Drug and alcohol detox marks the first critical step in recovery, but traditional approaches often fail when treating people struggling with both addiction and mental health challenges. True healing begins with integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders, where withdrawal management and psychiatric care work together rather than separately.
A carefully designed dual diagnosis treatment plan during detox goes beyond cleansing the body. It starts the essential work of reshaping thought patterns, restoring emotional balance, and healing underlying issues. Through medical supervision combined with therapy, medication support when appropriate, and comprehensive care, patients achieve genuine stability before moving forward in their recovery journey. This method transforms detox from a physical process into the beginning of lasting change.
At Surf City Detox in Huntington Beach, California, we recognize the powerful connection between substance abuse and mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. Our residential treatment program is comprised of evidence-based modalities, which have proven to create a stronger foundation for recovery.
What is a Co-Occurring Disorder?
Mental health is about how we think, feel, and act, which impacts our daily lives and relationships. It’s a key part of our overall well-being, and many things play into it, such as our genes, what we’ve gone through, and the world around us.
When dealing with someone who has both a mental health disorder and addiction, things get tricky. Integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders comes in handy to tackle both issues at the same time and provide well-rounded care.
The Prevalence Of Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders are widespread, yet comprehensive treatment remains limited. Around 9.5 million adults in the United States have both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder (SUD). Due to several barriers, unfortunately, only 10% receive the treatment they need to address both conditions simultaneously. Over six million children have a parent with a dual diagnosis.
For example, someone suffering from anxiety tends to turn to drug and alcohol abuse as a means to cope with their challenges. Vice versa, someone struggling with addiction can have an underlying mental illness, causing them to think, feel, and behave poorly. Prolonged binge drinking and drug abuse can worsen the symptoms of each condition.
What Is The Connection Between Mental Health And Detox?
During medical detox, people may experience withdrawal symptoms that can worsen underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Also, untreated mental health issues can interrupt the detox process, making it more challenging for people to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Why Does Mental Healthcare Matter During Detox?
Mental health care is important during detoxification, especially for people with co-occurring disorders. Integrated treatment is utilized during dual diagnosis treatment to tackle both mental health and substance use problems. Here’s why mental health support is essential during detox:
When people go through detox, it can bring to light mental health issues they didn’t know were there because substances were covering them up.
Withdrawal can intensify mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and depression. Incorporating mental health care helps manage these symptoms, making the detox process safer and more comfortable.
The probability of relapse is high during early recovery, and people who self-detox or don’t receive help often relapse. Getting mental health issues sorted out while someone’s detoxing can help them stay sober.
Mental health care offers emotional and psychological support during detox. It can help people develop healthy coping mechanisms and resilience for long-term recovery.
What Are Effective Strategies For Managing Mental Health During Withdrawal?
Navigating mental health challenges during detox requires a combined approach that addresses both substance use and psychological well-being. Here are key strategies to support mental health during detox:
- Comprehensive assessment: Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation to identify both mental health conditions and substance use issues.
- Integrated therapy approaches: Utilizes evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to address negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- Medication management: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a type of detox that implements careful medication strategies combined with therapy to manage withdrawal symptoms and stabilize mental health conditions.
- Supportive environment: Creates a supportive setting that includes access to mental health professionals, peer support groups, and family involvement.
- Aftercare planning: Our comprehensive aftercare program provides a continuum of care after treatment to help transition back into society. Aftercare plans include ongoing therapy, support groups, and strategies to prevent relapse.
What Is The Importance Of Detox In Recovery?
Detoxification serves as the foundation for effective treatment by addressing both physical and psychological aspects of substance use and mental health conditions. Here is why it is necessary:
Detox helps the body safely eliminate substances, reducing withdrawal symptoms and preparing people for the next stage of treatment.
The detox process allows healthcare professionals to assess and identify underlying mental health issues that may have been masked by substance use.
By recognizing co-occurring disorders early, detox facilitates the development of an integrated treatment plan that addresses both substance use and mental health conditions simultaneously.
Physical stabilization during detox can improve a person’s ability to engage in therapeutic interventions, leading to better outcomes in subsequent treatment phases.
Successful detoxification sets the stage for ongoing therapy and support, crucial for sustained recovery and relapse prevention.
How Are Mental Health And Detox Intertwined?
Mental health and addiction interact in strong ways that call for careful attention during detox. Here’s why these challenges require simultaneous care:
- Shared roots: Addiction and mental health disorders often develop together, each influencing and intensifying the other.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms can worsen underlying mental health conditions without proper integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders.
- Chemical imbalance: Substance use alters brain chemistry, complicating depression, anxiety, or trauma recovery.
