It’s common for individuals seeking addiction treatment to also be managing underlying mental health issues. This combination is known as a dual diagnosis—when someone experiences both a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health condition. Understanding what are co-occurring disorders and how they influence substance use is vital to achieving lasting recovery.
At The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, we know that many clients turn to substances in an attempt to manage symptoms of unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Our dual diagnosis treatment program addresses both the addiction and the mental health issues together, because true healing means treating the whole person.
The Arbor offers comprehensive addiction treatment to residents of Austin, Texas, and the surrounding communities. Our continuum of care includes residential and intensive outpatient programs, as well as gender-specific programs. We use evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches to treat substance use and any co-occurring mental health conditions. Contact us today to learn more or to get started on the road to recovery.
It’s common for individuals seeking addiction treatment to also be managing underlying mental health issues. This combination is known as a dual diagnosis—when someone experiences both a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health condition. Understanding what are co-occurring disorders and how they influence substance use is vital to achieving lasting recovery.
At The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, we know that many clients turn to substances in an attempt to manage symptoms of unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Our dual diagnosis treatment program addresses both the addiction and the mental health issues together, because true healing means treating the whole person.
The Arbor offers comprehensive addiction treatment to residents of Austin, Texas, and the surrounding communities. Our continuum of care includes residential and intensive outpatient programs, as well as gender-specific programs. We use evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches to treat substance use and any co-occurring mental health conditions. Contact us today to learn more or to get started on the road to recovery.
What are co-occurring disorders?
A co-occurring disorder, also known as a dual diagnosis, occurs when someone has both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. These conditions can interact in negative ways—each can worsen the symptoms of the other, and they often reinforce one another in a cycle that can feel impossible to break alone.
Common co-occurring disorders include:
- Depression – Feelings of hopelessness, low energy, and persistent sadness often lead individuals to self-medicate with substances like alcohol or opioids.
- Anxiety disorders – Chronic worry, panic attacks, or social anxiety may drive someone to use sedatives or stimulants to cope.
- Bipolar disorder – The mood swings of bipolar disorder are often accompanied by impulsive substance use during manic or depressive episodes.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Many individuals with PTSD turn to drugs or alcohol to numb flashbacks, insomnia, or emotional pain.
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Individuals with ADHD may misuse stimulants or other substances to focus or calm their minds.
These mental health conditions don’t just coexist with addiction—they often shape and worsen it. That’s why integrated, personalized treatment is essential.
What are the signs and symptoms of a co-occurring disorder?
Recognizing the signs of a co-occurring disorder can be the first step toward healing. It’s not always easy to separate symptoms of substance use from those of mental health conditions, especially when both are present.
However, there are some common red flags that may indicate the presence of a dual diagnosis:
- Using substances to cope with emotional or psychological distress
- Experiencing mood swings, paranoia, or hallucinations while using or withdrawing from substances
- A history of trauma, anxiety, or depression that worsens with substance use
- Difficulty functioning in daily life
- Strained relationships
- A pattern of relapse despite previous treatment attempts
In many cases, individuals have been through a cycle of medications and therapies without success, simply because the true nature of their dual diagnosis was not understood or addressed.
Benefits of dual diagnosis treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment is vital because it addresses both substance use disorders and mental health conditions simultaneously. Treating these issues separately often leads to incomplete recovery, as each condition can reinforce the other.
For example, a person with depression may drink alcohol to escape their symptoms, which leads to an alcohol use disorder while also reinforcing the depression. Or a person with bipolar disorder may turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate and manage their mood swings.
Dual diagnosis treatment ensures that both aspects are managed at the same time, reducing the risk of relapse and promoting long-term recovery. Providing comprehensive care gives individuals the tools and support needed to regain stability and improve their overall quality of life. This approach helps people better understand how mental health and substance use are connected. It gives them the tools they need to break the cycle and live healthier lives.
Contact The Arbor for dual diagnosis treatment
At The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, we understand how isolating and overwhelming it can feel to live with both addiction and a mental health condition. That’s why our dual diagnosis program is built on respect, compassion, and clinical excellence.
We offer multiple levels of care, including residential addiction treatment, an intensive outpatient program, and sober living. Our experienced team can tailor a plan to promote sustainable recovery. We help clients build trust, develop coping skills, and rediscover their strengths in a nurturing environment designed for growth.
Contact The Arbor today at 844.413.2690 or online. We are ready to answer any questions, verify insurance, or help you start the enrollment process today.