By Jennifer McDougall
At Passages Malibu, we believe that addiction is not a disease but rather a condition caused by underlying factors such as unresolved past issues, current conditions you struggle to cope with, false beliefs, and chemical imbalances. This perspective shapes our approach to treating substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring mental health conditions, commonly known as dual diagnosis.
Despite the significant overlap between these conditions, treatment rates for individuals with co-occurring disorders remain alarmingly low. In this blog, we explore the complexities of co-occurring disorders, their challenges, and how Passages Malibu provides holistic, integrated treatment to promote lasting recovery.
Understanding Co-occurring Disorders
What Are Co-occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders refer to the simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and a mental health condition in the same individual. These conditions often exacerbate each other, creating a complex and challenging situation. Common co-occurring mental health disorders include:
- Depression: Individuals with depression may use substances like alcohol or drugs as a form of self-medication.
- Anxiety Disorders: Conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder often co-occur with substance use as individuals attempt to manage their symptoms.
- Bipolar Disorder: Characterized by extreme mood swings, bipolar disorder is frequently linked with substance abuse as individuals seek to balance their emotional states.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Resulting from traumatic experiences, PTSD is commonly associated with substance use as a coping mechanism.
- Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders often co-occur with substance use disorders, complicating treatment.
The Prevalence of Co-occurring Disorders
Research indicates that co-occurring disorders are more prevalent than many realize. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 7.7 million adults in the United States have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders (Addiction Group). Among individuals with a substance use disorder, about 37.9% also have a mental illness, while 18.2% of adults with a mental illness have a co-occurring substance use disorder (Addiction Group).
Why Co-occurring Disorders Are Common
Several factors contribute to the high prevalence of co-occurring disorders:
- Self-Medication: Many individuals use substances to alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions, leading to addiction.
- Shared Risk Factors: Environmental and developmental factors can increase the risk of both mental health disorders and substance use disorders.
- Brain Changes: Substance use can alter brain function, increasing the risk of developing mental health conditions and vice versa.
Challenges in Treating Co-occurring Disorders
Low Treatment Rates
Despite the significant overlap between SUDs and mental health conditions, treatment rates for co-occurring disorders remain low. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), only 9.1% of individuals with co-occurring disorders receive treatment for both conditions (Addiction Group). This gap in care is due to several challenges:
Stigma and Misdiagnosis
- Stigma: The stigma surrounding both mental health and substance use disorders can prevent individuals from seeking help. Fear of judgment and discrimination often leads to delayed or avoided treatment.
- Misdiagnosis: Co-occurring disorders can be challenging to diagnose accurately. Symptoms of mental health conditions and substance use disorders can overlap, making it difficult to determine the root cause of an individual’s distress. At Passages, we help clients identify and heal the underlying causes of their addiction-related issues that could also be contributing to their mental health concerns.
Fragmented Treatment Systems
- Lack of Integrated Care: Many treatment programs focus exclusively on either mental health or substance use disorders rather than addressing both simultaneously. This fragmented approach can lead to incomplete or ineffective treatment. At Passages, we look at every aspect of our clients’ lives, including their physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. This comprehensive approach results in a higher quality of life and more successful recovery.
- Inadequate Training: Healthcare providers may lack the training to recognize and treat co-occurring disorders effectively, further complicating integrated care delivery. At PassagesMalibu, our team of specialists is highly trained and experienced in managing co-occurring disorders, which leads to a more successful outcome.
Barriers to Access
- Cost and Insurance: High costs and inadequate insurance coverage are significant barriers to accessing comprehensive treatment for co-occurring disorders. Many insurance plans do not cover the full range of services needed for integrated care.
- Provider Shortages: There is a shortage of healthcare providers trained in treating co-occurring disorders, particularly in rural areas. This limits access to appropriate care for many individuals.
- Systemic Issues: Long waitlists, fragmented care systems, and socioeconomic factors like poverty create additional barriers to accessing treatment.
