Compassionate, caring psychologist helps substance abusers, their families and trauma survivors break free of destructive thought and behavior patterns, and create lives worth living. Also helps with depression, dual diagnoses, anxiety, self-esteem trouble, codependency, relationship and work issues. Serving Antelope Valley including Lancaster, Palmdale, Rosamond, Mojave, Tehachapi, Desert View Highlands, Quartz Hill, Pearblossom, Littlerock, Agua Dulce, Acton, Santa Clarita, Lake Los Angeles, Lake Hughes, Lake Elizabeth, Valencia. 661-233-6771.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

When a person has a mental or physical disorder that occurs at the same time as a substance abuse disorder, many professionals call this dual diagnosis. It can also be referred to as co-occurring or comorbid disorders. Sometimes it's hard to determine which came first, the mental or physical disorder, or the substance abuse problem. Some common co-occurring mental health disorders include bipolar disorders (formerly called "manic depression"); depressive disorders; anxiety disorders (quite often Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Social Phobia, Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder), and sometimes mental retardation or organic brain problems.

People with chronic pain disorders and chronic illnesses can also have dual diagnoses because the very medication that can be used to reduce pain and discomfort can be highly addictive (e.g., muscle relaxers and opiates such as Norco, Vicodin, and Oxycontin). It can be tricky to treat the pain effectively while still staying sober, as the potential for abusing such drugs is high.

Sometimes people have a hard time adjusting to the idea that they have two or more health conditions to take care of, and feel overwhelmed and stressed by it. I have heard people say "it's bad enough I'm Bipolar, now I have to worry about my alcohol use too?" People with chronic back pain and arthritis have also been upset when they have to find new medications that do not have as much abuse potential.

I realize how frustrating and time-consuming it can be to work on recovery from more than one disorder. Yet I also know that the alternative, just letting these conditions make each other worse, usually results in disastrous consequences. It can take professional help to manage and balance the needs of more than one health condition. I hope that you consider turning to me for assistance in your recovery. I have worked with dually diagnosed people in various settings including community mental health clinics, drug and alcohol abuse recovery centers, and in my private practice. My approach to dual diagnoses is practical, supportive and compassionate. I am happy to work with your support team (psychiatrists, sponsors, family members, friends, etc.) to help you cope with the challenges you face.

If you believe that you are dealing with dual diagnoses, I urge you to give me a call so we can help you be healthy, happy and at peace. My number is 661-233-6771.