Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Northern California

Substance Use & Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

Often, people struggling with substance use disorders also suffer from co-occurring mental and behavioral health disorders. The complex interrelationship between the two makes treatment much more complicated but, until relatively recently with the advent of dual diagnosis treatment, substance abuse and mental health treatments were generally kept separate.

At The Lakes Treatment Center, we employ a truly integrated approach to alcohol and drug addiction treatment. As part of our whole-person approach, we provide comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment for those struggling with both substance use and mental or behavioral health disorders. We are licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to provide dual diagnosis treatment in Northern California and the surrounding areas and have received accreditation from The Joint Commission, allowing our team of medical professionals to provide onsite health care services.

Continue reading or contact us today to learn more about dual diagnosis treatment and how this approach may allow you achieve lasting recovery. Call (209) 309-3573 for a free consultation.

What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual diagnosis treatment is a form of treatment for those who have been diagnosed with both a substance use disorder, such as alcoholism or drug addiction, and a mental or behavioral health condition. This is incredibly common, with an estimated 8.5 million Americans currently suffering from co-occurring illnesses. The purpose of dual diagnosis treatment is to simultaneously address both disorders, as well as the complex relationship between substance abuse and mental health.

Substance abuse and addiction often occur alongside a range of mental illnesses and behavioral conditions, including but not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Schizophrenia
• Attention-deficit disorder (ADD)
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders

In some cases, people turn to substance use, misuse, and abuse to ease the symptoms associated with various mental illnesses; in other instances, they may experience new or worsened behavioral conditions as a result of addiction, perpetuating the cycle of abuse. Treating dual diagnoses typically entails getting to the root of the issue and understanding/addressing the underlying trauma.

What Are the Signs Someone Needs Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual diagnosis may be appropriate for anyone suffering from a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness or behavioral health disorder and substance misuse, abuse, or addiction.

Some of the signs that dual diagnosis treatment may be needed include:

• Increased isolation
• Withdrawal from family, friends, and the community
• Secretiveness and/or lying
• Increasing tolerance on a substance
• Misusing or abusing prescription medications
• Turning to alcohol or drugs to cope with mental illness symptoms
• Difficulty managing everyday tasks or responsibilities
• Inability to maintain employment
• Frequent problems in relationships with others
• Neglecting health and/or personal hygiene

Individuals who are struggling to cope with mental health conditions may be more likely to use drugs or alcohol to “numb” the symptoms associated with these conditions. Over time, continuous substance misuse and abuse can lead to increased tolerance and dependency, at which point the individual will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance. This can increase their desire to continue drinking or taking the drug even more.

How Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment Different?

Unlike treatments of the past, dual diagnosis treatment allows an individual to get help for both a substance use disorder and a mental or behavioral health condition at the same time. This is critical, as the two disorders generally affect and heighten one another. Without treatment for one, a person can find it extremely difficult and nearly impossible to recover from the other. Dual diagnosis treatment improves the chance of successful recovery and long-term sobriety for those struggling to manage addiction and mental health.

Generally speaking, dual diagnosis treatment seeks to address underlying trauma and mental illness to equip individuals with the tools they need to make critical lifestyle changes, increase mindfulness, develop important life skills, prevent relapse, and achieve long-term sobriety. This might include a combination of individual and group therapy—including cognitive behavioral therapy and other proven methods—detox, group meetings, medications, trauma-based therapy, religious services, mindfulness practices, and recreational activities.

At The Lakes Treatment Center, we tailor our dual diagnosis treatments to meet the unique needs of each individual client. At our residential facility, we provide clients with the 24-hour care and support they need as they navigate the ongoing recovery process.

Compassionate and Comprehensive Dual Diagnosis Recovery in Northern California

We are proud to be family owned and operated and bring a wealth of firsthand experience navigating addiction to our program. We know what you and your family are going through because we have been in your shoes. Our large, professional support staff offers a comprehensive and integrated approach to your recovery, emphasizing your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

We invite you to reach out to us today to learn more about our program, our admissions process, or our insurance coverage and options. We are happy to speak with you during a complimentary, confidential consultation, either in person or over the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment right for me?

If you are struggling with addiction and suspect you might also have a mental health condition, here are some signs:

• You use substances to cope with difficult emotions like anxiety, depression, or trauma.
• Your mental health symptoms worsen when you use substances.
• You have difficulty managing both your addiction and mental health symptoms

What if I'm not sure what kind of addiction I have?

Our intake process includes a comprehensive evaluation to identify the specific substances you struggle with and the severity of your addiction.

How long does dual diagnosis treatment typically last?

The length of treatment varies depending on individual needs. We offer short-term programs and longer-term comprehensive programs tailored to your specific situation.

At The Lakes Treatment Center, we believe everyone deserves a chance at healing and a life free from addiction. If you are ready to begin your journey towards lasting recovery, contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. Our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Reach out to our team today to take the first step toward recovery. Call (209) 309-3573 or contact us online to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatments in Northern California and the surrounding areas.