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Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

Treating dual diagnosis clients is a critical aspect of our inpatient treatment experience because co-occurring disorders are strongly correlated with instances of substance abuse. Creating a treatment plan that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal, the psychological connection with drug use, and addressing underlying mental health disorders is all a part of setting clients up for success. A thorough mental health analysis identifies opportunities for treatment. Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means access to behavioral therapy and medication treatment. Proper treatment leads to change for better, healthier living. This is all possible at our dual diagnosis treatment centers in Lake Worth and West Palm Beach.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

The exact definition of dual diagnosis (also sometimes referred to as co-occurring disorders) can vary between institutions. It is generally defined as the specific treatment of someone who has been diagnosed with having a substance abuse disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time. There is no distinction of whether the mental disorder led to substance abuse or vice versa. Addiction treatment professionals understand that mental health and substance abuse have a complex and deeply intertwined relationship that is difficult to extricate from one another. Trying to resolve drug addiction in isolation is often ineffectual; it fails to look at the whole picture and results in a relapse.

The origin of the term first came about in the 1980s following the realization of how closely substance abuse was tied with mental health. Addressing a mental disorder is crucial not only for identifying key causes or triggers of substance abuse but because physical addiction is rooted in biochemical imbalances just as many mental health deficiencies are. Particular neurochemical imbalances could result in certain individuals have a biologically higher risk of developing an addiction – something that no amount of behavioral therapy could cure on its own.

Dual Diagnosis Statistics

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 7.9 million adults suffered from co-occurring disorders in 2014. The administration assessed the following groups as being at the highest risk of dual diagnosis:

  • The homeless community
  • Veterans
  • Those in the criminal justice system

For the populations who are homeless or in the criminal justice system, the causal relationship may be different than with veterans, and it should be noted that there is some significant overlap in these three groups.

Dual Diagnosis Statistic

In fact, there’s reason to believe that there’s a causal relationship between many mental disorders and substance abuse disorders. For example, according to a study published on substance abuse among veterans, 11 percent of veterans who visited a VA treatment facility for the first time met the criteria for a substance abuse disorder. Veterans are also more likely to suffer from mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can lead to alcohol abuse and opioid prescriptions that lead to substance abuse.

A report published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse suggested that there is a reason why people with mental disorders are up to two times as likely to develop substance abuse disorders:

  1. Certain drugs can cause abusers to suffer one or more symptoms of another mental illness.
  2. Mental illness may precipitate or hasten substance abuse. An individual suffering from symptoms of a mental illness may attempt to self-medicate.
  3. Drug use disorders and mental illnesses are caused by overlapping factors; genetic, deficits and otherwise.

Simply, people who struggle with mental health disorders either seek clinical medication or self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. People that get prescriptions for their condition are less likely to develop abuse disorders, but often the medications that they get access to have high abuse potential, creating more risk.

People that self-medicate for their mental illnesses often start early, and the use of drugs or alcohol as a way to escape becomes a natural part of life.

The reverse order can also be true, in which a mental disorder is caused or worsened by the use of drugs or alcohol. For example, some common pairings:

  • A study found that cocaine use can cause paranoia and anxiety
  • Alcohol and antisocial personality disorder
  • PTSD and opioid abuse
Estimated number of co-occuring disorders

The Cycle of Addiction

The original development of an addiction may have come about as a response to a mental health issue. Without proper diagnosis, many seek to control their disorders by self-medicating—alcohol or tranquilizers for anxiety, amphetamines or cocaine for depression, etc.—and the short-term relief or distraction makes the experiment look like a success.

Repetition can then lead to dependency, and a substance abuse disorder is formed when one previously might not have been. The substance abuse can exacerbate the mental illness, And the mental illness can impede long-term sobriety. This cyclical affect of dual diagnosis makes it difficult to treat without the proper support.

Alternatively, a person relatively free from mental health problems can experiment with drugs and continue past “recreational use” to dependency; then secondary mental health issues can emerge. Untreated, these can in turn exacerbate the ongoing drug abuse. Also, certain drugs, like amphetamines and PCP, can cause psychotic episodes that may repeat themselves—these flashbacks can be triggered by stress even in the absence of drug use.

Identifying Dual Diagnosis Cases

At Level Up Lake Worth, we believe that if the client can identify the underlying issue and treat it simultaneously with their treatment for addiction, the client’s chances of a successful, relapse-free recovery are much improved. In fact, once we can identify and properly begin treatment on the underlying issue that’s driving or co-occurring with the dependency on alcohol or other drugs, clients will have reached a major milestone and will be that much closer to long-term sobriety.

