Two Struggles, One Journey: Navigating Dual Diagnosis with LESC’s Holistic Approach

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s essential to shine a light on the unique challenges faced by individuals with dual diagnoses – those living with both mental health challenges and a substance use disorder. At LESC, we understand that these intertwined struggles can feel overwhelming and are often stigmatized. Gayane Atoyan, a dedicated therapist in our Dual Recovery Services (DRS) program, and the rest of our compassionate team are committed to helping clients navigate these challenges and build a path toward recovery.

By creating a safe and inclusive environment, we empower individuals to rediscover their resilience, find their voices, and ultimately thrive as contributing members of their communities. As Gayane explains, “Resiliency shows that you are able to strengthen yourself and protect yourself against all those battles that you’re going through.” Through Gayane’s experiences in the DRS program, we hope to offer a deeper understanding of our services and insights into the complexities and rewards of helping clients with dual diagnoses.

Gayane’s Journey as an Advocate for Dual Recovery Services

With a strong background in psychology and years of experience supporting individuals facing the intertwined challenges of mental health and substance use disorders, Gayane is deeply committed to guiding her DRS clients through their unique recovery journeys.

Her decision to work in DRS stems from a profound belief in the transformative power of recovery. “Personally, I have family members who have gone through addiction, and it was really difficult to witness their struggles. I even lost a family member to substance use, which made me acutely aware of how scary it can be to lack support. Sometimes, you just want to talk to someone, but there’s no one there to listen.” She continues, “The more I worked with the clients, the more I realized why I chose to stay here.” This conviction drives her to advocate tirelessly for individuals who often confront significant barriers to accessing the care they desperately need.

For Gayane, working in DRS is more than a profession; it’s a personal mission. She recognizes the complex challenges that clients face, including social stigma, complex treatment needs, and fragmented care options. “What I’m saying is that they come in after having been to many different types of facilities – both outpatient and inpatient. They really appreciate our approach because there’s no judgment here. We offer love and compassion, along with cultural awareness. We embrace the diversity of different cultures, and I think that’s what makes them want to come in,” she emphasizes. By fostering such an environment, Gayane empowers her clients to actively engage in their recovery processes, allowing them to reclaim their lives.

The Dual Recovery Services program provides comprehensive support for individuals facing co-occurring mental health challenges and substance use disorders. The outpatient program at LESC offers a range of services, including:

• Individualized Treatment Plans: Each client receives a tailored treatment plan that addresses their specific needs, ensuring that both their mental health and substance use concerns are treated concurrently.
• Support Groups: Clients can participate in support groups to encourage shared experiences and foster community. These groups help combat feelings of isolation and stigma.
• Holistic Approaches: The program incorporates holistic therapies that address the whole person, such as mindfulness practices, art therapy, and life skills training. These methods help clients build resilience and coping strategies.
• Coordinated Care: DRS emphasizes the importance of integrated care, working closely with other health professionals to ensure clients receive comprehensive support throughout their recovery journey. “We believe in the power of collaboration. By coordinating care, we can provide clients with a more cohesive and effective treatment experience,” Gayane notes.

Gayane understands that many clients enter the program burdened by fears and misconceptions about their conditions. By openly addressing these issues in a nurturing setting, the DRS program helps dismantle stigma and encourages individuals to confront their challenges head-on. She asserts, “What really matters to me is seeing my clients the following week. I realized this about a year ago, especially after experiencing the loss of clients to overdoses. It’s devastating and all too common. When clients come in and share that a friend has passed away due to an overdose, it hits hard. That’s why I always tell them how glad I am to see them today and how much I appreciate them coming in. They have the choice not to come, as this is an outpatient program, and their commitment to show up means a lot.”

Through her work, Gayane embodies the spirit of DRS, demonstrating that with the right support, individuals facing a dual diagnosis can reclaim their lives and foster meaningful, lasting change.

Integrating Gambling Support into Dual Recovery

As Gayane continues her impactful work within the DRS program at LESC, she has increasingly recognized the need to address a significant yet often overlooked issue: problem gambling. This concern can create unique challenges for individuals already facing the complexities of dual diagnoses. Many of Gayane’s clients come to her with histories of substance use and mental health disorders, and it becomes clear that problem gambling can further complicate their recovery journeys. “It’s like a bouquet; it’s another flower we need to tame and manage with our clients. Gambling is very common, and we’re focusing on the negative impact it has on their lives and their familes. This is a new reality that we must address.”

Her experience has taught her the importance of integrating gambling recovery into the broader therapeutic framework. Gayane helps clients understand how their gambling habits relate to their overall well-being by employing a compassionate approach. “Problem gambling is unique in that it often involves not just the individual but also their family members. Because it revolves around money, individuals who struggle with gambling can find themselves in significant financial distress, which can ripple through their entire lives.” She continues, “For someone who is already struggling, problem gambling just adds to their destructive behaviors.”
LESC’s approach to problem gambling is comprehensive, recognizing that it often intersects with other mental health and substance use disorders. The DRS program provides a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their gambling behaviors in conjunction with their recovery. “While the approach to counseling for gambling and substance use is similar, employing cognitive behavioral therapy, the impacts of gambling extend beyond the individual, affecting their social life and family dynamics as well,” Gayane emphasizes.
In this way, Gayane plays a crucial role in not only supporting her clients through their recovery from substance use and mental health disorders, but also in addressing the multifaceted issue of problem gambling. She is committed to empowering her clients to reclaim their lives and develop healthier coping strategies through education, counseling, and group support. As the DRS program continues to evolve, Gayane’s dedication ensures that the needs of those struggling with SUD, mental health issues, and problem gambling are met with understanding and expertise.

Why Choose LESC: Gayane’s Commitment to a Resilient Recovery

As we reflect on Gayane’s journey and the invaluable work being done within the Dual Recovery Support program at LESC, it’s clear that compassionate, judgment-free care is essential in helping clients navigate the complexities of addiction and mental health. By providing a safe space where clients feel understood and supported, the DRS program addresses the immediate needs of those struggling with a dual diagnosis and fosters hope for a brighter future. Gayane’s commitment to her clients exemplifies the transformative power of empathy and understanding in the recovery process. At LESC, we remain dedicated to empowering individuals on their path to healing, ensuring that no one has to face their challenges alone.