Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
Our treatment programs for substance use and mental health disorders.
What Are Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders—also called dual diagnosis—occur when someone experiences both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time.
Mental health disorders
These conditions rarely exist in isolation—each can fuel and intensify the other. Someone might start using alcohol to manage anxiety, only to find that over time the alcohol worsens their anxiety and adds depression into the mix. Similarly, prolonged drug use can change brain chemistry in ways that trigger new or more severe mental health symptoms.
Why this matters: When only one condition is treated—whether it’s the addiction or the mental health disorder—the untreated condition often triggers relapse or blocks recovery progress. That’s why integrated treatment is essential. This approach addresses the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of both conditions at the same time, giving clients the best chance at long-term stability and improved quality of life.
At Bliss Recovery, our integrated care model ensures your treatment plan is built around the full picture—not just one piece of it—so no underlying issue is left unaddressed.
Understanding Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders Treatment
Co-occurring disorders treatment is for individuals living with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. These conditions often fuel each other—mental health symptoms can lead to self-medicating with drugs or alcohol, while substance use can worsen or trigger new mental health challenges.
At Bliss Recovery, treatment is fully integrated from the start. Our psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, and recovery specialists work as one team, creating a single plan that addresses both conditions together. This means your therapy sessions, medication management, and holistic supports—like mindfulness, fitness, and nutrition—are all aligned to the same recovery goals.
By treating the whole person in our private Hollywood Hills setting, we:
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Address root causes on both mental health and substance use sides
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Reduce relapse risk by managing triggers and symptoms together
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Support mind-body wellness through evidence-based and holistic care
This comprehensive, coordinated approach allows us to meet you where you are and guide you toward lasting stability, balance, and confidence in recovery.
Signs You May Have a Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorder
Recognizing the signs of a co-occurring disorder can be the first step toward getting the right help. While symptoms vary from person to person, common indicators include:
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Using substances to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma
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Mood swings or emotional instability that worsen with drug or alcohol use
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Difficulty functioning at work, school, or in relationships due to combined symptoms
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Relapse or setbacks when only mental health or only addiction is treated
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Persistent mental health symptoms even during periods of sobriety
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Withdrawal from activities or people you once enjoyed
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Sleep or appetite changes tied to both emotional and substance use patterns
At Bliss Recovery, we look at the whole picture—not just one set of symptoms—so your treatment plan addresses both sides of the problem from day one.
Common Co-Occurring Combinations We Treat
Co-occurring disorders can take many forms, but some combinations are especially common. At Bliss Recovery, we tailor each plan to the unique needs of your diagnoses, history, and goals. Examples include:
Depression + Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol can worsen mood symptoms, while low mood can fuel drinking.
Anxiety or Panic Disorder + Benzodiazepine Misuse
Dependence can develop when these medications are used without proper oversight.
PTSD + Stimulant or Alcohol Use Disorder
Substances may be used to numb trauma symptoms, often intensifying them over time.
Bipolar Spectrum Disorders + Cannabis or Alcohol Use
Mood instability can be amplified by substance use.
ADHD + Stimulant or Cannabis Use
Misuse can complicate symptom management and recovery.
Our Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders Treatment Programs
At Bliss Recovery’s Los Angeles center, we take a holistic view of healing, addressing every aspect of life affected by co-occurring disorders. No two journeys are the same, so we partner with you one-on-one to develop a personalized treatment plan. Your plan may include:
Integrated Psychotherapy
Customized sessions using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed techniques.
Medication Management
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and, when needed, carefully supervised pharmacotherapy to stabilize mood and alleviate symptoms.
Holistic Wellness
A blend of yoga, mindfulness meditation, creative therapies (art or music), and nutritional guidance to strengthen both mind and body.
Peer Support & Aftercare
Structured group workshops and alumni networks to foster community, hone coping strategies, and support your transition back into daily life.