At Level Up Lake Worth, we do not believe that long term recovery comes in a one-size-fits-all program. For this reason, each client, upon arrival at our drug treatment center, will undergo an extensive and comprehensive physical and psychological exam with our team of physicians, mental health specialists, spiritual advisers, and nutritionists. Together, we will determine what the client’s underlying issues are so we can then customize an individualized approach and, when appropriate, provide integrated dual diagnosis treatment. The symptoms of the multiple disorders that can occur alongside addiction can present complex and similar symptoms. Proper diagnosis requires a highly trained professional staff with years of experience.

Visit a Florida Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

At our dual diagnosis treatment center, Level Up Lake Worth can provide the highest quality of care in the beautiful tranquility of southeastern Florida. We recognize the delicate intricacies of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence the other and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction. That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual diagnosis cases to provide the greatest chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

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(877) 219-2888
depression

Where Mental Illnesses Turns To Self-Medicating

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a treatable brain disorder marked by extreme shifts in a person’s mood and disposition. Periods of intense mania are followed by bouts of severe depression, often with periods of normalcy in between. While on either end of the spectrum, sufferers of bipolar disorder often find it difficult to concentrate and maintain functionality sufficient for leading a productive life. Bipolar disorder, which is also known as manic depression, can be managed with medication. It is characterized with intense manic or “high” periods in which the individual becomes overly enthusiastic or optimistic and may begin tasks or plans that are not feasible. These high periods are followed by crashes and intense “lows”, which can involve sleeping all day, feeling hopeless, suicide attempts, and other symptoms shared with depression.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a condition brought on by a traumatic event or period in one’s life. As the name implies, (post-traumatic stress disorder) fits of stress come, often triggered by a stimuli that relates to their trauma, delivering a surge of emotions and unpleasant memories associated with the event. PTSD patients report that sometimes they are suffering from uncontrollable anxiety, sleepless nights, and unrealistic dreams by nature. This can lead to short-term memory loss, which may cause long lasting psychological issues. It is recommended to treat those having undergone a traumatic experience as early as possible in order to avoid complications. When it is confirmed that the affected person is behaving in a dangerous way, it is important to address the issue so the sufferer will no longer be affected by the traumatic event. To deal with the bouts of stress brought on by PTSD, many patients begin self-medicating with depressants to numb their pain, or any other drug that allows them to find an ‘escape’ from their experiences.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD) and/or Panic Disorder

Fear is your body’s natural reaction to a lot of outside stimuli. It is normal for the body to react in such a way as to become anxious or fearful because this often protected our ancestors from a lot of problems and harm. It is not normal, however, for our bodies to be overtaken with fear to the point that physical symptoms begin to arise because of it. When this happens, it is usually the sign of a larger problem. Panic attacks are unique from a normal fear in that there is no real danger the body is protecting the sufferer from. Most people experience a couple panic attacks in their lifetime, without recurrence. If, however, panic attacks are more regular, it may debilitate the person and alter their behavior in anticipation. Sufferers may try to self-medicate their condition using depressants, rather than seek proper medical help.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of different things. Those suffering from GAD might anticipate disaster and may be overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. Those with GAD find it extremely difficult to control their worries and fears. As with Panic Disorder, sufferers also have a high likelihood to self-medicate to find escape the feelings of anxiety

Depression

Depression is a serious mental illness that is very common in young adults. It is characterized by feelings of extreme helplessness, hopelessness, and is not nearly the same thing as “feeling blue” or being “down”. The grave nature of depression affects millions of Americans and is directly correlated with suicidal ideations, as well as over, or under-eating, over, or under-sleeping, and is marked by drastic mood-swings. Depression is not something that people can just “get over” or “snap out of”, and may in fact require medication or therapy or a combination of both before the individual begins to see a lifting of their symptoms. The symptoms of depression can come and go, and are similar but slightly different from the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Treating Both Mental Health and Addiction

While addiction, once fully formed, becomes an insidious disease in the mind, it doesn’t start that way. If we view it, instead, as a symptom, we can trace it back it’s origin. Substance abuse may have begun as a remedy for esteem issues, for improving social status, or it may have stemmed from a need to self-medicate due to previous burdens. Some of these origins are circumstantial, but some may have to do with a pre-existing chemical imbalance. Many mental disorders, like addiction, are better treated when you fully understand what you are suffering from. Similarly, like diabetes, one must familiarize themselves with its causes, symptoms & conditions for safely living with the disease. Understanding PTSD, depression, other disorders and their effects on you goes a long way to recognizing your own treatment needs.

While you likely seek to live a life free from the bonds of substance abuse, it may be necessary for some patients to utilize medication for certain mental disorders. These medications are rarely addictive or high-inducing in their quality. Medication as such may be needed to improve the quality of your life and drastically increases the chances of your long-term recovery.

It can be difficult to accept that you may be living with a mental illness, but once it is properly diagnosed and treated, treating the presenting case of substance abuse can be magnitudes easier. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions. If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery; call Level Up Lake Worth today.

