Individuals who struggle with addiction or substance use disorders and mental health disorders are diagnosed with co-occurring disorders or dual diagnoses. A dual diagnosis is an approach that allows healthcare providers to treat the whole person and not solely their addiction. This has shown to be incredibly beneficial as substance use and mental illness are often closely related. Lets talk about some treatment for co-occuring disorders.
Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder is diagnosed when a person’s use of alcohol or illegal drugs leads to severe mental and physical health issues. This can result in problems at work, school, or home and ruin close relationships with family and friends. Substance use disorder often occurs with mental health issues such as depression, attention deficit disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other behavioral illnesses. It is difficult to determine if the substance use caused the mental illness or the other way around in many cases. In either case, substance use cannot be treated without considering cognitive and behavioral health disruptions.
What does substance use disorder include?
A substance use disorder includes:
Alcohol or drug abuse
Alcohol or drug dependence
Co-occurring disorders can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms of illicit drug abuse or addiction and mental illness may mask one another, making it difficult to identify what a person is actually struggling with. Often, individuals with mental health problems do not discuss their drug use with mental health professionals because they do not think it is related to their illness. This can increase the amount of time it takes to get to a correct diagnosis.It is not uncommon for people struggling with their mental health to turn to drug use. Anxious people may take drugs to feel calm, and depressed people may take drugs to numb the pain.In addition to addressing the mental health problem, alcohol or other medications often prevent a person from developing successful coping skills like maintaining satisfying relationships and feeling happy with themselves. It is also important to know how drugs and alcohol impact medicines prescribed for mental illness. Dru and alcohol use, in short, makes mental health conditions worse when not properly disclosed to your healthcare provider.People with co-occurring disorders can stop using alcohol or other substances, but as symptoms of their mental health disorders continue, they may face difficulties. To remedy both conditions, patients need a care team with an awareness of the entire patient history and experience in treatment for co-occuring disorders.
Substance Abuse & Addiction
Though it is a fine line, some people may use drugs without becoming addicted. Addiction begins with compulsive behaviors to seek out and use drugs with little regard for the consequences. The increased drug use leads to drug abuse where a person continues to use more of a substance to chase the same high. The increased volume of drug consumption results in long-lasting changes in the brain. Some of these changes are irreversible and permanent. Exposure to drugs in social settings is often where drug use begins. It may also start with misusing a valid prescription ordered by a doctor. As the person becomes accustomed to the feeling of using drugs, they increase the amount and the frequency in which they operate. This leads to experimenting with and abusing different drugs.The risk of addiction varies according to the substance (controlled or illegal) and how easily you become addicted. Some medicines have a greater risk and induce dependence more quickly than others, such as opioid painkillers. Attempts to stop drug use abruptly may cause intense cravings, make you feel physically ill (withdrawal symptoms), and be dangerous if not properly supervised.
Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
Previously, in the United States, opioid and alcohol abuse treatment was distinct from mental health treatments because there was not a broad understanding of co-occurring conditions. Care was administered using drastically different clinical methods at various facilities. Consequently, many individuals with depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, treatment for co-occuring disorders and other severe conditions never received a treatment plan for their substance abuse problems. Treating only one condition will not cause the other to change immediately, and a siloed treatment approach will not give you lasting results. Both conditions must be treated simultaneously, in the same place, by the same care team to be successful. This is a form of integrated cognitive behavioral therapy, and it is highly effective.About 7 million people who have received treatment for mental health still suffer from opioid or alcohol abuse. The secret to shielding this population from poverty, disease, loneliness, incarceration, and homelessness is integrated care for co-occurring disorders.Are you someone who is looking to help your daughter, mother, sister, or friend? Are you looking for substance abuse treatment options and support groups specifically for women? Join us at the women-only treatment center, Anchored Tides Recovery. Call us today at 1-866-524-6014 and get your loved one on the road to recovery.
Above Water Adventures was created to provide a fun, healthy, and constructive outlet for young adults, corporate employees, and those in early recovery. We strive to facilitate a safe and (often) exhilarating setting to push through boundaries and break down barriers. Recovery is not for the faint of heart, it requires courage, willingness, and an innate desire to change. We’re here to offset some of the inherent weight carried during the initial steps of that journey. Our mission is to bolster support and fellowship — and above all, help clients recognize that adventure, fun, and zest for life starts in recovery — not the other way around.
Macy Miller
Admissions Coordinator
Being the first point of contact for women seeking aftercare for their recovery in alcohol and drug addiction; I am driven & passionate about helping them with their next steps. I have always been passionate about helping others & this position allows me to see those dreams come to life.
