Effective treatment for schizophrenia is available.

Lifelong sustainable recovery is possible.

Crownview Co-Occurring Institute is one of San Diego’s top treatment centers for people diagnosed with schizophrenia. We provide the latest evidence-based psychiatric treatment for schizophrenia available. Our dynamic approach combines data-driven therapies and innovative adjunct services with robust skills development instruction and focused wraparound support.

Many CCI patients with schizophrenia have previous treatment experiences that were unsatisfactory or unsuccessful. Our unique, innovative approach to complex mental health disorders gives patients a real chance at meeting their treatment goals and living a fulfilling, self-directed, independent life.

Schizophrenia and Addiction

There’s a strong link between schizophrenia and substance use, misuse, and addiction. Research shows that almost half the people diagnosed with schizophrenia are also diagnosed with an alcohol or substance use disorder, a.k.a. addiction. When people with a mental health disorder are also diagnosed with an addiction disorder, they receive what’s called a dual diagnosis and have what treatment professionals call co-occurring disorders.

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders: Schizophrenia

Evidence shows that treating mental health disorders and substance use disorders separately is not effective, and in some cases, can exacerbate the symptoms of both. The most effective approach to treating co-occurring disorders is the integrated treatment model, which prioritizes simultaneous treatment and a whole-person approach.

Schizophrenia is often mistaken for addiction or substance use disorder because the symptoms of schizophrenia and addiction/substance use disorder often overlap. This can make it difficult to diagnose schizophrenia, which in turn makes treatment more difficult, because the symptoms of each disorder not only overlap, but can also mask or hide the symptoms of the other.

Why are schizophrenia and addiction so strongly linked?

One explanation is the phenomenon of self-medication: a person with schizophrenia may attempt to manage their uncomfortable, painful, and disruptive symptoms with alcohol or drugs. This may work temporarily, but as a long-term strategy for symptom management, self-medication ultimately causes more problems than it solves.

In other instances, imbalances in brain chemistry related to schizophrenia also increase risk of developing and addiction disorder. According to Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):

“The comorbidity of SUD and schizophrenia may be a direct consequence of the underlying neuropathology of schizophrenia, which may contribute to enhanced addiction vulnerability by disrupting the neural substrates that mediate positive reinforcement.”

In other words, the latest evidence indicates the two conditions may be caused by the same underlying imbalances in the brain. That’s why treatment is essential: both schizophrenia and addiction are chronic, relapsing brain disorders, and both can respond well to evidence-based treatment delivered by experience professionals who follow the integrated treatment model.

How We Can Help with Your Schizophrenia Treatment

Crownview Co-Occurring Institute offers specific dual diagnosis treatment for schizophrenia and co-occurring alcohol and/or substance use disorders. We understand the critical importance of treating all aspects of schizophrenia and addiction during the treatment process.

Our multidisciplinary team is experienced in assessing, diagnosing, and treating both schizophrenia and co-occurring disorders. Every patient at CCI receives a comprehensive mental health evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Once we arrive at an accurate diagnosis, we help patients manage or overcome the symptoms of their mental health and/or alcohol/substance use disorder.

Throughout the treatment process, we monitor patient progress closely in order to ensure they meet their treatment goals and receive the best addiction treatment and psychiatric care available.

The Benefits of Treatment for Schizophrenia

  • Patients learn about situations and people that might exacerbate their symptoms and/or influence their use of alcohol or substances
  • Patients work closely with their counselors to identify the underlying cause behind their disorder
  • Patients learn practical skills to manage their symptoms
  • Doctors can monitor medication and make the appropriate adjustments
  • Staff members can offer consistent support when it’s needed most

Learn More Today

If you or someone in your family experiences the acute symptoms of schizophrenia or addiction, Crownview Co-Occurring Institute may have a program that meets your needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help.