What to Expect from Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

A good dual diagnosis drug treatment program and drug addiction therapy facility needs to be able to treat both conditions without treating one as the sole cause of the other. Addiction is a complicated disease and no one thing is to blame for it. There are various options available to handle drug addiction therapy. A good drug treatment program will offer several levels of therapy as well as multiple treatment options. This allows the rehabilitation facility to meet the individual needs of their patients.

Most programs begin with a detox process to remove the physical dependence on any substances then a residency program. This type of program can last as long as two months and is designed to provide intensive focused therapy in a controlled environment to help you get over the first hurdle and give you the tools necessary to face the cravings and temptations of everyday life. During the inpatient treatment process dual diagnosis cases are identified and treatment begins. The next step is an intensive outpatient drug treatment program that provides drug addiction therapy by meeting at the site several times a week for intensive therapy that can help you deal with what occurs in daily life. Finally, a standard outpatient therapy program provides continued support necessary to maintain a sober condition.

The Bottom Line

As the addiction treatment community begins to realize that addiction is itself a mental disorder, the relationship between substance abuse and mental disorders becomes more complicated. The greater treatment community largely lacks a proper understanding of dual diagnosed conditions, so these conditions are still treated separately, or worse–not treated or diagnosed at all. Our dual diagnosis treatment center in Florida is one of the facilities that has the professionals trained to help treat co-occuring disorders concurrently. This type of tamdum treatment provides some of the best success rates. 

Get treatment for individuals stuggling with a substance abuse and mental health disorders. Call 877-219-2888 Today!

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Level Up Lake Worth
9935 Palomino Drive
Lake Worth, FL 33467
877-219-2888

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clinical-director

Lauren Puleo, LMFT, MCAP

As Clinical Director, Lauren is responsible for overseeing and directing all clinical departments, including oversight of Master’s level Primary Therapists, Case Manager, and Bachelor’s level Group Facilitators. Lauren coordinates therapeutic care, chart auditing, and ensures the safe and appropriate clinical treatment of our clients. Lauren is responsible for developing and overseeing group schedules, coordination of aftercare, and discharge planning. In addition, Lauren also conducts daily staff meetings and provides weekly supervision for clinicians to help strengthen and hone their skills. Her primary role as Clinical Director is management of her clinical team, facilitating groups, as well as holding a small caseload of clients. Holding a Master’s from Nova Southeastern, Lauren is a licensed marriage and family therapist and Master’s level CAP(Certified Addiction Professional). Having worked in the treatment field since 2014 providing individual, group and family therapy, and having been with our company since 2018, Lauren has a strong passion for helping those and the families of those suffering from addiction.

Sergio Witis

Sergio is a Certified Addiction Counselor and group facilitator in charge of adding culture to the clients experience through, music, art, inner child work, and community. With 20 years of experience in the music industry, touring internationally in bands, running a record label, and producing, It is his passion and purpose to create a safe environment for others to express themselves in order to find happiness in their own lives.

Michael Borzillo

Working hand in hand with and directing the medical, clinical, and behavioral tech departments, Michael leads our West Palm facility with dedication, love, motivation, and patience. With over 12 years of experience in the field of addiction treatment, Michael has worked his way up and through every facet of treatment operation. Having an intimate knowledge of the industry from his humble beginnings as a behavioral health tech, supervisor, clinical liaison, and now to current role as Regional Operations Manager with Level Up Treatment, Michael takes pride in leading by example, and most importantly never forgetting where he came from. 

Chris McCormick

Christopher oversees all daily operations regarding patient care and facility management, as well as functions as department head for all Behavioral Health Technicians and the 12-Step Integration team at Level Up Lake Worth. As a graduate of Kutztown University in PA holding a bachelor of science, Christopher has been working in the substance abuse field since 2017, having started out as a BHT(Behavioral Health Technician) himself. As Director of Operations, Christopher has helped open, expand and refine operations at three of Level Up Treatment’s facilities and worked personally to help develop the company’s 12-Step Integration program for its clients.

Dr. Thania Quesada, MD

Dr. Quesada is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, the American Board of Preventive Medicine/Addiction Medicine, a former Assistant Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and in the Department of Psychiatry as a Consultation-Liaison at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Currently, Dr. Quesada has her private office in Weston, Florida, and is Medical Director for Level Up Treatment Centers. As the former Medical Director at The Renfrew Center of Florida, Dr. Quesada treated patients with substance abuse, eating disorders, and comorbidity. Dr. Quesada has also served as the medical director at Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options, which works with teens with mental health and substance abuse issues, all the while concentrating on family preservation. As the medical director at Smith Community Mental Health, Dr. Quesada dedicated herself to the treatment of adults and teens with mental health and substance abuse issues. Dr. Quesada was awarded the Gratitude for Giving Compassion Award from Sierra Tucson, given to the medical doctor that contributed the most to the wellness of clients. Dr. Quesada was also the recipient of The Gold Doc award for putting “care” back into healthcare and the Upjohn Award for research excellence. Dr. Quesada has a vast wealth of experience as well as the recognition from her colleagues in her field for her caring and compassionate service in the areas of substance abuse and mental health.

