Introduction
Many people struggling with substance use are also living with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. These are called co-occurring disorders—and they’re more common than many realize. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), over 9 million adults in the U.S. have both a mental illness and a substance use disorder.
When both issues are present, treatment becomes more complex—but also more essential. At City Behavioral Health, we specialize in integrated care that addresses the full picture, not just isolated symptoms.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Also known as dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorders refer to the presence of a mental health condition alongside a substance use disorder. These issues can influence and reinforce one another in a cycle that’s difficult to break without proper treatment.
Examples include:
- Using substances to self-medicate anxiety or trauma
- Depression triggered or worsened by substance use
- Increased impulsivity from bipolar disorder leading to risky substance use
- OCD or PTSD symptoms becoming more severe with drug/alcohol use
It’s often unclear which came first—but both need to be treated for recovery to succeed.
Why Integrated Treatment Matters
Too often, people are treated for either mental health or substance use—but not both. This fragmented approach can lead to relapse, misdiagnosis, or stalled progress.
Integrated treatment means addressing both conditions at the same time, in a coordinated and collaborative way. It allows providers to understand how each condition affects the other and design a plan that supports sustainable healing.
At City Behavioral Health, our clinicians are trained in both mental health and addiction-focused care, ensuring clients get holistic support.
Warning Signs of Co-Occurring Disorders
Recognizing the signs of co-occurring disorders is the first step toward effective treatment. Look for patterns such as:
- Using drugs or alcohol to manage stress, sadness, fear, or intrusive thoughts
- Mood swings, sleep disturbances, or anxiety that worsen with substance use
- Increased isolation, shame, or guilt related to behavior
- Difficulty functioning at school, work, or home
- Unsuccessful past treatment attempts due to only one issue being addressed
If these resonate, it may be time for an integrated evaluation.
Our Approach to Co-Occurring Treatment
At City Behavioral Health, we don’t treat diagnoses in silos. We treat people—and people are complex. Our personalized care plans address underlying causes, maladaptive coping mechanisms, and the emotional pain often hidden beneath substance use.
Treatment components may include:
- Individual Therapy: Using modalities like CBT, DBT, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), or Prolonged Exposure (PE) depending on the co-occurring condition.
- Skills Training: Clients learn practical tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and relapse prevention.
- Creative Arts Therapy: For processing trauma, grief, or unspoken emotions.
- Group Therapy: To build community and gain support from peers navigating similar challenges.
- Family Involvement: Couples therapy, family therapy, and parent coaching help shift dynamics that may be contributing to or affected by the disorders.
Harm Reduction and Abstinence-Based Support
Some clients may not be ready for full abstinence—and that’s okay. Our team meets clients where they are. For some, harm reduction (e.g., reducing frequency or switching to safer behaviors) is the right first step. For others, abstinence is the goal. We collaborate with each person to create a plan that aligns with their values, needs, and stage of change.
The Role of In-Home & Community-Based Services
Co-occurring disorders often impact a person’s functioning beyond therapy sessions. That’s why we offer in-home clinical services and real-world integration support. Therapists help with:
- Daily routines
- Medication compliance
- Exposure to triggering environments
- Relationship dynamics
- Task initiation and follow-through
This hands-on approach makes treatment more effective and applicable in everyday life.
You’re Not Alone
If you or a loved one is struggling with both mental health symptoms and substance use, know that healing is possible—and you don’t have to choose which issue to treat first. With integrated support, you can move toward a healthier, more balanced life.
Contact City Behavioral Health at info@citybehavioralhealth.com to learn more or schedule a consultation.
