It’s very common for people with substance use disorders to also have one or more co-existing mental health conditions. In these situations, something called dual diagnosis treatment is used to address all the issues at the same time. Schizophrenia is less common than other mental health disorders, but schizophrenia and addiction can still occur together.
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder with sometimes confusing symptoms. Delusional beliefs, hallucinations, and other seemingly strange schizophrenic behavior can make it hard for people to understand and address the condition. Schizophrenia and addiction feed into one another, making the situation even harder to grasp.
Schizophrenia Can Completely Disrupt a Person’s Life
Schizophrenia distorts a person’s thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors, and its impact can be debilitating. It makes it hard to trust one’s own senses, and even a simple task can be derailed by distracting ideas, hallucinations, and anxiety.
Common symptoms of schizophrenia include:
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Delusions (false, sometimes absurd beliefs)
- Disjointed, unclear thoughts
- Disorganized, nonsensical speech
- Erratic behaviors
- Anxiety
- Low motivation
- Lack of emotion
- Poor attention and memory
Depending on the type of schizophrenia, other symptoms like paranoia and catatonia may be present.
For those with severe or untreated schizophrenia, maintaining a job and achieving goals with these symptoms can feel almost impossible. These feelings increase the risk factor for becoming a drug or alcohol addict.
Treating Schizophrenia and Addiction Can Be Challenging
Treating schizophrenia on its own is a challenge. Stigma and lack of resources can make it harder to get help, and it often takes time for doctors and patients to find a successful combination of medication, therapy, and other management strategies.
Drugs and alcohol exacerbate schizophrenia symptoms and create a cycle of distress and substance use. This can also make schizophrenic patients more resistant and difficult to deal with. With how complex and intertwined schizophrenia and addiction can be, it’s critical to have dedicated care at addiction treatment centers with staff who are skilled in both schizophrenia treatment and addiction treatment.
Our Comprehensive Dual Diagnosis Addiction Treatment Approach
The dedicated drug addiction specialists at our Los Angeles area rehab have experience with all kinds of mental illness, neurological disorders, and substance abuse. We create a thorough, personalized treatment plan for each individual based on their challenges, including schizophrenia.
In a dual diagnosis schizophrenia treatment program, we use evidence-based treatment methods that address both schizophrenia and addiction. Unlike addiction treatment centers that only address drug use, our Agoura Hills rehab’s comprehensive approach treats the whole person, giving them the greatest chance at long-term success.
We Create Individualized Treatment Plans for Schizophrenia and Addiction
At our dual diagnosis treatment center in Agoura Hills, CA, we start with a thorough assessment of the person’s unique needs and drug use history. We also look for any underlying conditions, including any mental health issues. If a client has schizophrenia, we take time to understand how it manifests and what risk factors are present.
Next, we create a detailed, individualized plan that combines addiction treatment with a schizophrenia treatment program to address their specific challenges. If appropriate, a doctor may prescribe medications to help stabilize and manage their mental condition.
Our Substance Abuse Treatment Options and Therapies
Methods we use to treat schizophrenia and addiction at our Agoura Hills facility include:
- Medical detox: Safe drug addiction detox with 24/7 supervision and care for withdrawal symptoms
- Addiction therapy: Group therapy and individual therapy with evidence-based techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and motivational enhancement therapy
- Family support: Family therapy with an addiction therapist to help clients and loved ones work through conflicts, childhood trauma, communication problems, and more
- Medication assisted treatment: Medically guided treatment with appropriate medications (like antipsychotics) if necessary
- Skill building: Life skills, coping strategies and communication skills education
- Aftercare: An alumni program with ongoing group meetings and other relapse prevention support
Get Specialized Treatment for Schizophrenia and Addiction in the Los Angeles Area
If you’re dealing with co-occurring schizophrenia and addiction, you don’t have to struggle alone. At our addiction treatment center in California, we have the specialized addiction counseling and compassionate care you need to address your complex needs and set you up for lifelong success. Contact our Agoura Hills, southern California rehab today to explore our addiction therapy program options and get the help you deserve.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapists in Agoura Hills, CA
Contact us today to learn more about our Los Angeles-area individualized addiction treatment programs and explore your options.