You can always find me in nature during my self care time, usually hiking, roller skating by the beach, or surfing the waves. I enjoy music to feed my soul & get grounded. I lead a healthy & holistic way of living that I enjoy sharing with others.
Tonia Stephens
Clinical Director & Clinical Outreach - LCSW
I was born and raised in Orange County, California. I found myself needing substance abuse treatment in 2010. After learning tools of recovery and receiving treatment I was able to go back to school at age 41 and earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and a Master’s Degree in Social Work with an emphasis on Community Mental Health from California State University Fullerton. Getting clean and sober opened the door to a life full of opportunity and hope. I am currently pursuing licensure in the State of California to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
I have the unique opportunity to work as an Associate Clinical Social worker in a treatment setting. My role is to assist with helping each Client master Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills that allow them to emotionally regulate, tolerate distress, live a more meaningful life, and improve their ability to effectively communicate. I come alongside the Clients and help them address life issues that range from food assistance, legal matters, tax issues, creating resumes, budgeting, medical and dental appointments, organizing, studying skills, applying to schools, and finding employment. I assist them with integrating their recovery tool belt with the stressors of life in order to set them up for success once they leave treatment.
I wished that I had a social worker when I was in treatment. Some of my most difficult times were trying to take care of anxiety-provoking adult tasks in early sobriety. I am passionate about my role in these human’s lives and I see it as my honor to be part of their brief journey here at Anchored Tides Recovery. I love my job and I love teaching individuals how to be sober, navigate life, and enjoy being themselves maybe for the first time.
Michelle King
Operations Manager
Michelle has been a part of the Anchored Tides family since 2018. Michelle is an empathetic individual who finds connection with each client. Her goal is to help women feel understood and see that long-term recovery is possible. Michelle obtained a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Brandman University and is working towards her masters in social work. Michelle is passionate about helping others and considers it an honor to be a part of a treatment team who believes the client’s care is the first priority. In her spare time Michelle loves going to concerts, camping, and road trips.
Katie van Heerden
Clinical Therapist
I am Katie van Heerden, a licensed marriage and family therapist, currently conducting individual and group therapy at ATR using CBT and EMDR modalities. My passion for working with those struggling with addiction and mental health is a personal one. I, myself, grew up in a family system of addiction and mental health issues with little knowledge of what to do or how to recover. This drove me to further my education in mental health disorders, first by obtaining my BA in psychology from Cal State University Fullerton, then my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. While the knowledge I have obtained in school is extensive, my personal journey through life and all of its struggles have led me to the conclusion that anyone can recover if given 2 things: resources and support. When asked what keeps me going in this field, after 10+ years, I typically respond; “I am merely a farmer. I plant the seeds, nourish when necessary, and give space to allow growth.” Watching clients transform into better versions of themselves is not only rewarding but inspiring. It is a “job” I never take for granted.
Dawn has been providing individual nutritional counseling and group counseling for more than 20 years. Her approach has been to work beyond education and training, focusing on real-life practical applications and tools. Through it all, Dawn creates an open and encouraging environment to help her clients process successes and overcome setbacks by helping them establish new habits of their own that don’t disrupt their regular lifestyle.
Tracy Dunn
Interventionist / Relationships & Co-Dependency
Tracy Dunn is a National Interventionist and Addiction Coach who has received training at the Crossroads Recovery Coaching Academy of Seattle Washington and The Addiction Academy in Miami Florida. As the daughter of Roger Dunn of the Roger Dunn Golf Stores, Tracy knows all too well the dramatic impact that fame and addiction can have on the family system. Her professional training partnered with over 32 years of sobriety has led Tracy to be deeply committed to both saving and changing the lives of those struggling with addiction and alcoholism and their families.
As a group facilitator, she works collaboratively with her clients to help them focus on the action they will need to take to recognize the vision they will have for themselves. As an interventionist, she has helped many families to overcome the paralyzing grip of addiction by teaching accountability, compassion, and the other tools needed to break the cycle of addiction and maintain sobriety. Tracy works with the media, treatment facilities, interventionists, therapists, and addiction psychiatrists and consults with treatment facilities. Her dedication to saving lives has given a dynamic voice of recovery to those who had previously given up hope, and the belief that they are able to create their own successes.
