Navigating both mental health challenges and substance use can feel daunting, especially when they occur simultaneously. At Invicta Recovery Center in Altadena, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, offering compassionate, integrated care for individuals facing co-occurring disorders. We understand that mental health conditions and substance use often interact in complex ways, and successful treatment must address both. Our team is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where healing can begin. Located in the serene foothills of Southern California, Invicta Recovery Center provides a peaceful and private space for clients to focus fully on recovery—mind, body, and spirit.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis treatment is a specialized approach to care that addresses both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time. This type of treatment recognizes that these two conditions often influence and worsen each other—for example, someone might use substances to cope with anxiety, depression, or trauma, while substance use can also trigger or intensify mental health symptoms.
Instead of treating each issue separately, dual diagnosis programs integrate therapy, medication (when appropriate), and holistic support to help individuals:
At a quality dual diagnosis center like Invicta Recovery, treatment plans are personalized and may include individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric support, trauma-informed care, and family involvement. The goal is to heal the whole person, not just address symptoms in isolation.
Contact us today to learn more about Dual Diagnosis treatment at Invicta Recovery Center
What Causes Dual Diagnosis Symptoms?
Several factors can influence the severity and presentation of dual diagnosis symptoms in someone struggling with a substance use disorder. These factors often interact in complex ways and can shape how both the mental health and substance use issues show up. Here are some key influences:
Pre-existing mental health issues—such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia—can increase vulnerability to substance use. People may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate, but over time, the substance use often makes the mental health symptoms worse.
Unresolved trauma (like childhood abuse, neglect, or violence) and chronic stress (like financial strain, housing instability, or relationship problems) can fuel both mental health issues and addiction. Trauma can also alter brain function in ways that make emotional regulation more difficult, which increases the risk of relapse.
A family history of mental illness or addiction can increase the likelihood of developing a dual diagnosis. There may be a genetic predisposition that makes someone more sensitive to emotional distress, or more likely to develop compulsive behaviors.
Different substances affect the brain in different ways. For example:
- Stimulants (like meth or cocaine) can trigger manic or psychotic symptoms.
- Alcohol or opioids can worsen depression or anxiety.
- Hallucinogens can destabilize mood and perception, especially in someone already vulnerable.
The longer and more intensely someone uses substances, the more likely they are to experience severe mental health symptoms.
Isolation, lack of support, or exposure to high-risk environments can all worsen both mental health and substance use. On the flip side, healthy relationships, community, and structure can support healing and recovery.
Substance use changes the brain’s chemistry—particularly how it processes dopamine, serotonin, and other mood-related neurotransmitters. These changes can mimic, mask, or worsen symptoms of mental illness, creating a cycle that’s hard to break without integrated treatment.
If you or a loved one is struggling, contact us today.
What Are Symptoms Of Dual Diagnosis Issues?
When someone experiences both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder—can vary depending on the specific conditions involved. However, there are several common signs that may suggest a person is struggling with both at the same time.
Here’s a breakdown of typical dual diagnosis symptoms:
- Mood swings – sudden changes from high energy or irritability to deep sadness or numbness
- Anxiety or panic attacks – excessive worry, restlessness, racing thoughts
- Depression – feelings of hopelessness, low energy, loss of interest in activities
- Paranoia – irrational fears or mistrust of others
- Psychosis – seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, or losing touch with reality
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm – ideation or behaviors that suggest emotional overwhelm
- Using substances to cope with stress, emotions, or mental illness
- Increased tolerance or withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Loss of control over how much or how often substances are used
- Failed attempts to quit or reduce use
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to use
- Isolation – pulling away from loved ones or avoiding social situations
- Risky behavior – impulsive choices, unsafe sex, driving under the influence
- Poor hygiene or health decline
- Disrupted sleep or appetite
- Trouble focusing or making decisions
With dual diagnosis, symptoms from one issue often worsen or mask the other. For example:
- Someone might drink to ease anxiety, but alcohol actually increases anxiety over time.
- A person with bipolar disorder might misuse stimulants during a manic phase, thinking it helps them “stay sharp.”
If someone is showing signs of both a mental health issue and substance misuse—especially if it’s affecting their safety, relationships, or ability to function—it’s time to consider dual diagnosis treatment. Don’t wait any longer, contact us today to learn more about how Invicta Recovery Center can support you or your loved one in finding Recovery by simply calling 626-786-4864.
