Co-Occurring Mental Health & Addiction: Integrated Care That Works
Confidential, connected care in the heart of Los Angeles, CA
What are Co-occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders, sometimes called dual diagnosis, refer to when someone experiences both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time.
A simple co-occurring disorders definition is two or more conditions that interact and influence each other, making symptoms more complex and difficult to treat when addressed separately.
One condition can fuel the other. Substance use may temporarily numb emotional pain, while untreated mental health symptoms can intensify cravings or make recovery harder.
Co-occurring disorders are treatable. The most effective care addresses both mental health and substance use together through an integrated, coordinated approach.
Why Co-Occurring Disorders Are Common in Addiction?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2022, an estimated 21.5 million adults in the U.S. had a co-occurring disorder (a mental health condition plus a substance use disorder). Many individuals begin using substances to cope with overwhelming emotions, trauma, or stress.
Some key reasons these conditions commonly appear together:
- Self-medication: People may turn to substances to reduce anxiety, numb sadness, or calm intrusive memories. This temporary relief reinforces continued use.
- Brain chemistry overlap: Both mental health disorders and substance use disorders affect similar brain pathways involving reward, mood, and impulse control, making them closely linked.
- Shared risk factors: Trauma, chronic stress, genetics, and early substance use can raise the likelihood of developing both conditions.
- Escalating cycle: Mental health symptoms drive substance use, while substance use increases emotional instability.
Common Mental Health Conditions Seen With Substance Use
Co-occurring disorders are remarkably common. In 2024, according to SAMHSA, among the 21.2 million U.S. adults who had both a substance use disorder and a mental illness.
These conditions often develop before, during, or as a result of substance use, and each can make recovery more challenging without integrated treatment.
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline and other personality disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Indicators of Co-Occurring Disorders You Shouldn’t Ignore
Spotting co-occurring challenges early can make treatment smoother. Here are common cues to watch for:
- Rapid mood swings or irritability
- Persistent anxiety, sadness, or guilt
- Feeling on edge, restless, or easily overwhelmed
- Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
- Trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, or indecision
- Sleep changes (insomnia, frequent waking, oversleeping)
- Appetite changes or noticeable weight shift
- Pulling away from friends, family, or responsibilities
- Increased risk-taking or impulsive decisions
- Hopelessness, worthlessness, or thoughts of self-harm
- Using more often or needing larger amounts to feel the same
- Difficulty cutting back despite consequences
- Withdrawal symptoms (shakes, sweats, anxiety, nausea, insomnia)
- Used to cope with stress, sleep, pain, or emotions
- Mixing substances (e.g., alcohol with pills) to intensify effects
- Declining performance at work
- Legal, financial, or relationship problems linked to use
- Cravings that crowd out other priorities
If several of these resonate, an integrated evaluation can clarify what’s going on and outline a plan that addresses both mental health and substance use together.
How We Treat: Evidence-Based Care at Changes Wellness
At Changes Wellness, from the moment you begin, you’ll have a team focused on understanding your history, your goals, and the challenges standing in your way. Together, you’ll create a personalized plan that treats both mental health symptoms and substance use patterns at the same time.
We use a range of evidence-based therapies to support meaningful change, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reshape thoughts and behaviors that fuel substance use
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Builds emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthier coping
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): Strengthens motivation and confidence in recovery
- Internal Family Systems (IFS): Works with internal emotional “parts” to heal trauma and inner conflict
- Group & Family Therapy: Creates support, accountability, and healthier relationships
Alongside talk therapy, you may participate in experiential and mindfulness-based practices to help you process emotions, manage stress, and build resilience.
A typical treatment journey is supportive and structured. You’ll meet regularly with your therapist, check in with clinical providers, and practice new skills that translate directly into daily life.
Our Integrated Treatment Approach
Co-occurring disorders need connected care, not separate tracks. At Changes Wellness Los Angeles center, your mental health and substance use treatment run in sync, with one team and one plan.
What makes us different: real collaboration. Clinicians, therapists, and case managers meet around your goals, blending medical support, evidence-based therapy, and practical life skills.
You’ll have access to therapies designed to help you regulate emotions, understand your triggers, and build healthier internal patterns with programs that treat the root of both conditions instead of just managing surface symptoms.
Family support, peer connection, and long-term planning help you maintain momentum beyond treatment.
Reach out today to start your recovery conversation.