Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles has taken pride in our efforts to remain current with health technology advancements.  We have now partnered with MDLiveCare to provide telemedicine services.  This will enable us to offer alcohol and drug treatment, mental health treatment, and medical care via video conference technology, which will allow access to more individuals who need these services.

Please click the link below to read the press release:

MDLiveCare® Health Services, Inc. Announces Agreements in California, Florida and Illinois as It Continues Building National Provider Network and Licensing Relationships

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides adult and youth alcohol and drug treatment.  We specialize in treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, and have two primary medical care clinics in the San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley.  If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence, drug addiction, or co-occurring mental health disorders, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles recently participated in a pilot project by The State of California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) using the Dual Diagnosis Capability in Addiction Treatment (DDCAT) scale.  The DDCAT assesses capabilities of alcohol and drug treatment or mental health programs on 7 dimensions, using a 5 point scale on 35 items.  We have been developing our dual diagnosis program for many years, so this project was an opportunity for us to see how far we’ve come.

The DDCAT index was developed in 2007 to fill a need in the assessment of program capabilities.  Today the DDCAT index is applied in over 20 state systems, as well as internationally, and is being used in the assessment of private programs nationwide.

Each dimension is assessed on a number of specific, supporting items (#); Program Structure (4), Program Milieu (2), Clinical Process: Assessment (7), Clinical Process: Treatment (10), Continuity of Care (5), Staffing (5), and Training (2).  Using specified items to assess these dimensions allows for a clearer picture of treatment settings for dual diagnosis patients in addiction treatment.

Following the assessment, programs are categorized in 3 taxonomies; Addiction Only Services (AOS) or targeting primarily those with substance abuse problems with little or no support for psychopathology, Dual Diagnosis Capable (DDC) for programs that offer services to those with stable and low-severity conditions, and Dual Diagnosis Enhanced (DDE) programs can respond to varying cases of psychopathology up to those which are severe.

This pilot project was yet another validation of our commitment to provide the best services possible for patients with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders.  Our program was recently hailed by California State University Long Beach, in a report to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as “… the most capable program to address co-occurring disorders statewide.”  As it turns out, ADP assessed Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles at the DDE level of care with a very high score of 163 out of 175 points.  We scored a perfect 5 points or near perfect on 4 of the 7 dimensions of DDCAT.  Of course we are very happy with ADP’s assessment during the survey.  

Our dual diagnosis treatment track begins upon admission, at the first stage of treatment.  Patients are assessed for mental health disorders in terms of current treatment, medications, and self and family history.  When it is determined that mental health treatment is needed for a patient, our psychological staff is immediately alerted as to which level of care they will need.  Whether patients have long histories of severe mental illness or no history with new symptoms of minor issues, treatment can begin as early as during alcohol or drug detox.  

Our psychiatry staff is available for those with severe disorders requiring medication.  Psychologists and interns are also alerted to these cases for the purpose of providing round the clock monitoring if needed.  Our program ensures that even patients with severe mental health issues can receive successful alcohol or drug treatment.

On the other end of the severity scale, minor mental health issues are common with those who suffer from alcohol dependence and drug addiction.  Our staff routinely conducts an Addiction Severity Index (ASI) with each patient.  If mental health problems come to light that fall outside the realm of addiction-related, patients will be referred for further therapy throughout treatment.

We make it easy for patients to get the treatment they need.  We also offer specialized groups to all patients so they will learn about themselves and the typical psychological issues that are associated with alcoholism and drug addiction.  This serves to ease the minds of those who may worry they suffer mental illness, and to let those who actually do to see that they are not alone.

Our mental health services do not stop when alcohol and drug treatment is completed.  Whether they have the ability to pay out-of-pocket or need assistance, patients can get help with housing, employment, education, and other services that will assist them in re-entering a normal life among their fellows.  

Our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare is driven by our high standards and a desire, at all levels, to provide it to each patient.  Where mental health is concerned, staff is trained to recognize signs that a problem may exist.  This is important because some patients may not present with symptoms upon admission, and may be reluctant to disclose issues that could lead to a diagnosis.

At Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles we do not limit care for co-occurring disorders to mental health and alcohol and drug treatment.  Our very highly-rated HIV services are available to those who need them, as well as medication assisted treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction.  And let us not forget that teens are not immune to these problems.  Our youth alcohol and drug treatment program offers specialized dual diagnosis treatment as well.  These are just a few examples.

