San Diego County is in the southwestern corner of California, with a population of over three million residents. The county is currently dealing with the opioid epidemic and people becoming addicted to prescription medicines. Because of this, the San Diego area relies on effective addiction treatment and recovery programs. According to the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), 9% of California residents fit the criteria for substance use disorder in 2021. Unfortunately, only 10% of those struggling received treatment for their addiction.1
Mental health is also a growing concern in San Diego County. According to the San Diego Foundation, an estimated 5% of residents have a serious mental illness. Some people struggle with mental illness and addiction at the same time. The CHCF also reported that 4% of adults in the US had both substance use disorder and a mental illness in 2021. For those living with addiction and a co-occurring mental illness, 60% of treatment facilities in the state of California provide programs to treat both simultaneously. At Rise Above Treatment in Murrieta, CA, we provide our clients with a dual diagnosis treatment program to help clients facing multiple disorders.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis Program?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about half of the individuals who experience a substance use disorder will also experience a co-occurring mental disorder. It is generally better to treat both disorders at the same time instead of treating them separately. A dual diagnosis program treats addiction and mental health concerns at the same time. Mental illness and substance abuse typically have similar risk factors such as genetics, stress, and trauma. Mental and substance use disorders often enhance each other in harmful ways.
It is not uncommon for people struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or other mental illnesses to use substances to feel better. Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol can lead to an unhealthy dependence on substances and eventually to addiction. At Rise Above Treatment in California, our dual diagnosis program provides treatment for a variety of substances, including alcohol, opioids, heroin, meth, and more. Our various treatments and programs are tailored to our client’s unique needs to help them recover and live healthier lives.
Do I Need a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program?
If you are struggling with substance abuse and a mental health disorder, you can receive treatment for both through a dual diagnosis treatment program.
Signs of substance abuse can include:
- Isolating from friends and family
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Engaging in risky behavior
- Physical health issues such as lack of energy or changes in weight
- Not meeting responsibilities at work or home
- Unsuccessful attempts to stop using the substance
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop or decrease substance use
Some signs of mental illness are:
- Feeling sad or down
- Problems with concentration
- Excessive fears or worries
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities
- Extreme tiredness, low energy, or problems sleeping
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Suicidal thinking
If you are struggling with substance abuse and experience signs of mental illness, a dual diagnosis treatment program can help you with both disorders. Many addiction facilities provide dual diagnosis treatments in California.
Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs in California at Rise Above Treatment
There is treatment available for those living with substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental illness. There are many facilities in and around San Diego to help those struggling. Rise Above Treatment is located in Murrieta, CA, just over an hour from San Diego. We provide our clients with comprehensive and compassionate care during their recovery journey. Our dual diagnosis treatment program understands the connection between addiction and mental illness. Connect with us today at (877) 641-0717 to learn more about how we can help you.
1. California Health Care Foundation – “2022 Edition—Substance Use in California”