- Dual focus needed: A dual diagnosis treatment plan ensures detox addresses both addiction and psychiatric needs simultaneously.
- Relapse prevention: Treating only one condition leaves the other unchecked, increasing the risk of setbacks.
- Holistic healing: Holistic therapy, medication management, and support systems work best when combined early in detox to treat the whole person (Mind, body, and spirit).
- Long-term stability: Properly managed detox sets the foundation for sustained mental and physical recovery.
What Are Common Mental Health Disorders During Detox?
During detox, people may experience various mental health disorders, especially if they have co-occurring conditions. Common mental health disorders during detox can include:
- Anxiety Disorders: Withdrawal from substances like alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines can trigger or intensify anxiety symptoms, including panic attacks and generalized anxiety.
- Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities can emerge or worsen during detox, particularly when substances used for self-medication are discontinued.
- Bipolar Disorder: Mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs may be observed, which can be challenging to distinguish from withdrawal symptoms without proper assessment. Conditions such as dysthymia or cyclothymia can present with persistent low mood or fluctuating mood states, which may be mistaken for withdrawal symptoms.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): People with a history of trauma may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened arousal during detox, complicating the withdrawal process.
- Psychotic Disorders: Substance-induced psychosis can occur, characterized by hallucinations and delusions, often linked to substances like alcohol, amphetamines, or cannabis.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Symptoms such as intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors may surface or intensify during detox, particularly if substances previously used to alleviate these symptoms are discontinued.
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Individuals with ADHD may experience increased restlessness and difficulty concentrating during detox, which can be exacerbated by substance withdrawal.
What Are The Benefits Of A Holistic Detox Approach?
A holistic detox approach integrates medical care with therapeutic and wellness practices, offering a comprehensive foundation for long-term recovery. Going for a full-on holistic detox has some real upside, such as:
Holistic detox focuses on healing the mind, body, and spirit, not just focusing on physical withdrawal symptoms.
Each person’s unique needs are considered, allowing for tailored treatment plans incorporating various therapies and interventions to address specific challenges.
Mixing proven therapies like CBT with holistic modalities such as yoga, meditation, and good food boosts how well treatment works and supports mental well-being.
Holistic detox programs often include mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques, helping people build emotional resilience and cope effectively with triggers and cravings.
An integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders ensures that both substance use and mental health issues are addressed concurrently, leading to more effective and sustainable recovery outcomes.
Feel Safe And Supported At Surf City Detox
At Surf City Detox in Huntington Beach, CA, recovery begins with an integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders, addiction treatment, and mental health support into one seamless plan. Our dual diagnosis treatment plan combines medical detox, evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT, and trauma-informed care, all within a serene coastal setting that promotes healing. Each client receives a personalized approach, ensuring both substance use and underlying mental health conditions are addressed together for lasting change.
Our facility’s holistic model extends beyond stabilization, teaching coping skills, mindfulness, and life strategies to build resilience. With insurance-friendly options and a dedicated team, Surf City Detox provides a safe, structured environment where recovery is rooted in science and empathy. Whether battling depression, anxiety, or addiction, you will find a path forward, supported every step of the way. Contact us today to make the first step towards a healthier and addiction-free life.
Dr. Eric Chaghouri is a 2007 graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned his B. A. in Biology with Summa Cum Laude honors. While at UCLA, he helped the men’s varsity volleyball team earn a National Championship in 2006. He was named the UCLA Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2007.
He earned his medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine in 2011. He completed his internship training in 2008 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the remaining three years of residency in general adult psychiatry at the Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center. He served as the Chief Resident in psychiatric emergency services during his fourth year of residency. He also served as Resident Clinical Instructor and Volunteer Faculty in the Department of Psychiatry at the Keck School of Medicine.
After completing residency, Dr. Chaghouri accepted a fellowship position in forensic psychiatry at the prestigious USC Institute of Psychiatry and Law. His scholarly activities included publishing in Legal Digest and presenting research findings at the Keck School of Medicine annual conference.
Since completing his forensic psychiatry fellowship, he has established a successful and thriving practice in Southern California, focusing on treatment of co-occurring psychiatric and addictive disorders. He has developed a strong clinical team of practitioners who share similar goals and philosophies regarding psychiatric treatment, including providing cutting-edge interventional treatments for psychiatric conditions. He works in an array of capacities with attorneys, courts, and other parties in actual or potential litigation. He also has extensive experience consulting and providing opinions on psychiatric issues for major television networks. Dr. Chaghouri’s interests include addiction medicine, substance use disorders, forensic psychiatry, medical ethics, psychological autopsy, gender wellness, and evidence-based treatment of psychiatric conditions.