We are proud of the high marks we received from ADP.  But that doesn’t mean that we will be resting on our laurels.  In order to provide the level of service we expect from ourselves, we must continue to improve processes and stay educated on new developments in mental health and addiction treatment.  As long as there are individuals in need of treatment, we will continue to evaluate and improve our own services.

If you or a loved one needs help for alcohol dependence or drug addiction with co-occurring mental health disorders, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles is committed to providing integrated behavioral healthcare in alcohol and drug treatment.  This means that when patients enter treatment in one of our facilities, they will have access to the many other healthcare services we offer.  And more access to services from one provider means better outcomes in alcohol and drug treatment.

A recent report by California State University, Long Beach, Department of Criminal Justice to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation highlighted that we are truly committed to success in treatment.  The study paid close attention to several details in substance abuse treatment, and noted specifically how we help patients with special needs.

In particular, Tarzana Treatment Centers understands the importance in making all levels of mental health treatment available to our patients with co-occurring disorders.  We were noted in the report as being “…the most capable program to address co-occurring disorders statewide.  The program is efficient, organized, and well-run despite the fact that they serve some of the most high-needs clients in the state.”

Our alcohol and drug treatment program is also recognized as providing the highest level of care in HIV Services, as mentioned in the report.  These services include education, specialized primary care, housing, and mental health services, among many others.  Patients can be referred to services as early as their first day in our medical detoxification unit.

We are continually enhancing and expanding programs so that patients can count on us for the services they need.  As drug use trends change, drug treatment modules must be altered and added.  It was stated twice in the report that we have an answer to the rise in methamphetamine addiction rates.
 
Cognitive deficits that result from methamphetamine addiction can last up to two years after use is stopped.  While the disease of addiction has many constants where treatment is concerned, meth users need to re-learn memory skills and may require visual cues.  We assess patients entering methamphetamine treatment for needs in these areas and treat accordingly.

Another example in this area that was not on the report is the recent changes in teen drug use trends.  Teen prescription drug abuse is rapidly growing.  At the same time, perceptions among adolescents that these drugs risk little harm are on the rise.  

Tarzana Treatment Centers takes steps to slow these trends through treatment, family groups, and education.  Our expertise in prescription drug detox has proven to be valuable as demand has increased for adolescent drug detox.  The ability to provide both medical detoxification and youth alcohol and drug treatment improves outcomes for long-term recovery.

If you or a loved one needs help with drug addiction or alcohol dependence, you can count on Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles to provide all of the services you need.  Our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare goes far beyond what has been written in this article.  For more information, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.

By Ken Bachrach, Ph.D.
Clinical Director

It is very common for a person to have both a psychological disorder and an addictive disorder.  When this occurs, the term most often used is that the individual has a co-occurring disorder or COD.  Previously, the term frequently used was that the person was “dually diagnosed.”

People with both an addictive disorder for substance use or dependence and a psychological disorder such as depression need treatment for both disorders.  The best approach is to treat both disorders in an integrated fashion with a team of providers who understand both disorders.  

In the past, treatment was often sequential, meaning it was requested that the person got treatment for one disorder before being accepted for treatment for the other one.  This often resulted in disastrous outcomes, since a person could not stop their drinking or their drug use until their psychiatric condition was stabilized and vice versa.  

The next approach was to treat these disorders in a parallel fashion, but unfortunately the two treatment providers or teams frequently did not communicate with one another.  Many people in substance abuse treatment programs require psychological counseling and psychotropic medication for their COD.  Some of these individuals were self-medicating with alcohol, prescription medications, and illicit substances like methamphetamine as a way to cope with their psychological disorder.  

At Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles, we strive to provide integrated behavioral healthcare and have both mental health and addiction specialists on our alcohol and drug treatment teams.  The advantage of this integrated approach is that the entire person is being treated rather than only one specific disorder, and the team is communicating with one another.  With proper treatment for the COD, these individuals can focus on their recovery from alcohol dependence and drug addiction.

The likelihood of having a substance abuse problem is not evenly distributed among individuals with psychological disorders.  Our nation’s largest community-based mental health survey, titled the Epidemiological Catchment Area (ECA) Study, revealed that individuals with Bipolar Disorder have the greatest likelihood of having a substance use disorder some time in their life.  