Dual Diagnosis and Medication Interventions
Medications are often an important part of dual diagnosis treatment, especially when mental health symptoms are severe or persistent. The goal is to stabilize mood, reduce psychiatric symptoms, and support the recovery process—not to replace therapy or healthy coping strategies, but to help create a foundation for them.
Here’s how medications might be used in dual diagnosis care:
Used to treat underlying mental health disorders such as:
- Depression → SSRIs (like Prozac, Zoloft) or SNRIs (like Effexor)
- Anxiety disorders → SSRIs, beta-blockers, or non-habit-forming options like Buspirone
- Bipolar disorder → Mood stabilizers (like Lithium or Lamictal) and sometimes antipsychotics
- Schizophrenia or psychosis → Antipsychotics (like Abilify, Risperdal, or Clozapine)
- PTSD → Often treated with SSRIs, sleep aids (like Prazosin for nightmares), and trauma-focused therapy alongside
These help reduce cravings, ease withdrawal, or prevent relapse:
- Opioid use disorder
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone)
- Methadone
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol injection)
- Alcohol use disorder
- Naltrexone (oral or injection)
- Acamprosate (Campral)
- Disulfiram (Antabuse)
- Nicotine addiction
- Nicotine patches, gum, or medications like Chantix or Zyban
- Reduces overwhelming symptoms so clients can engage more fully in therapy
- Helps break the cycle of self-medication
- Stabilizes mood and behavior, which can lower relapse risk
- Supports long-term recovery by addressing chemical imbalances in the brain
The Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Both inpatient and outpatient programs can treat dual diagnosis (mental health + substance use), but they differ in structure, intensity, and setting.
What it is:
A live-in program where clients stay at a treatment facility 24/7 for a period of time (usually 30–90 days, but it can vary).
Best for people who:
- Are in crisis or unstable
- Have severe symptoms or high relapse risk
- Need to detox or withdraw from substances safely
- Don’t have a supportive or safe home environment
What it includes:
- Full-time care, monitoring, and support
- Daily therapy (individual + group)
- Medication management
- Psychiatry and nursing support
- Structured schedule and holistic services (meals, fitness, mindfulness, etc.)
- On-site staff 24/7
Benefits:
- Safe, stable environment with no access to substances
- Intensive support
- Great for breaking patterns and building new habits
What it is:
Treatment where clients live at home or in sober living but attend therapy and psychiatry sessions at a facility during the day or evening.
Types:
Best for people who:
- Are medically and emotionally stable
- Have completed inpatient or don’t need 24/7 care
- Have a sober living or supportive home setup
- Need to work, go to school, or care for family while still getting treatment
What it includes:
- Group and individual therapy
- Medication management
- Dual diagnosis education and relapse prevention
- Life skills, case management, and sometimes family support
Benefits:
- Flexibility to stay connected to real-life responsibilities
- Allows for transition back into daily life with support
Comprehensive Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Invicta Recovery Center – Altadena, Southern California
At Invicta Recovery Center, we understand that healing from a dual diagnosis—the combination of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder—requires more than just addressing one issue at a time. These challenges are deeply connected, and effective recovery means treating the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.
How We Help Clients Heal from Dual Diagnosis
➡️ Each client receives a personalized care plan that combines evidence-based therapy, psychiatric support, and trauma-informed care. Our team collaborates to treat both the mental health and substance use components together, recognizing how one affects the other.
➡️ We provide access to licensed psychiatrists and nurse practitioners who specialize in dual diagnosis care. Medications, when needed, are used thoughtfully to stabilize mood, reduce symptoms, and support the recovery process—without creating new dependencies.
➡️ Clients engage in individual therapy, group sessions, and life-skills development designed to promote emotional regulation, healthy coping, and relapse prevention. Our licensed clinicians use approaches like CBT, DBT, EMDR, and trauma-focused therapy, depending on each client’s needs.
➡️ Located in the peaceful foothills of Altadena, our outpatient setting offers a calm, supportive space away from stress and triggers. Clients can focus fully on their recovery with 24/7 care and support from staff who understand the complexity of dual diagnosis.
➡️ We help families understand dual diagnosis and offer support throughout the process. When clients complete treatment, we don’t just send them home—we build a custom aftercare plan that may include outpatient therapy, sober living, alumni support, and more.
Contact Invicta Recovery Center for More Information on California Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers
At Invicta, healing from dual diagnosis is possible. We walk beside our clients with compassion, clinical excellence, and the belief that lasting recovery begins when both the mind and the body are treated together. Contact us today to learn more by calling 626-786-4864.