of diagnosis.
A Continual Cycle
A co-occurring disorder is extremely problematic for a variety of reasons. Those who are suffering with a psychological disorder frequently turn to drugs and/or alcohol as a way to self-medicate and reduce the negative symptoms of their mental health disorder. Although substance use may provide temporary alleviation of the symptom severity, over time it will increase the severity of their primary mental health condition, which results in an even greater abuse of the substance to achieve the same effect; similar to tolerance. It is a never ending cycle which only continues to worsen in both aspects; the psychological disorder and the substance abuse disorder. Additionally, many psychiatric patients with a dual diagnosis tend to neglect the requirements of their medications or they will mix their medications with their substance use.
Intervention and Treatment
Those who are suffering with a dual diagnosis in Malibu need a specialized intervention and co-occurring disorder treatment. These individuals require a comprehensive pre-admission interview which will allow for a recovery plan that is tailored specifically to their dual diagnosis to be created. In many situations involving co-occurring disorder treatment, the substance abuse is addressed first, especially if the patient requires a medical detox. Once the drugs/alcohol have been completely eliminated from their body, they can begin a psychiatric observation to help get back on track with the medications used for their mental health disorder.
Co-occurring disorders in Malibu are complex and difficult to treat. It is critical for a person’s recovery to be admitted to a treatment center which specializes in co-occurring disorder treatment. If they only go to a substance abuse treatment center without acknowledging they have an additional mental health disorder, they will typically relapse back into substance abuse. It is essential both disorders be treated at the same time in order to lessen the risk of continued substance abuse and also to help the individual become educated on their initial mental health disorder and to stabilize their overall health, both physically and mentally. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan from a reputable, successful and accredited facility in a surreal setting, look no further than the professionals found at Seasons In Malibu.