The rates of substance abuse or dependence among those with Bipolar Disorder were over 60%.  People with Schizophrenia had a 50% chance of developing a substance abuse disorder, while those with depressive and anxiety disorders had rates ranging from 25% - 33%.

The effects of substance use and misuse can cause many psychological symptoms ranging from depression to anxiety to psychosis.  That is why it is often difficult to determine if a person is experiencing substance-induced psychological symptoms that will subside once the substance use has stopped or whether the person has an independent COD.   

The psychological symptoms from substance use can last for many weeks and months, so some period of abstinence is needed to make a definitive diagnosis.  Still, if symptoms are severe, persist for a reasonable period of time, or if there is a documented history of these symptoms during prior periods of abstinence, then psychological and psychiatric treatment should be initiated to address these symptoms.


If you or a loved one needs help for co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders, please call Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.

It’s quite normal for someone entering alcohol treatment to show signs of depression.  The sad and hopeless feelings that are associated with alcohol dependence tend to be a driving force behind the disease.  Major depression can also be a co-occurring disorder with alcoholism, which adds a need for mental health treatment.

In these cases, the problem with providing effective treatment is discovering which disorder is primary in each new patient.  It’s much like the chicken-and-egg syndrome of which came first.  It is important to know if the mental health disorder brought on alcohol dependence, or if drinking behaviors led to a downward spiral of hopelessness and despair.

Psychological assessments are taken on patients in alcohol treatment at Tarzana Treatment Centers as part of our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare.  In many cases, this is completed before the patient discharges from alcohol detox.  This gives our counselors and mental health professionals the ability to prepare treatment plans that target both disorders, with emphasis on the primary one.

The excerpt below is from an article posted on the Addiction Technology Transfer Network website.  The full article reviews the latest studies on major depression and alcohol dependence along with information from previous studies.  It includes some information that may be of interest to those with alcoholism in the family.

If you or a loved one is in need of alcohol treatment, please call us at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

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Major depression (MD) and alcohol dependence (AD) co-occur in individuals and within families at higher rates than expected by chance. This study looked at how mood-related drinking motives may explain the overlapping familial risk for MD and AD. Findings suggest that individuals with strong mood-related drinking motives, especially those based on negative feelings, may be vulnerable to developing both MD and AD.

Results will be published in the August issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research and are currently available at Early View.

“Although the frequent co-occurrence of AD and MD is widely recognized, the association between the disorders works differently for different people,” explained Kelly Young-Wolff, whose master’s thesis provided the stimulus for the study. “There are likely multiple mechanisms that result in the disorders co-occurring, for example, having MD increases the risk to develop AD, having AD increases the risk to develop MD; and causal factors – such as genetic risk or social circumstances – also contribute to developing both disorders.”

-- Source: http://www.attcnetwork.org/explore/priorityareas/science/tools/asmeDetails.asp?ID=615 --

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles makes a daily effort to find treatment news articles that we can share with our readers in the alcohol and drug treatment community.  The external content was found among other articles of equal informational and educational quality.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County and Orange County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley, and in Santa Ana.

May, 2009 is National Mental Health Month.  

Tarzana Treatment Centers is participating with a series of articles meant to inform and educate the general public about mental health issues as related to substance abuse, dependence and alcohol and drug treatment.  A growing percentage of alcohol and drug treatment admissions include co-occurring mental health disorders.  Special care is needed to ensure recovery for these patients, as is provided at Tarzana Treatment Centers.

Adolescents with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders have an opportunity to live normal lives in recovery if they seek treatment.  But parents must first know when alcohol or drug treatment is needed and where to get it.  Tarzana Treatment Centers specializes in alcohol and drug treatment, along with integrated behavioral healthcare to treat co-occurring mental health disorders.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides some good information on when a teen is more likely to be using alcohol or drugs.  Below is a section of an informative report that can be helpful for parents of adolescents with behavioral issues.  The full report is more detailed.

