It is common for substance abuse and mental illness to occur simultaneously. In many instances one triggers the other. Some individuals with mental illness use drugs or alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate, triggering a cycle of addiction. Additionally, many individuals that abuse drugs or alcohol experience mental illness due to the effects of the substances they are ingesting. In order to completely recover from their addiction, people with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse need to work with a treatment facility that understands treating both issues simultaneously. If both the addiction and mental illness are not fully treatment, the individual is much more likely to relapse and fall back into the same cycle. 
Dual diagnosis treatment begins with understanding the cycle of mental illness and addiction:
- Ingestion of the drug of choice
- Increase in the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain
- Experience of feeling high
- Depletion of neurotransmitters by the brain to regain equilibrium
- Experience of coming down
- Difficulty experiencing pleasure due to the absence of naturally occurring neurotransmitters
- Anxiety and depression
- Ingesting the drug of choice to feel pleasure
Successful dual diagnosis treatment manages underlying mental illness as well as the addictive behavior. This can be difficult because the use of substances can cover up some of the symptoms of mental illness. Additionally, using medications can result in behavior that mimics mental illness. Only a team of highly qualified professionals are able to evaluate a client and determine the right course of treatment. Summit Estate Recovery Center is a luxury addiction treatment facility located in California. The center provides a serene and comfortable environment that allows each client to relax and focus on their recovery. The treatment team at Summit Estate has had much success addressing dual diagnosis treatment. Speak with an admissions representative today for additional information on the dual diagnosis treatment programs at Summit Estate. In addition to answering questions, the admissions counselors at Summit Estate can work with your insurance company to determine your specific out of pocket costs. To get started, complete the form on this site and Summit Estate will reach out to your or call 800-701-6997. Thank you.