Dual Diagnosis (Co-Occurring Disorders)
Women who struggle with alcoholism or addiction while also suffering from a mood disorder (like depression) or other behavioral disorder are said to have a Co-Occuring Disorder.
Our 25 years of experience treating addiction and alcoholism in Orange County has taught us that a high percentage of alcohol- and drug-dependent women also suffer from a co-occurring disorder such as:
• Depression or Bipolar Disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Anxiety Disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Effective Womens' Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Since these mood or behavioral disorders and chemical dependency have a habit of complicating the treatment of either condition by itself, research has shown that the most effective way to address the co-occurring disorders is to simultaneously address both. It is not uncommon for a woman to arrive at The Rose seeking treatment for an addiction and during the process of screening and assessment we discover that another disorder may be present. Also, it is not uncommon for the co-occurring disorder to become manageable after a period of sustained sobriety, effective counseling, and the appropriate medication. It is estimated that 53 percent of chemically dependent women also have at least one other mood or behavioral issue.
SIMULTANEOUS TREATMENT OF CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY AND THE CO-OCCURING DISORDER
The treatment that our dually diagnosed women receive at The Rose is ideal because it addresses both the addiction and the co-occurring disorder.
Our pre-screening and initial psychological assessment of women who come here for treatment includes an analysis of their substance abuse history and medical records so that we can assess for a co-occuring disorder and integrate it into their individual treatment program. During the admissions process, the womanwill meet with our psychiatrists who will screen and make various adjustments to the treatment program depending on the type of disorder identified.
Our psychiatrists may also prescribe the appropriate medications to treat the individual. Our facility nurse oversees the procurement and allocation of the medications as needed.
Some examples of the disorders we have experience identifying and treating are:
• Anxiety disorders, including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Depressive disorders, such as depression and Bipolar Disorders
• Phobias
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Other psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and personality disorders
A VARIETY OF CLINICAL TREATMENT METHODS FOR DUAL DIAGNOSIS
Our Dual Diagnosis Program is well-suited for women who require help with an emotional or psychiatric problem. In addition to treatment for chemical dependency, there will be specialized individual and group therapy for issues like PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, or depression.
Effective and personalized counseling is a key part of caring for our female dual diagnosis clients. The women will receive individual and/or group therapy for dual diagnoses. We also have specialists on staff who help clients in the areas of trauma resolution and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Our highly skilled staff therapists:
- manage the individual woman's case
- monitor her progress
- provide an important one-on-one link with the families
Our entire clinical staff meets frequently to review the progress of every woman at The Rose. We have found that a woman's progress is best determined when a multidisciplinary team approach is used. If it is determined that a woman at The Rose needs assistance with any other diagnosis or disorder, she is referred to the appropriate individual and group counselors for therapy sessions.
Some of the treatment methods that will be used to help women who are experiencing a dual diagnosis include:
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
• Hypnotherapy
• Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Group Therapy
• Daily 12-Step Support Groups
• Our Family Program Facilitated by Dr. Bradley and Dr. Brown
Occasionally, a woman comes to us with a diagnosis beyond the scope of our care. In such instances, we can refer that woman to an expert for that adjunct care. We help these women receive the care that will help them and will also provide the transportation and supervision that may be required to get the woman to the specialist's office.
For more information about how we address co-occurring disorders or what the experience of receiving treatment at The Rose is like, please call us at 888.471.0435 or fill out our online confidential assessment form.