Samantha Wasicsko, BSN, RN

As Director of Nursing, Samantha manages all aspects of the medical department which includes: Nursing, Physicians, Pharmacy, Licensing and Patient Care. Samantha is a graduate of Barry University in Miami, FL, and is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s Degree focused in Nursing. Samantha has over 10 years of experience working in the fields of substance abuse and detoxification. For the last 5 years, Samantha has worked in a Managerial or Directorial capacity, and has assisted with the opening of 3 different detox facilities. Samantha has also directly worked with establishing the new pharmacies and compliance with the regulating bodies of DCF, DEA, and The Joint Commission.

Martin Higgins

Martin’s responsibilities include financial and insurance advisory for clients and their families, managing the billing department and clarifying patient responsibilities before, during and after treatment. With over 2 years experience working in the substance abuse industry, Martin has worked as a Behavioral Health Technician, Alumni Coordinator, and Admissions Representative, qualifying him to understand the entire treatment process and the great difficulties a family and client can face during their journey in recovery. Martin understands the potential complexity of patient responsibility in treatment, and provides comfort, support, and tools to alleviate all client financial concerns or questions that might arise during a client’s journey in recovery.

Colin Brothers

As Director of Alumni, Colin works to maintain a community of love and support for the people that go through our program at Level Up Treatment, and to have a safe place to turn to in the event of calamity in their lives. The concept of one alcoholic helping another is at the backbone of our core values for when people leave this facility. Respecting the difficulty through trial and error and personal experience, Colin understands that the only way to be able to lead others is to learn how to be led himself. Believing that his failures are more valuable in this field than his successes, Colin’s sobriety is a testament to trying over and over and failing, finally coming to a place where he was able to succeed when relying on others to guide him. Colin believes that in order to stay the course, he must be that guide for others to harness the power in themselves to beat addiction.

Matt Sapia

As Director of Outpatient Operations, Matthew oversees a staff of over 20 trained individuals and executes day to day supervision of PHP, IOP and OP operations including resident housing in Wellington, FL, and our clinical facility in Greenacres, FL. Within this responsibility, Matthew works closely with the Executive Director to achieve maximum productivity and meet monthly goals. In addition, Matthew assists in patient transition from detoxification(detox) to residential treatment level of care by holding weekly groups at our Lake Worth facility and answering any questions patients may have. Having worked for multiple years in the substance abuse industry and mental health field, as well as being in recovery for years himself, Matthew’s aim is to ensure patients under our care are happy and healing within a safe environment. Before entering the treatment and substance abuse field, Matthew graduated from Suny Delhi, College of Staten Island, Lincoln Technical Institute, and is also a graduate of the FDNY Fire Academy, serving as a New York Firefighter before moving to Florida to continue his career in healthcare. Before entering the substance abuse facility, Matthew put his life on the line to save others, now he dedicates his life to helping people save themselves.

Breanne Skrupskis

As a Family Solutions Specialist, Breanne establishes and cultivates rapport with the families of clients going through our treatment program, providing support and accountability to them throughout their loved one’s entire treatment journey. Breanne encourages families to participate in their own personal growth and recovery simultaneously with their loved ones, introduces families to 12-step work, discusses with them various aspects of recovery and participatory workshops that benefit the whole family, and is there to answer any of the difficult questions the family might have, as well as providing loving, moral support. Having worked in many roles in the treatment industry from behavioral health technician to case manager as well as being in recovery herself, Breanne fulfills her duties with experience, knowledge, and love.

Laura Bonczek

 

Tiffany Tait

Tiffany Tait is the Chief Operating Officer at Level Up Lake Worth in where Tiffany works closely with the facility, helping to ensuring that patients are comfortable and safe. Tiffany has been working in the addiction treatment field for 14 years. She has helped countless addicts get through the detox process and begin their journey toward lifelong recovery. She is especially recognized for her experience in clinical program development, leadership development, and organizational restructuring. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology and Masters of Social Work Degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. Tiffany is originally from Brooklyn, New York, and enjoys reading, being a mom and taking long naps on the beach.

Gianni Fugazy

Gianni Fugazy is the Director of Operations at Level Up in Margate where Gianni works closely with patients in the facility, helping to ensure they are comfortable and safe. Gianni has been working in the addiction treatment field for 4 years. He has helped countless addicts get through the detox process and begin their journey toward lifelong recovery. Gianni is originally from Harrison, New York, and enjoys watching movies and going the gym in his free time.

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