Dual Diagnosis Outpatient

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Outpatient for Dual Diagnosis in Orange County, CA

Dual diagnosis is a common condition affecting people of all ages. People with dual diagnosis have mental illness and drug & alcohol disorders. Unfortunately, the complexity of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of patients with dual diagnosis often leads to a relapse.

There are various treatment options and programs for treating dual diagnosis. The complex nature of the problem dictates the treatment program for an individual.

Enhance Health Group offers outpatient mental health treatment in Orange County for dual diagnosis. Customized treatment plans are developed based on the mental health and substance use disorder diagnosed. 

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Someone with a dual diagnosis has both a mental disorder and a drug & alcohol problem. Approximately half of those who have a mental health disorder are likely to develop a substance use disorder, and vice versa.

Despite these conditions co-occurring, they do not stem from each other. Approximately 45% of people with a substance use disorder also struggle with mental health.

Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis

Symptoms of dual diagnosis are disparate and dissimilar from one person to the other. Patients should seek dual diagnosis outpatient treatment whenever they recognize the symptoms.

Here are some signs of co-occurring disorders to watch out for:

  • Social withdrawal
  • Angry, reckless, or violent behavior
  • Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or insomnia)
  • Dramatic shifts in energy levels and moods
  • Lack of ability to concentrate
  • Weight or appetite changes
  • Hallucinations or delusions
  • Intense or prolonged feelings of hopelessness, despair, or worthlessness
  • Difficulty maintaining relationships due to behavior or mood swings
  • Internal anxiety
  • Use of drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism
Dual Diagnosis Outpatient Treatment in California

Dual Diagnosis Outpatient Treatment

Patients suffering from dual diagnosis must treat both conditions. Also, if they want the treatment to be effective, they should quit alcohol and drugs. Experts offer dual diagnosis support using inpatient and intensive outpatient programs.

Inpatient dual diagnosis programs are highly effective for treating co-occurring health and medical disorders. On the other hand, an intensive outpatient dual diagnosis treatment program is for patients with manageable conditions.

Dual diagnosis outpatient treatment allows the patient to receive treatment while they continue to work and take care of their families. Once the treatment is over, the participants are free to leave the treatment facility.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a treatment option for recovering dual diagnosis patients. The program allows patients to access medical and psychological treatment with a minimal time commitment. Additionally, the treatment requires patients to seek treatment from the rehab or the hospital of their choice.

IOP treatment sessions include;

  • Relapse prevention skills
  • Counseling
  • Therapy
  • Medication management

How does the program work?

IOP program only requires a few short visits per week. However, the number of hours and sessions depends on the patient’s diagnosis and can change depending on the participant’s progress. Patients must stick to the strict schedule and routine of the IOP program to make it effective.

The program takes longer than inpatient treatment because it’s not continuous. But if correctly prescribed, followed, and completed, the IOP program can be just as effective. Apart from individual counseling and therapy, IOP programs incorporate other activities like group sessions.

This allows patients to get help and support from former addicts. And through other people’s experiences, advice, and insights, the patient will overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness. Additionally, they will understand themselves better, which is essential for their recovery.

Who’s the best candidate for the IOP program?

This program is recommended for patients who do not need round-the-clock monitoring. It’s specifically meant for those who’ve already gone through the acute withdrawal stage and are on the road to recovery.

Also, patients who do not meet the criteria for inpatient treatment can benefit from the IOP program. These are usually people who are suffering from mild to moderate substance abuse.

However, the IOP program is not ideal for;

  • Patients exposed to environments that may trigger cravings
  • Patients exposed to people or situations that encourage substance abuse
  • Patients who are unable to adhere to the strict IOP program structure and routine – perhaps due to transport problems

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

PHP is an outpatient dual diagnosis program that’s more intensive than the IOP program. The program requires more visits and sessions compared to the IOP treatment. On average, patients require an average of five visits every week.

After completing detoxification and residential treatment, patients will immediately enter the PHP program to continue their recovery.

The program incorporates medical and psychiatric attention, among other activities, to guarantee its success. Typically, any action to improve the patient’s physical and mental health is highly recommended for the PHP program.

The program’s time commitment is essential in minimizing or eliminating the chances of a relapse.

Who can benefit from the PHP program?

The PHP program gives patients substantial access to medical staff, allowing for better monitoring of their condition and recovery. However, it may not be ideal for all dual diagnosis patients.

The program is suitable for patients who;

  • Cannot manage their cravings due to severe episodes of addiction or overdose
  • Have a higher chance of relapse despite completing residential treatment
  • Still experiencing withdrawal symptoms
  • Need further detoxification services

Deciding on a Suitable Dual Diagnosis Outpatient

There are various programs and treatments for patients with dual diagnosis. The treatment option depends on multiple factors. However, it’s best to seek advice from a doctor before choosing the right dual diagnosis treatment program. The doctor will examine/diagnose your condition and recommend the best treatment.

Factors that may affect the choice of a treatment program include:

  • Time commitment – programs have different time commitment demands depending on the patient’s condition. Therefore, the patient should choose a program that has a flexible schedule.
  • Lifestyle – the patient’s lifestyle affects the choice of a dual diagnosis outpatient program. This includes day-to-day factors like study, work, and taking care of the family.
  • Financial condition – the services in each program vary, affecting the cost of the treatment. Insurance can cover can help offset the bills. It is essential to assess a person’s financial situation when choosing a dual diagnosis treatment.

Get Help with Dual Diagnosis Outpatient

Dual diagnosis cases require different treatment options depending on various factors. Patients with mild to moderate symptoms can benefit from intensive outpatient dual diagnosis programs like IOP and PHP.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental health and substance use disorder, reach out to Enhance Health Group in Orange County, CA today. Those seeking outpatient services for mental health and substance use disorder can benefit from our individualized treatment plans. Our team can answer any questions you may have and give you a better understanding of our outpatient program. 

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