It can feel incredibly overwhelming when you’re facing not just one, but two serious challenges at the same time. Maybe you’re struggling with drug addiction, and on top of that, you’ve been diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). It’s a lot to handle, and it’s okay to feel confused and lost. Let’s break this down into simple terms. DID, previously known as multiple personality disorder, is a mental health condition where a person has two or more distinct identities or personality states. These different identities can take control of a person’s behavior at different times, and it’s not something someone chooses or can control. Some of the symptoms can include gaps in memory, feeling detached from your body, and experiencing other identities.
Now, when you add drug addiction to the mix, things get even more complicated. When someone has both a mental health issue and a substance use problem, we call it a dual diagnosis. It’s like having two wildfires raging at the same time, instead of just one, making it harder to put either one out. That’s why it’s essential to tackle both problems together, not separately. If one condition gets treatment but not the other, it makes the recovery much harder and often leads to relapses. We’re here to tell you that it’s totally possible to heal, and we’re here to help.
Imagine trying to solve a puzzle, but some of the pieces keep changing shape or disappearing. That’s what diagnosing DID and substance use issues at the same time can feel like. The symptoms of DID, like sudden shifts in identity or feeling disconnected from yourself, can be very confusing. Then you have the symptoms of substance use, like cravings, withdrawal, and changes in behavior. Both can mimic each other. It can be hard to see where one problem ends and the other starts. This makes it a lot harder for doctors and therapists to figure out exactly what’s going on. Because of this complexity, someone with DID might be misdiagnosed or have their substance use issues overlooked. Also, DID is often accompanied by other conditions like anxiety or depression. These co-occurring disorders make everything even more tangled.
Here’s the main problem: if either the DID or the addiction isn’t treated, the other one isn’t going to get better, either. Think of it like building a house. If your foundation has cracks (untreated mental health issues), it doesn’t matter how good the rest of your house is (sobriety); it’s not going to stand strong. Untreated mental health issues can make it harder to stay sober, while addiction can make your mental health worse. This is why it’s really important to look at both issues together, during treatment. We need to figure out what your unique challenges are to create a plan that works just for you.
California, a beautiful and diverse state, unfortunately also has its share of challenges when it comes to mental health and addiction. When we talk about dual diagnosis, the numbers are higher than most people think. In fact, a lot of folks struggling with substance use in California are also dealing with a mental health disorder. It’s hard to pin down exact numbers, as they can change frequently, but the link between these two issues is something we see a lot of here in Orange County, and all across California. This isn’t about judging anyone. It’s about recognizing that many things can cause this. High stress, exposure to trauma, and even genetics, can play a role. These factors don’t just affect one’s mental health or substance use alone; they can contribute to both at the same time. What we want to emphasize is that you are not alone in this battle. Many people in California are facing this exact same struggle, and we want to be here to offer you hope and solutions. If you or someone you love are struggling, Contact Us right away. We can help.
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We get it. Addiction recovery is tough. That’s why our programs are founded and staffed by people in recovery – people who truly understand.
When dealing with dual diagnosis, you can’t just address the mental health and substance use problems separately. Instead, we use what’s called an integrated approach. Think of it like a puzzle, you need to put all the pieces together at the same time to see the full picture. In other words, integrated treatment brings together mental health therapy and addiction treatment into a single plan. Instead of different doctors and therapists all looking at one part, everyone works together to provide you a comprehensive plan. This approach is not only more effective, it also makes more sense for your specific needs. Your recovery plan will be unique to you. Your journey with DID is unlike anyone else’s and so is your addiction. We take that into consideration to design a plan that works for you and your goals.
For someone with DID and addiction, this plan could involve many things like, talk therapy, medication management, and support groups, all working in harmony. The key is to find what you personally need, and then give you the right support, in the right way, at the right time. It’s about more than just getting sober, it’s about finding real healing. That is why, before we start, we need to verify your insurance. This helps us ensure we have all the resources needed to build a strong recovery for you.
At Asana Recovery, we believe that everyone deserves the best possible care. That’s why we have created a dual diagnosis program that addresses both mental health and substance use issues at the same time. We understand that a dual diagnosis is a very complex condition, requiring specialized care that is not “one size fits all.” That’s why we have a team of experts who are trained to work with people who have a dual diagnosis. We have many options to meet your needs. If you need a more structured program, you can explore our Residential Treatment program. We also offer a variety of outpatient services. Our Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provide more flexible options, allowing you to continue living at home while receiving intensive treatment.
We also use therapy techniques that have been proven to help people who have both DID and addiction, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). For some, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) might be the right path and we will work with you to determine that. We also know how important support systems are, which is why we offer couples therapy. Our whole goal is to give you the right combination of care so you can heal. If you are ready to learn more about your options, please contact us today.
Therapy plays a really big role in helping people with DID and addiction. It’s more than just talking. It’s about understanding what has caused these issues, finding the triggers, and learning the tools for healing. With dual diagnosis, one of the main goals of therapy is to give you a safe space to explore your emotions and thoughts, in all of the parts of you, and how it leads to addiction. Some common therapies we use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps you learn to recognize negative thought patterns and how to change them. In other words, it helps you challenge the negative thoughts that make you feel like you need to use drugs or alcohol. We also provide Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which is a very structured therapy that focuses on learning healthy skills for managing emotions and relationships. It helps you develop coping skills to handle stress in a way that doesn’t involve drug or alcohol use.
