Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Redlands and the Inland Empire

Understanding Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis, also called co-occurring disorders, refers to the simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and one or more mental health conditions. This combination is not the exception in addiction treatment but rather the norm. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that approximately 9.2 million American adults have co-occurring disorders.

The relationship between mental health and substance use is bidirectional. Mental health conditions can drive substance use as individuals attempt to self-medicate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma. Conversely, chronic substance use alters brain chemistry in ways that trigger or worsen psychiatric symptoms. This intertwined relationship creates a cycle that is difficult to break without integrated treatment.

In Redlands and throughout the Inland Empire, many individuals enter addiction treatment without realizing they have an underlying mental health condition that has been fueling their substance use. Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation during treatment assessment is essential for identifying these co-occurring conditions and developing an effective treatment plan.

Common Co-Occurring Conditions

Several mental health conditions co-occur with substance use disorders at rates far exceeding chance. Understanding these common combinations helps individuals and families recognize when dual diagnosis treatment is needed.

Major depressive disorder and substance use disorders co-occur in approximately one-third of cases. Individuals with depression may use alcohol or other substances to temporarily alleviate feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, and emotional pain, only to find that substance use deepens the depressive cycle.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is particularly prevalent among individuals with substance use disorders. Trauma survivors may use substances to manage intrusive memories, hyperarousal, and emotional numbing associated with PTSD. Without trauma-focused treatment, these individuals are at high risk for relapse even after completing addiction-focused programming.

• Major Depression: Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest that drives self-medication
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Chronic worry and tension that substances temporarily relieve
• PTSD: Trauma-related symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, and hyperarousal
• Bipolar Disorder: Mood episodes that alternate between depression and mania, often accompanied by impulsive substance use
• ADHD: Attention and impulse control difficulties associated with higher rates of substance experimentation
• Borderline Personality Disorder: Emotional instability and impulsivity that frequently co-occur with addiction

Why Integrated Treatment Is Essential

Historically, mental health and substance use disorders were treated separately, often by different providers with different philosophies. Individuals were told they needed to achieve sobriety before their mental health could be addressed, or conversely that their substance use was merely a symptom that would resolve once their psychiatric condition was stabilized.

Research has decisively shown that this sequential approach produces poor outcomes. Untreated mental health symptoms drive relapse, and untreated substance use undermines psychiatric medication effectiveness and therapeutic progress. Integrated treatment that addresses both conditions within a single, coordinated clinical framework is now recognized as the standard of care.

Integrated dual diagnosis treatment involves a unified treatment team that includes addiction counselors, mental health therapists, and psychiatric prescribers all working from a shared treatment plan. This coordination ensures that medication management, therapy goals, and recovery planning account for the complex interactions between conditions.

Dual Diagnosis Resources in Redlands and the Inland Empire

Redlands, home to the University of Redlands and Loma Linda University Medical Center, has a concentration of mental health professionals and healthcare infrastructure that supports dual diagnosis treatment. Several outpatient practices in the area specialize in co-occurring disorders, offering psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and therapy.

Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center provides inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services that address substance use within a mental health treatment framework. The facility's affiliation with the university creates access to specialized providers and research-informed treatment approaches.

For comprehensive residential dual diagnosis treatment, Trust SoCal in Fountain Valley offers a fully integrated program that combines psychiatric care with addiction treatment within a JCAHO-accredited setting. San Bernardino County residents from Redlands and surrounding communities benefit from the facility's specialized dual diagnosis protocols and experienced clinical team.

The Treatment Process for Dual Diagnosis

Effective dual diagnosis treatment begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation that identifies all co-occurring conditions. This assessment goes beyond standard addiction screening to examine mood, anxiety, trauma history, psychotic symptoms, and personality functioning. Many co-occurring conditions become apparent only after the acute effects of substances clear, making ongoing assessment throughout treatment essential.

Medication management is often a critical component of dual diagnosis treatment. Psychiatric medications including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety medications, and antipsychotics may be prescribed to stabilize mental health symptoms. These medications must be carefully selected to avoid interactions with addiction treatment medications and to minimize abuse potential.

Therapeutic modalities in dual diagnosis treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy for both addiction and mental health symptoms, dialectical behavior therapy for emotional regulation, EMDR or prolonged exposure therapy for trauma, and motivational interviewing to strengthen engagement. Group therapy provides peer connection with others navigating similar challenges.

1. 1Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation identifying all co-occurring conditions
2. 2Integrated treatment plan addressing both substance use and mental health
3. 3Medication management by addiction-experienced psychiatric providers
4. 4Evidence-based therapy targeting both conditions simultaneously
5. 5Aftercare planning with continued psychiatric care and recovery support

Finding Dual Diagnosis Treatment

When seeking dual diagnosis treatment, verify that the program employs psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners who can prescribe and manage medications. Programs that rely solely on addiction counselors without psychiatric support may be inadequate for individuals with significant co-occurring conditions.

Ask about the specific mental health conditions the program is equipped to treat. Some programs excel with depression and anxiety but may not have the expertise for bipolar disorder, PTSD, or personality disorders. Matching the program's capabilities to your specific diagnostic profile is essential.

Contact Trust SoCal at (949) 280-8360 for a comprehensive dual diagnosis assessment. The clinical team can evaluate co-occurring conditions, recommend the appropriate level of care, and verify insurance coverage for Redlands and Inland Empire residents.