Today, individuals with co-occurring disorders can receive targeted and integrated dual diagnosis care that reduces the high risks of relapse, emergency room visits, unemployment, or arrest, among other things, and increases the likeliness of independent living and sobriety. An integrated approach can be applied at any level of treatment, inpatient or outpatient, and it can be modified to fit individual circumstances and needs.

What is an Integrated Approach to Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

An integrated dual diagnosis model works to help clients improve their quality of life by combining services received at a treatment center to address two things at once: mental health disorders and substance abuse.

Clients receive services at the same center, from the same team, within the same organization. 

An integrated approach to dual diagnosis focuses on:

• Getting sober with detox
• Managing symptoms 
• Increasing independence

Benefits of an Integrated Approach to Dual Diagnosis

An integrated dual-diagnosis treatment program combines several interventions to meet you where you are, including:

• Medication
• Psychology sessions
• Educational sessions
• Social interventions

Integrated approaches promote direct client involvement in each of their recovery programs, offer a chance for family integration, and provide resources like stable housing. These programs:

• Reduce relapse rates
• Reduce high costs for services and treatment
• Reduce risks of hospitalization, arrest, or incarceration
• Boost the continuity of care
• Offer stable housing
• Improve quality of life
• Increase independent living

Integrated Dual Diagnosis Stages

Dual diagnosis programs can be equally effective when applied to residential or outpatient programs.

Those who are struggling with severe mental health disorders and co-occurring substance abuse disorders benefit the most from 24-hour supervision and the ability to extricate themselves from their daily lives and focus solely on recovery. In these instances, residential programs offering programs like garden therapy, Tai chi, and family therapy can help clients focus on their recovery.

For those who have already completed a residential program or are struggling with moderate to mild symptoms of mental health disorders and substance abuse, outpatient programs offer more scheduling flexibility; clients can return home every day and come back to the treatment center for their integrated dual diagnosis program specific days of the week. Outpatient programs are better suited to people who have stable living environments, can easily arrange transportation to and from their treatment center, or need the freedom to continue with ongoing support in a reduced capacity.

An integrated dual diagnosis program can take place at all levels of care. It is highly individualized to the client, with programs and treatment options intended to help specific circumstances. 

For example:

• Individuals who are struggling with trauma behind their substance abuse might benefit the most from trauma treatment and counseling in addition to detox, inpatient, and outpatient services. 
• Clients who struggle with their career progression can capitalize on career change programs with DBT immersion programs. 

Finding Integrated Dual Diagnosis Programs

Casa Serena is a premier women’s drug and alcohol rehab in Santa Barbara just minutes from the beach. Our luxury treatment center is owned and operated by women and offers a continuum of care so clients can receive integrated dual diagnosis treatment for women at all levels of care. 

Our goal is to offer community-driven programs that connect our clients to local resources as part of their long-term recovery. Moreover, with Casa Serena, we provide lifetime aftercare programs to clients so they are never alone in their journey. 

We partner with programs to offer continuing education for those who need to get their GED. We collaborate with community partners to offer services such as:

• Skill building
• Resume writing
• Professional etiquette
• Vocational support

Research indicates that of the Americans who have been diagnosed with a severe mental health disorder, 50% will also struggle with co-occurring substance abuse disorders throughout their lifetime. With an integrated dual diagnosis approach to recovery, clients can benefit from receiving services for both conditions at the same time in order to reduce the likelihood of relapse, psychiatric episodes, hospitalization, and even relationship difficulties and career problems.

Reach out to our team today to see if an integrated dual-diagnosis approach is right for you.

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Signs My Love One is Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol

Drug and alcohol addiction looks different from person to person. It is important to know what the common symptoms of addiction may look like in your loved one so you can better understand how to help. Different substances have unique effects; however, some signs of addiction occur regardless of the substance used. Some of the more recognizable indications of substance use may include new or worsening difficulties at work or school, changes in physical health, changes to hygiene and personal appearance, new or worsening financial problems, mood swings, increased isolation, and new legal struggles related to substance use. You may also notice your loved one making excuses for drinking or using drugs or choosing to drink or use over participating in once enjoyed activities or necessary obligations. 

What Does it Mean to “Enable” Someone?

