Proven Treatment for Co-Occurring Substance Abuse & Mental Health Disorders
What is Dual Diagnosis?
The intricate relationship between mental health and substance use disorders is referred to as dual diagnosis. Individuals battling both a mental health condition and addiction concurrently benefit from our Dual Diagnosis Program. The coexistence of these conditions amplifies both disorders, often making traditional treatment approaches, treating one condition at a time, less effective.
Common Co-Occurring Conditions
Several mental health conditions frequently accompany substance use disorders. Some of the most prevalent co-occurring conditions include:
- Depression: Individuals with depression may turn to substances as a way to self-medicate, seeking temporary relief from their persistent low mood and hopelessness.
- Anxiety: Substances can offer a momentary escape from the constant state of worry or fear experienced by those with anxiety disorders.
- Bipolar Disorder: The extreme mood fluctuations in bipolar disorder can lead to substance use as individuals attempt to regulate their emotions.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Trauma survivors might resort to substance use in an attempt to numb their pain or manage flashbacks.
Treatment for Addiction & Mental Health
Dual diagnosis presents a complex therapeutic challenge due to the intertwined nature of mental health symptoms and substance abuse behaviors. Individuals may find:
- Their mental health symptoms worsen with substance use.
- Substance abuse can hinder the effectiveness of mental health treatments.
- Without addressing both conditions, relapses are more common.
Effective treatment addresses both the mental health disorder and the substance use disorder simultaneously. Our dedicated team specializes in an integrative treatment approach. Treatment plans are tailored to address both conditions, considering their mutual influence. Strategies may include:
- Individual counseling focused on the underlying causes of substance abuse.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address negative thought patterns.
- Group therapy sessions to build a supportive community and share experiences.
- Medication management to address the biochemical aspects of both conditions.
Why Choose Serene Behavioral Health
At Serene Behavioral Health clients and their loved ones benefit from our:
- Expertise: Our staff is trained specifically in dual diagnosis, ensuring you receive the specialized care you deserve.
- Comprehensive Support: Beyond therapy, we offer a suite of support services, ensuring every aspect of recovery is addressed. When combined together, our programs create a continuum of care that provides a long-term treatment option.
- A Healing Environment: Set against the serene backdrop of Orange County, our facility provides the tranquility needed for deep introspection and healing.
To start your dual diagnosis recovery with Serene Behavioral Health, contact us at 949-395-6552.
Cyclothymia: Depression and Hypomania
Not all manic episodes reach these heights. Some people experience hypomania: a milder episode that doesn’t include psychosis. These individuals may manage to function well at work and at home, but they will be plagued by deep depression. Occasionally, a hypomanic episode will occur. These people are said to be cyclothymic. At Serene Behavioral Health, we offer validated, clinically advanced care for those diagnosed with cyclothymia and bipolar disorder.
You can heal from bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
If left untreated, bipolar disorder can worsen over time. The recklessness of mania, combined with the dangerous negative thoughts associated with depression, make it difficult to function successfully. At Serene Behavioral Health, our clinicians are trained experts in treating bipolar disorders and cyclothymia. Our specialized treatment model targets the key components of these disorders to treat beyond the symptoms and to the root of your struggles.
First, we conduct a thorough psychological evaluation. This process allows our clinicians to identify other factors that may contribute to manic or depressive episodes, such as co-occurring health conditions or substance abuse. Through this evaluation, we are able to provide a clinical diagnosis to inform your treatment. Once we have completed our analysis and obtained a diagnosis, we can create a program of care that best meets your needs.
Our approach combines individual and group therapies. One-on-one sessions allow you to process through your symptoms and identify root causes of your depression and your mania. Serene Behavioral Health’s clinicians utilize evidence-based techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing in this process.
We also offer process groups. These meetings allow you to connect with people who are going through the exact same things that you are. You can learn from their experiences, get feedback on your behavior, and build a support network for improved mental health.
Finally, we provide medication management to those in our care. If it is determined that a mood stabilizer or antidepressant will be helpful for alleviating your symptoms, the staff of Serene Behavioral Health will handle its administration. By combining effective medication with research-based therapy practices, we have seen vast improvements in even the most complex of cases.
You Deserve to Heal
There’s nothing more frightening that feeling out of control. If you’re worried that your high highs and low lows are signs of bipolar disorder, help is available. Contact Serene Behavioral Health for a confidential, no-obligation assessment to take your first step towards healing.