Dual-Diagnosis

Dual-Diagnosis Treatment in Texas

Recovering from substance abuse disorder is challenging. However, if any presenting mental health issues are left untreated, it can become even more difficult to combat. Untreated mental health issues combined with addiction recovery can be a negative influence on a person’s recovery and contribute to relapse. Effective treatment borrows modalities that treat both the person’s chemical dependency and mental health disorders simultaneously. At Casa Colina, we offer dual diagnosis treatment to encompass all facets of the presenting issues. We use evidenced-based modalities to address each issue with an individualized approach. Within the scope of these therapies, individuals can begin to heal from both substance abuse and mental health disorders.

Our clinical team includes addiction counselors, trauma therapists, and family therapists.

What Is A Dual-Diagnosis Disorder?

Dual diagnosis is a condition in which an individual suffers from a substance abuse disorder and a mental illness simultaneously. A dual diagnosis disorder can present itself in a range of issues. These can include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, thought disorders, personality disorders, and more. Coupled with addiction to mind-altering substances that include marijuana, opiates, prescription drugs, alcohol, and more, a dual diagnosis disorder is a serious issue, yet treatable.

A dual diagnosis can affect demographic, age, gender and can interfere with all aspects of an individual’s life. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 45 percent of people in the United States suffer with a dual diagnosis disorder. Additionally, people suffering from a mental illness are twice as likely as the general population to suffer from substance use disorder. It’s important to note that one does not necessarily precede the other. Either disorder – substance abuse or mental illness – can develop first.

How is A Dual-Diagnosis Treated?

At our dual diagnosis treatment facility in Texas, we use a combination of individualized and holistic care to treat dual diagnosis disorders, specific to the client’s needs. With a number of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, medication management, nutrition management, holistic therapies, and more, these therapies work together to challenge negative beliefs, address symptoms, and create the best chances for you to heal your mind, body, and soul.

Treatment for dual diagnosis seeks to provide education, create awareness, and help you develop new coping skills surrounding change. In addition, treatment incorporates relapse prevention and planning to ensure that a plan is developed to combat old patterns and behaviors once they transition back into the real world.

In addition to these type of interventions, Casa Colina provides a safe and structured environment for you to find accountability and develop new connections. We understand that finding the right facility can be challenging. However, at our dual diagnosis treatment facility, you can find the following:

A multidisciplinary team of understanding professionals
A small staff to patient ratio
Programming that treats every aspect of the individual including physical health, mental health, spiritual health, and family programming.

Signs and Symptoms of a Dual Diagnosis Disorder

Symptoms of a dual diagnosis disorder can vary depending on the mental illness and substances used. For example, someone who is addicted to opiates and has bipolar disorder may show signs of mania and depression, grandiose behavior, and lethargy. Whereas, someone who has Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and alcoholism may become withdrawn, and use alcohol to calm their hyper-vigilance. Signs and symptoms of a dual diagnosis disorder do vary from person to person, however, there are a number of general symptoms that can indicate a person may be struggling. These can include:

Sudden changes in behavior or mood
High risk behaviors
Problems fulfilling basic responsibilities
Problems concentrating
Anxiety, panic, and worry
Decline in grooming or personal hygiene
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Using substances despite negative consequences

To be properly diagnosed with a dual diagnosis disorder, you must be evaluated by a clinician or medical professional. However, you do not have to be a professional to understand something may not be right. Living with a dual diagnosis disorder can be extremely challenging and each person will have different factors related to their condition. Dual Diagnosis disorders are progressive, yet treatable, and many have recovered from the devastating effects of it.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Texas

Our team is led by Dr. Gwen Shipe, a psychiatrist with over a decade of experience in anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and social phobia; Asperger’s disorder; Attention-deficit and disruptive behavior disorders; Mood disorders including bipolar and depressive disorders; Addiction disorders including alcohol and opioid-related disorders. Dr. Shipe is affiliated with the American Psychiatric Association [APA], the Dallas Association of Women Psychiatrists [DAWP], Genelex YouScript Pharmacogenetic Personalized Prescribing System, and the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians (TSPP) She also has additional certifications as a Qualified Practitioner, Cogmed Working Memory Training Program, [Cogmed], and Mental Health Specialist.

With a holistic and rounded approach to Dual Diagnosis treatment, individuals can find freedom from addiction and mental health issues. At Casa Colina, we stand on the cornerstone of support, accountability, and unparalleled services to provide each person the tools necessary to live productive lives in society. Our staff takes into consideration the complex needs of each individual and together, our staff and clients create a treatment plan to overcome and confront root causes of your symptoms in a secure environment. Reaching out for help can be the hardest step, yet the most rewarding.

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