CARING & PERSONAL DUAL DIAGNOSIS ADDICTION TREATMENT

Broadway Treatment Center is a premier addiction treatment center located in southern California. Our multidisciplinary approach to addiction recovery is what keeps us at the top of our industry. We are known for our dual-diagnosis addiction treatment plans and how to best serve patients suffering from dual diagnosis disorders. Our addiction treatment programs are accredited by the Joint Commission (formerly JCAHO), and we have received the Gold Seal of Approval for the highest quality service available. This certification ensures that our team provides safe and effective services to our clients.

WHAT IS DUAL-DIAGNOSIS?

Many individuals suffering from addiction also find themselves struggling with a mental illness. Often, it‘s hard to pinpoint which disorder started first, whether the substance abuse or the mental illness. Both disorders can exacerbate the other, and only a trained professional is capable of treating someone suffering from both. At Broadway Treatment Center, we only staff certified, clinically trained psychologists to assist our clients through dual-diagnosis addiction treatment programs.

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Research shows a link between mental health issues and addiction. Although addiction does not always create mental disorders, it definitely can in some cases. In almost all cases where an individual suffers from mental health issues and addiction, substance abuse worsens symptoms of mental illness. It is often a cyclical pattern; addiction makes mental illness worse and mental health issues tend to make addiction worse. Because the two disorders are symbiotic, this often leads to misdiagnosis of mental health issues due to the effect addiction has on an individual. It is hard to discern which disorder is causing which symptoms.

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

Many individuals suffering from PTSD attempt to self-medicate. These individuals often experience flashbacks to their traumatic experience and terrifyingly realistic nightmares. Drugs in the depressant category (alcohol, opiates, benzos, etc) tend to numb the mind, which can help those with PTSD relax and fall asleep.

EATING DISORDERS

Many people suffering from an eating disorder rely on drugs to help them curb their appetite. Drugs in the stimulant category (meth, Adderall, cocaine, etc) stimulate the nervous system which reduces hunger and leads to weight loss. Also, when drugs are taken on an empty stomach, their euphoric side effects are much more potent.

BIPOLAR DISORDER

Bipolar disorder is characterized by fluctuations between manic and depressive states. Individuals suffering from bi-polar disorder often use substances to self-medicate and reduce the intensity of each extreme state. Typically stimulants (cocaine, meth, etc), are used to help them during a depressive state, while depressants (opiates, benzos, etc), are used to help them manage a manic state. People try to find a place of mental balance, resulting in the development of addiction.

SCHIZOPHRENIA

Those suffering from schizophrenia have a very difficult time managing their prescribed medication. Essentially, their brain causes them to question reality. Hopelessness is a common feeling for people suffering from schizophrenia. Often, they try to counter this feeling by using drugs as an escape from their own mind.

BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER (BPD)

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can cause people to destroy relationships with friends and family. This can lead to depression and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts. Individuals often use drugs or alcohol to mask their feelings about their often destructive behavior. They also turn to substance abuse as a way to self-destruct.

MOOD DISORDERS

The phrase “mood disorder” covers many different mental health issues. Depression and anxiety are the two most common our team sees in those struggling with addiction. Those suffering from depression often use drugs because it makes them feel good enough to engage in daily life. People with anxiety tend to use drugs or alcohol because it allows them to calm their mind.

LEARN MEDICATION MANAGEMENT IN DRUG REHAB

Many people with a dual-diagnosis have been prescribed medication by their doctor or therapist to help improve their mental health. Occasionally, that prescribed medication in and of itself can be addictive. We at Broadway offer medication management training in our dual-diagnosis program. Through cognitive behavioral therapy, our team teaches people how to appropriately manage their medication. Disorders like schizophrenia can cause individuals to be unable to manage their own medications, even those that are not addictive. In these circumstances, our clinical therapists arrange plans with outside providers to make sure our clients continue receiving their medication long after they’ve completed their treatment program.