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Emotional Problems and Alcohol or Illicit Drug Dependence

The severity of emotional problems is associated with increased likelihood of adolescent alcohol or illicit drug dependence. Adolescents with significant emotional problems were nearly four times as likely to report dependence as were those with low emotional problem scores. Alcohol or illicit drug dependence was reported by approximately 3 percent of adolescents with low emotional problem scores, by 7 percent of those with intermediate problem scores, and by 13 percent with significant emotional problems. Within specific age groups, the prevalence of dependence was consistently higher for adolescents with more serious emotional problems, with the exception of adolescent males aged 12 to 13. Older adolescents with serious emotional problems had the highest rates of dependence on alcohol or illicit drugs: 23 percent for males 19 percent for females. The corresponding rates for younger adolescents aged 12 to 13 were 3 percent for males and 9 percent for females.

Behavioral Problems and Alcohol or Illicit Drug Dependence

The severity of behavioral problems is associated with increased likelihood of alcohol or illicit drug dependence. Adolescents with significant behavioral problems were over seven times more likely to report dependence than those with low behavioral problem scores. Alcohol or illicit drug dependence was reported by approximately 2 percent of adolescents with low behavioral problem scores, by 6 percent of those with intermediate problem scores, and by 17 percent of those with significant behavioral problems.

Within specific age groups, dependence increased with the severity of behavioral problems. This pattern was observed among both males and females for very young adolescents aged 12 to 13, for adolescents aged 14 to 15, and for older adolescents aged 16 to 17. Dependence on alcohol or illicit drugs was highest among older adolescents aged 16 to 17 with serious behavioral problems (26 percent). The corresponding rates for very young adolescents aged 12 to 13 were 4 percent for males and 9 percent for females.

-- Source: http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/NHSDA/A-9/comorb3c-38.htm --

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles makes a daily effort to find treatment news articles that we can share with our readers in the alcohol and drug treatment community.  The external content was found among other articles of equal informational and educational quality.

April, 2009 marks the 22nd year of Alcohol Awareness Month.  

Tarzana Treatment Centers is participating with a series of articles meant to inform and educate the general public about alcohol abuse, dependence and treatment.  Considering that over 21 million Americans meet the criteria for alcohol abuse and over 53 million admit to past-month binge drinking, not to mention the many loved ones affected by each, our efforts are worthwhile.


Add mental health issues to drug or alcohol dependence, and you get what is clinically known as “co-occurring disorders”.  Patients with co-occurring disorders must receive mental health services along with addiction counseling when in alcohol or drug treatment.

There is a high rate of alcoholism and drug addiction, and mental health issues, within the Native American community.  And co-occurring disorders are at a higher level for Native Americans than with the general population.  The good news is that more are seeking treatment as more detailed diagnoses are being made.  The bad news is that treatment outcomes are being hindered due to the lack cultural understanding.

The problem is that most alcohol and drug treatment centers do not consider the importance of culture, tradition, and ceremony for Native American patients.  When tradition and ceremony are at the very core of a person’s existence, alcohol and drug treatment must include those elements.  Lacking these factors practically makes treatment a waste of time for the patient and the treatment center staff.  

Tarzana Treatment Centers is one of the few in alcohol and drug treatment that provides specialized practices for Native Americans.  We also maintain close contact with organizations who work for Native American progress.  And we attend events, like pow wows, to stay informed by the community and in turn to educate and inform the community about alcohol and drug detox and treatment.

The article excerpt below is from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.  It is from a speech that was given about the importance of cultural considerations in treating mental illness.

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Cultural competency must be part of the solution to every mental health challenge confronting American Indian and Alaska Native communities. A primary challenge is substance abuse, which is closely linked with mental health disorders. Compared to other cultural and ethnic groups, American Indians and Alaska Natives are disproportionately affected by diseases and death due to alcohol and other substance abuse. They also appear more vulnerable to mental illnesses. According to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest incidence of serious mental illnesses compared to other groups.

Substance abuse and mental health disorders are real and disabling conditions. Research and practice is revealing that the two disorders frequently overlap. If left untreated—or if only one disorder is treated, both disorders usually get worse. Additional complications often arise. These complications include the risk for physical health problems, unemployment, homelessness, incarceration, separation from families and friends, premature death, and suicide. The toll on families, schools, communities, and the workplace is more than any society can afford.

-- Source: http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/newsroom/speeches/060706.asp --

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles makes a daily effort to find treatment news articles that we can share with our readers in the alcohol and drug treatment community.  The external content was found among other articles of equal informational and educational quality.