The Importance of Integrated Treatment
Comprehensive Care for Dual Diagnosis
Effective treatment for co-occurring disorders requires an integrated approach that addresses both the mental health condition and the substance use disorder simultaneously. At Passages Malibu, we believe that comprehensive care is essential for achieving lasting recovery.
Holistic Treatment Approaches
Our holistic treatment focuses on healing the mind, body, and spirit. We offer a range of therapies and services designed to address the complex needs of individuals with co-occurring disorders:
- Individualized Treatment Plans: Each client at Passages Malibu receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. This ensures that both the mental health condition and the substance use disorder are addressed.
- Therapeutic Modalities: We utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care. These therapies help individuals develop coping strategies, manage symptoms, and address the underlying causes of their disorders.
- Holistic Therapies: In addition to traditional therapies such as 1-1 counseling, we offer holistic treatments such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, art therapy, and much more. These therapies promote overall well-being and support the recovery process.
The Role of Luxury Wellness Centers
Luxury wellness centers like Passages Malibu provide a unique environment for treating co-occurring disorders. Our serene, supportive setting allows clients to focus on their recovery without the distractions and stressors of everyday life. Our luxury amenities and comprehensive care enhance the treatment experience and support long-term recovery.
Success Stories: Real-Life Examples
At Passages Malibu, we have helped many individuals recover from co-occurring disorders. Here are a few success stories that highlight the impact of our integrated treatment approach:
Case Study 1: Overcoming Depression and Alcohol Addiction
Background: Sarah, a 35-year-old woman, came to Passages Malibu struggling with severe depression and alcohol addiction. She had been using alcohol to self-medicate her depressive symptoms for years.
Treatment: Sarah’s individualized treatment plan included CBT to address her negative thought patterns, DBT to develop healthy coping strategies, and holistic therapies like yoga and acupuncture to promote overall well-being.
Outcome: After completing her treatment program, Sarah achieved sobriety and developed the tools needed to manage her depression. She continues to participate in aftercare services and has maintained her recovery for over two years.
Case Study 2: Managing PTSD and Opioid Addiction
Background: John, a 28-year-old veteran, came to Passages Malibu with PTSD and an opioid addiction. He had been using opioids to cope with the trauma he experienced during his military service.
Treatment: John’s treatment plan included trauma-informed care to address his PTSD, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to manage his opioid addiction, and holistic therapies like meditation and nutritional counseling to support his recovery.
Outcome: John completed his treatment program and developed healthy coping strategies to manage his PTSD. He has been sober for over a year and continues to participate in ongoing therapy and support groups.
Strategies for Improving Treatment Rates
Increasing Awareness and Reducing Stigma
Raising awareness about co-occurring disorders and reducing stigma are critical steps in improving treatment rates. Public education campaigns and advocacy efforts can help change perceptions and encourage individuals to seek help.
Enhancing Access to Integrated Care
Improving access to integrated care requires addressing systemic barriers and expanding the availability of comprehensive treatment programs. This includes:
- Insurance Coverage: Advocating for insurance plans to cover the full range of services needed for integrated treatment. At Passages, we accept many private insurance policies that help cover the cost of treatment, making it more accessible to more people.
- Provider Training: Increasing training opportunities for healthcare providers to recognize and treat co-occurring disorders effectively.
- Telehealth Services: Expanding telehealth services to reach individuals in rural or underserved areas.
Supporting Research and Innovation
Ongoing research and innovation are essential for developing effective treatments for co-occurring disorders. Supporting research initiatives and staying informed about the latest advancements in the field can help improve treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
At Passages Malibu, we are committed to addressing the significant overlap between substance use disorders and mental health conditions through integrated, holistic treatment approaches.
By providing comprehensive care that addresses both conditions simultaneously, we help individuals achieve lasting recovery and improve their overall well-being. We believe everyone deserves access to adequate, compassionate treatment, and we are dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery.
