Co-occurring Disorders

Dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders are defined by the presence of both mental health issues and substance abuse or addiction. There are a number of different mental health problems that can be associated with substance abuse and labeled as a dual diagnosis or co occurring disorder. Just a few of the disorders include: depression disorder, bi-polar disorder, social anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia.

Key to the treatment of young adult men who are dually diagnosed is the development of an integrated treatment model involving coordinated substance abuse and mental health interventions designed to treat the whole person. Research indicates that effective programs dealing with dually diagnosed individuals are most phased-based and at least a year of more in duration.  Recommended treatment modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, contingency management, and motivational interviewing.

Often key to long-term remission is the development of a post program continuing care or aftercare program designed to help facilitate the transition back into family and more normal societal roles including work, school, and relationships. There is a need for groups and activities that support change. This may include assisting in the establishment and monitoring of a structured support network critical for continued recovery and healing.

The San Cristobal Academy Program is designed to address the needs of young adult men with complex, multi-dimensional, co-occurring conditions. For parents and professionals that treat them, it’s often difficult or impossible to fully understand whether current psychiatric disorders were present prior to substance abuse or triggered by the use of chemicals. The SCA program is designed in phases with early Phase I oriented to sobriety and building a strong foundation for sustainable recovery. Once all chemicals are removed, therapists can identify with the student the critical elements of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Central to any quality co-occurring treatment program is the acknowledgment, identification, and treatment of any post acute withdrawal symptoms or PAWS. The majority of substance abusers or addicts suffer some or all symptoms of post acute withdrawal. The symptoms include: inability to think clearly, memory problems, emotional overreactions or numbness, sleep disturbances, physical coordination problems, and sensitivity to stress. PAWS symptoms often tend to exacerbate other psychiatric disorders.

To learn more about the San Cristobal Academy program for treating dually diagnosed young adult men, please contact the Admissions department at (866) 918-8383.