These therapies help with both DID symptoms, and your addiction. By learning better ways to manage your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, you can start building a stronger foundation for your recovery. The goal is to not just manage the issues but also thrive. We do understand that each person’s journey is different, which is why your therapy will be tailored to meet your specific needs and concerns. We also ensure that we take into account that you have different alters and to understand the specific role they each play in the recovery process. The path forward is to embrace healing through therapy. If you want to know more about the therapies we provide, please check out our mental health outpatient treatment options.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be a very important part of the recovery journey, especially when you’re dealing with both addiction and DID. MAT uses medications that can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and drugs. In very simple terms, it is about taking the right medication, in a controlled way, to give you a boost in getting through the initial stages of recovery. The key thing to know is that MAT is not just about taking medicine. It’s about combining the medication with therapy and other kinds of support. This approach addresses both the physical and the psychological aspects of addiction and recovery.
For someone with DID, MAT can be particularly helpful. Often the medications given for addiction can also help reduce symptoms of mental health disorders. For example, some medications help stabilize moods and reduce anxiety, which can be a big help for people struggling with DID and co-occurring addiction. It’s really important to understand that MAT isn’t a standalone fix, but it’s a tool that we use within your larger recovery plan. We will work closely with you to make sure that MAT is safe and right for you, because we know how important it is to customize our plans for each patient. MAT will only be used when we see it will be beneficial for your recovery journey. If you’d like to explore MAT, we have more information available about medically-assisted detox to help you see if it’s a good fit for you.
Recovering from addiction and DID can be extremely challenging, and you don’t need to do it alone. Family and support systems can make the journey a lot easier. When families are involved in the treatment process, the outcome is much better. Family therapy can be a powerful tool. It creates an environment where family members can learn about DID and addiction, understand how to support each other, and help address some of the family dynamic patterns that can be adding to your challenges. Support groups can also offer a safe place to share experiences, connect with others facing similar challenges, and find understanding and encouragement. Being able to talk to people who know what you are going through can be incredibly comforting and motivating.
It’s essential to know that your recovery affects everyone around you. Families need information and tools to learn how to support your recovery. It also helps your family heal, since living with someone with DID and addiction can be a lot for them. When families heal, it makes your recovery stronger, too. We strongly encourage you to bring your family into your treatment plan. If you are looking for couples therapy, we have programs available to help you and your family on this journey together. Remember, you’re stronger when you have support and that is why we are here to support your family as well.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the stigma associated with DID and addiction. People often have many misunderstandings about these conditions, leading to shame and isolation. It is so important for us to recognize that DID is a mental health condition, not a character flaw or something to be ashamed of. Similarly, addiction is a medical condition, not a choice. Both require understanding and care, and should not be the subject of judgement. Stigma can keep people from reaching out for the help they need. It makes people feel ashamed, afraid, and like they don’t deserve to get better. One of our main goals is to eliminate this stigma. You are not alone, and you deserve to heal, just like everyone else.
Then there are the barriers that can make it hard to access care. Maybe you don’t have insurance or you are worried about the cost. Maybe you are concerned about taking time off work, or childcare concerns. These are all real challenges, and we understand them. At Asana Recovery, we want to break down all of those barriers. We offer flexible programs that can fit your life, and insurance verification to make sure that we can help you with the cost. The first step is to reach out. You deserve to heal, and we want to make that as easy as possible for you. Let’s break down those barriers and work together towards your path of healing and recovery. There’s no shame in asking for help. We are here to help make that step easier for you.
Taking the first step to getting help can be a bit scary, but we’re here to make it as easy as possible for you. If you or someone you know is dealing with both DID and addiction, it’s important to reach out to a place that understands dual diagnosis treatment. At Asana Recovery, we have experienced professionals who truly understand the challenges and who are passionate about helping you heal.
The first thing you can do is verify your insurance. We’ll work to maximize your insurance benefits so that you can focus on getting better. If you don’t have insurance or you’re considering private pay, we also offer various private pay and payment options. We also have many service options like Alcohol Addiction Treatment, Drug Addiction Treatment, and many more. If you have any questions at all, or if you are simply trying to understand what your next steps should be, please Contact Us today. We are here for you, to help you get started on the journey of healing, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Living with DID and addiction is undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences a person can have, but it’s incredibly important to know that it is not something you have to live with forever. There is help and there is hope. We know that comprehensive treatment that addresses both of these issues simultaneously is the most effective path to recovery. If you are struggling, we want to emphasize that you are not alone. The path to healing may seem long, but with the right support, it is completely achievable. Whether you are dealing with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, along with DID, we have the tools and compassion to support you through it.
Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Take a moment today and think about the ways that you deserve to heal. Imagine your life free from the pain of addiction and the challenges of DID. You deserve to experience this freedom. We want to encourage you to take that first step and reach out. We’re here to answer your questions, walk with you through every stage of your recovery, and give you the support you need to heal. This is not just about ending the challenges of addiction and mental health, but about rediscovering your joy and purpose in life. It’s time to begin your journey to healing. We look forward to hearing from you and partnering with you on this path. Contact Us today.
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