Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Los Angeles, Burbank, and Las Vegas

Explore the complex interplay between mental health disorders and substance use disorders (SUD), known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders.

At Psychiatry Unplugged, Dr. Soroya Bacchus, MD, specializes in understanding, diagnosing, and managing dual diagnoses. Reach out to us or book an appointment online. With accessible locations in Los Angeles, Burbank, and Las Vegas, expert dual diagnosis care is just a call away. We see patients from throughout California and Nevada including Glendale, Torrance, South Bay, San Diego, Reno, Laughlin, and North Las Vegas.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder concurrently. These conditions often interact in ways that complicate diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Common Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders

Several mental health disorders frequently co-occur with substance use disorders, including:

• Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
• Anxiety Disorders: Excessive worry, fear, or panic attacks.
• Bipolar Disorder: Mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, and hyperarousal following a traumatic event.
• Schizophrenia: Distorted thinking, hallucinations, and delusions.

Causes and Risk Factors

The relationship between mental health disorders and substance use disorders is complex and influenced by various factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, trauma, and neurobiological vulnerabilities.

Challenges in Diagnosis

Diagnosing dual diagnosis requires careful assessment by trained
professionals who can distinguish between symptoms caused by substance use and those stemming from a primary mental health disorder. Challenges include overlapping symptoms and reluctance of individuals to disclose substance use. No matter how motivated a patient is with abstinence and recovery, other untreated mental disorders such as anxiety disorders that are
not addressed will cause relapse.

Treatment Approaches

Effective treatment for dual diagnosis involves integrated approaches that address both mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously:

• Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT): Combines mental health interventions (e.g., psychotherapy, medication) with substance abuse
  treatments (e.g., detoxification, relapse prevention strategies).
• Medication Management: Pharmacotherapy may be used to stabilize mood, reduce cravings, or manage withdrawal symptoms.
• Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing are effective in addressing both disorders and improving coping skills.
• Supportive Services: Peer support groups, case management, vocational rehabilitation, and housing assistance help address practical needs and enhance recovery.

Recovery and Relapse Prevention

Recovery from dual diagnosis is a lifelong process that requires ongoing support and monitoring. Relapse prevention strategies focus on identifying triggers, developing coping skills, and fostering a supportive environment.

Dual diagnosis presents unique challenges due to the complex interaction between mental health and substance use disorders. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial in providing comprehensive care and support for individuals affected by these co-occurring conditions.

For more information or to seek help, please contact Psychiatry Unplugged at (844) 616-1616, or request an appointment through our secure online form.

References
– Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
– National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
– American Psychiatric Association (APA)