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Understanding Dual Diagnosis at Sun County

Is this the right fit?

Who our dual diagnosis treatment is for

Dual diagnosis means a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time. At Sun County Wellness, women 18 and older get one treatment plan and one team for both, through partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient care in San Juan Capistrano or virtually.

A good fit if

You drink or use to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, or mood swings.
You have been treated for one condition and the other kept pulling you back.
You want mental health and addiction care coordinated by the same clinicians.

Start somewhere else if

You may have dangerous withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids. Medically supervised withdrawal care comes first; admissions can talk through that step.
You are in immediate danger or thinking about ending your life. Call 911 or 988 now, before anything else.
You need 24-hour supervision or a residential setting right now.

Verify your insurance Call (949) 828-0960

If you’ve found your way here, it’s likely that either you’re seeking help for addiction or trying to understand the challenges someone close to you is facing. We’re here to guide and support.

“Dual diagnosis” refers to the co-existence of mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD). Astonishingly, 25% of Americans with a mental illness also grapple with addiction during their lifetime, illustrating the interconnectedness of these challenges.

Individuals with dual diagnoses might contend with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, or other complex mood disorders like schizophrenia. Navigating such a dual burden often leaves many feeling overwhelmed, uncertain about which issue to address first, and where to seek holistic help.

Common Dual Diagnosis Combinations

Depression and Cocaine Addiction: Cocaine might be used as a short-term mood enhancer, which could exacerbate depression over time.
ADHD and Alcohol Abuse: Individuals might consume alcohol to self-medicate and calm their hyperactivity.
PTSD and Opioid Addiction: Opioids can temporarily numb traumatic memories, leading to dependency.
Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol: Alcohol might be consumed to mitigate mood swings, albeit detrimentally.
Schizophrenia and Marijuana Addiction: Cannabis might be used to self-soothe, potentially intensifying psychotic symptoms.
Eating Disorders and Appetite Suppressants: Suppressants could be abused to control weight, intensifying the eating disorder.

Inherent Challenges in Dual Diagnosis

Recognizing Addiction as a Symptom: Understanding that substance abuse often masks or results from untreated mental health issues.
Requirement of Specialized Treatment: Effective care demands experts versed in treating both addiction and mental health simultaneously.
Increased Relapse Risk: The intertwined nature of both challenges can lead to a heightened relapse risk.
Tendency Towards Self-Medication: Many resort to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to alleviate the symptoms of their mental illness.

Your First Step Towards Recovery

Believe that help is available and effective. At Sun County, our experts are trained to holistically treat dual diagnoses, ensuring you receive care that addresses the entirety of your challenges. If you suspect a dual diagnosis in yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out.