Enabling is a term frequently used when talking about someone helping someone else to continue making (potentially) harmful choices. Enabling occurs in various contexts, including relationships where one party struggles with a behavioral addiction such as gambling, eating, drinking, or drug use. When you enable someone who struggles with addiction, you will likely achieve the opposite outcome you desire. While you want to help them feel better or want to get better, enabling behavior often accomplishes the opposite. Enabling means you (often unwittingly) promote and encourage your loved one’s bad behavior without encouraging them to take responsibility for their actions. 

It is not uncommon for people to mistake helping for enabling. Sometimes this is because they do not know what enabling behavior may look like. Some common examples of enabling include making excuses for your loved ones drinking or drug use, financially supporting them (either their substance use or paying their bills because they used their money for substances), minimalizing harmful behaviors, putting their needs above your own, covering up for their behaviors, and blaming yourself for their substance use. 

How to Love an Addict Without Enabling

People who enable an addict aren’t always aware of their actions. Also, many do not realize that deep down, enabling behavior is not about helping the addict but about the enabler helping themselves. When people enable, they find comfort in the feeling that they are making things better for someone. The enabling behavior continues out of the fear that your addicted loved one will not “need” you anymore or will seek support elsewhere without it. Unfortunately, part of that fear must come true for your loved one to seek and receive the help they need to overcome addiction. 
For this to happen, you must find safer, healthier ways to manage your loved one’s needs and your need to provide support. This means (sometimes) allowing challenges to happen. Ask yourself why you are giving them money? Why are you covering for destructive behaviors? How are the actions you take allowing them to continue to use? It is possible to provide support and love without enabling. Consider reaching out for help at a treatment center that specializes in family therapy. During this time, you can learn more about setting boundaries and communicating effectively with your loved one. You can also learn more about addiction and how to provide care and support without supporting ongoing harmful behaviors. To learn more about family therapy and reducing enabling behaviors in your relationships, contact us at Casa Serena today. Let us help you learn safer ways to help your loved one overcome addiction struggles.

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Drug rehab programs like Casa Serena provide potentially life-saving treatment services to addicts looking to overcome struggles with addiction. Drug rehabs offer a safe and supported environment where you can get the help you need to get sober and overcome the grip of drug addiction. Every drug rehab strives to provide comprehensive and effective care; however, each program has unique characteristics that may improve treatment outcomes for patients. At our women-only drug rehab, our team of treatment professionals will work with you to design an evidence-based treatment program focused on helping you meet your treatment needs and goals.

What are the Signs of Drug Addiction?

When you struggle with drug addiction, you experience the overwhelming urge to use. The need to use is so powerful that you will continue to seek and use drugs despite knowing ongoing use can lead to harmful physical and psychological consequences. Although there are many common signs of drug addiction, it is important to note that addiction is a disease that affects each person in unique ways. Although two people may be addicted to cocaine, the effects of the drug on the person and the difficulties they face during detox will be different.

Due to the individual nature of drug addiction, it is difficult to point to specific signs and symptoms that everyone will experience. It is also important to note that the severity of symptoms will depend on various factors, including the severity of one’s addiction, the type of substance they use, how often they use, and if they’ve sought treatment to overcome addiction in the past and experienced relapse.

Each drug produces slightly different effects when used. Some cause physical symptoms, and some cause emotional and behavioral symptoms. Some may lead to a combination of both. Common physical signs of drug use may include runny nose, difficulty sleeping, changes in weight, fatigue, bloodshot eyes, and runny nose. Behavioral and emotional signs may consist of cognitive challenges, lack of concern about personal hygiene, paranoia, changes in social circles, increased isolation, new or worsening mental health issues, and significant changes in school or work performance. Although drug use can cause a variety of other effects, this list provides a starting point for some symptoms that may indicate an unhealthy relationship with drugs.

How to Get Someone into Drug Rehab

If you were concerned about a loved one’s drug addiction and would like to learn more about the most effective ways to encourage them to get the help they need, there are a few places you can turn. First, encourage them to talk to their primary care provider or a mental health provider. These individuals can help provide guidance about the best treatment programs to help them overcome addiction. You can also contact our admissions team here at Casa Serena. Our caring and supportive team of treatment professionals are here to help you or a loved one begin your sobriety journey. We will work with you from the beginning to design a comprehensive treatment program focused on your unique treatment using goals. If you would like to learn more about how our programs can help you or a loved one get sober and start over free from the struggles with drug addiction, contact us today.

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