How Rehab Centers in Los Angeles Understand The Link Between Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders

how rehab centers in los angeles understand the link between substance use and co occurring mental disorders

When you spend time in a rehab center in Los Angeles, you want assurance that the staff understands your specific needs. For many people with a substance abuse disorder, there is also a co-occurring mental health disorder. Finding recovery support that knows how to treat you for the best results is imperative for your healthy recovery. Use this guide to learn what you need to know about the link between mental health and substance use. 

 

What is a Co-Occuring Disorder?

A substance use disorder is one that affects the way a person’s brain works, as well as the behaviors they exhibit. The condition makes a person unable to control their use of substances, which includes drugs, alcohol and/or prescription medications. There is a spectrum of severity, with addiction being on the high end. In many cases, a person with a substance use disorder also suffers from a mental health diagnosis and vice versa. This includes bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and others. Understanding the diagnosis is a huge part of creating a successful treatment plan for every patient. 

 

Why Do These Disorders Occur Together?

While people might have both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, one does not always cause the other. There are three possibilities as to why they often occur at the same time:

 

  • They have similar risk factors.
  • Addiction may be self-medicating for mental health symptoms. 
  • Substance use contributes to the development of mental health disorders.

 

How are Co-Occurring Disorders Treated?

For most patients, the best course of action when for co-occurring disorders is to treat them together, rather than separately. A good doctor should make a firm diagnosis since some symptoms are the same for both disorders, which allows your recovery team to create the right treatment plan for your specific needs. This might include medication, therapy, and other treatment methods, designed for the individual. 

how rehab centers in los angeles understand the link between substance use and co occurring mental disorders

Examples of Behavior Therapy You Might See at a Rehab Center in Los Angeles

In many cases, the staff at a substance use recovery center includes mental health professionals who are trained with treating co-occurring disorders. Behavioral therapy is often used in conjunction with medication and other forms of treatment and may include one or more of the following:

 

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Assertive community treatment
  • Therapeutic communities
  • Contingency management

 

Examples of Medications Used in Rehab

There are several medications that are used to help people gain sobriety from drugs and alcohol. Most often they are used in conjunction with therapeutic techniques. In some cases, these meds are also combined with those used to treat co-occurring mental health disorders. For the best success, it’s important to take any prescribed medications according to the doctor’s instructions. 

 

When you choose a rehab center in Los Angeles, it’s a good idea to find out their approach to treating co-occurring mental health disorders. Canon Human Services Centers, Inc. is here to help. Contact us today to find out more about our program and how it can help you on the journey to sobriety and recovery. 

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