My Loved One Has A Dual Diagnosis, What Now?

It can be overwhelming to find out that your loved one is suffering from a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and mental illness. You may be wondering where you should begin when it comes to getting help and moving forward.

Dual Diagnosis Stats – Your Loved One Is Not Alone

First, it’s important to know that your loved one is not alone. Dual diagnosis is common. Here are just a few statistics from the Journal of the American Medical Association that may surprise you:

• Approximately 50 percent of individuals with severe mental illness are also affected by substance abuse.
• More than one-third of alcohol abusers and over 50 percent of drug abusers have at least one significant mental illness.
• Of all individuals diagnosed with mental illness, nearly 30 percent abuse either alcohol or drugs.

Unfortunately, many individuals who have co-occurring disorders never receive proper treatment. In fact, less than 10 percent are treated for both their substance abuse and their mental illness. So, it’s a positive first step that your loved one has been diagnosed. Now, it’s time to get help.

Finding The Right Treatment For Dual Diagnosis

Getting effective treatment for a dual diagnosis isn’t always simple. Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers are solely focused on treating addiction and not mental illness. Likewise, anxiety and depression treatment centers may not have the resources to effectively address addiction. Until recently, addiction problems and underlying mental illness have been treated separately. However, significant new research has shown the benefits of treating substance abuse and mental health problems as part of an integrated, holistic recovery program. At Summit Estate, we are dedicated to helping individuals obtain the best chance of recovery with personalized, co-occurring disorders treatment in CA. Our team is highly experienced in treating dual diagnosis by using a recovery strategy that is focused on the individual’s specific needs, challenges, and long-term goals. Treatment can also include individual, couples, and family therapy sessions to help strengthen damaged relationships and support your loved one’s recovery.

Taking The Next Step With Your Loved One

Now that your loved one has received a dual diagnosis, you can help them on their journey to recovery. We encourage you to call us now to learn more about our treatment programs.