Dual Diagnosis refers to people who suffer from a mental health disorder and a substance abuse disorder. The two often overlap, and it can be challenging to live with them both. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports that 29% of people diagnosed with mental illness also suffer from drug or alcohol abuse. Studies show that people suffering from both types of behavioral health problems achieve the highest success rates when both disorders are treated simultaneously.

Dual Diagnosis treatment in Santa Monica is often difficult to diagnose due to the interactions created between an individual’s substance of choice and their unique mental health struggle. But there is a solution – Dual Diagnosis treatment centers are equipped to work directly with the individual suffering from the complications of co-occurring disorders. The needs of both substance use and mental health must be addressed in the development of a treatment plan. Treating this unique disorder involves the intentional focus and combination of medical, psychiatric, and therapeutic treatments.

Those who experience co-occurring disorders are often at higher risk for unemployment, relationship strife, medical complications, and general dissatisfaction with life. One of the most critical stages of the recovery process with Dual Diagnosis in Santa Monica is participating in therapy. For many patients, therapy becomes the foundation of their recovery and will continue working with a therapist after finishing treatment. In both individual and group settings, therapy provides access to the root causes of addiction and mental health as well as a means to sobriety and stability.