William Nephew
Rock To Recovery
William Nephew has been a singer/songwriter for over 20 years. He achieved some notable success early in his career with emo/rock band Jack’s Broken Heart, which won a San Diego Music Award in 2001, toured the continental United States, and shared the stage with acts like The Mars Volta and Jimmy Eat World. Having a strong passion for the arts, William earned a B.A in Cinema production. Following completion of his degree at San Francisco State University, William worked on film/tv projects for major Hollywood production companies including Sony and Universal Pictures.
Williams addiction began at an early age and followed a slow and steady progression. Eventually, William knew he had to make a change. With the help of drug and alcohol treatment, William got sober on May 26th, 2014. He has been sober ever since. William’s talent as a singer/songwriter, passion for the healing power of music, and the struggles of his past make him an outstanding program administrator for Rock to Recovery. He believes in the strength of creative expression as an extremely effective tool to cope with overwhelming emotions in early sobriety because William was actually in Rock to Recovery groups as a CLIENT before he became a program facilitator. William is also a certified CADC-I drug and alcohol counselor by the state of California.
Lawrence V Tucker
Medical Director
Bio Coming Soon…
Amy Dutton
COO / Co-Founder
Amy moved to California from Florida in 2011 to begin her journey into a life of recovery. Amy started to gain her spirit back while helping others and that’s when she found her life’s purpose. Amy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology from Chapman university. Amy has also completed her CAADAC degree at Centaur university. Amy truly believes being outside and in touch with nature helps with self-destructive behaviors, which she considers to be the key to her personal recovery. After years of owning and operating a successful women’s sober living, Amy really saw the need for gender-specific aftercare. Amy Dutton and Becca Edge teamed up to create Anchored Tides Recovery.
Kelli Easley
Director of Marketing & Admissions
Kelli Easley comes to Anchored Tides bringing with her over seventeen years of experience in the field of addiction. Her unwavering passion to help others stems from her commitment to give back after overcoming her own 17-year addiction. She holds certifications in both Chemical Dependency and Family Development.Kelli had the good fortune of training under a well-respected interventionist, and therapists this has only strengthened her expertise in working with both individuals and families. Kelli is currently working towards a degree in Business Administration along with being a loving mother to her husband, and two sons. In her free time, Kelli is active in the recovery community and lends her support to nonprofit organizations to help those in underserved communities.
– “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny” – C.S. Lewis
Bunny & Murphy
Registered Emotional Support Animals
Bunny is a 3yo male French Bulldog and Murphy is a 6yo female Shiba Inu. Both of these pups have been raised at Anchored Tides and grew up handing out love and support to our clients. They have the wonderful ability to sense when someone needs a little extra love, some playful puppy time, or just a companion to sit and hold space while they are processing something.
Murphy’s favorite treatment activities are Lunch, Reiki, Process group, and sitting in on individual sessions. Bunny’s favorite activities are Lunch, DBT, and also sitting in on individual sessions. When they aren’t working, Murphy likes to play with her little brother (who is not a support animal), go on hikes, dig holes, sleep and eat. During Bunny’s time off, he likes to destroy squeaky toys, play with his nerf dog gun, and sleep.
They (and we) believe that animals are essential in providing emotional support. Studies have shown that some of the benefits of having an ESA include enhancing calm and relaxation, alleviating loneliness, enhancing social engagement and interaction, normalizing heart rate and blood pressure, and reducing stress, pain, anxiety, and depression. They are an important part of the holistic approach at ATR to make everyone feel loved and comfortable as they walk through their recovery journey.
Hillary Delira
Program Director
Bio Coming Soon…
Maryam Ashraf
Primary Therapist - ACSW
Bio Coming Soon…
Jennifer Hojnacki
Social Worker / Case Management - ACSW
Bio Coming Soon…
Christian Gibbs
Music Group / Rock 2 Recovery
Bio Coming Soon…
Rebecca Edge
CEO / Co-Founder
Becca Edge is originally from Birmingham, Alabama. She is no stranger to mental health and substance abuse issues in her family, and she herself also struggled with addiction and moved to California to commit herself to treatment. She has been in long-term recovery since 2010. After much success in the corporate world, Rebecca started a sober living home as a “passion project” to provide women with a safe place as they re-enter the world as sober members of society. She noticed that there weren’t many aftercare programs dedicated to women’s sobriety or supporting them with the various co-occurring disorders that pop up once women are free from drugs and alcohol. So in 2016, Rebecca partnered with Amy to create a safe, therapy-focused place where women can heal from their addictions, trauma, and other issues while growing into who they were always meant to be. Becca is passionate about helping women realize their worth and supporting/helping them navigate the next steps of their lives, all while helping them feel secure on their road to long-term recovery.