Substance Use Disorder and
Co-Occurring Disorders:
What You Need to Know

Explore the signs, challenges, and integrated treatment options for substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders at New Life Recovery in California.

Written and reviewed by the clinical team at New Life Recovery in Fresno, California, including licensed therapists, medical professionals, and recovery specialists committed to helping individuals build healthier futures.

What This Page Covers

Here’s a quick look at what this article covers:
  • What dual diagnosis means: Dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders, is when someone experiences both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time.
  • Why a return to SUD is more likely without integrated care: When only one condition is treated, the other can trigger a return to substance use or worsening mental health symptoms.
  • How mental health and substance use disorders interact: Conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, or bipolar disorder can fuel substance use, and vice versa, creating a cycle that’s hard to break without the right support.
  • What effective healing looks like: Holistically healing means treating both issues at once through evidence-based therapy, coping skills, and holistic healing practices.
  • New Life Recovery’s approach: We offer personalized, whole-person care in California that includes clinical therapies, holistic tools, and practical life skills – all on one supportive campus.

Contact New Life Recovery to get compassionate care that addresses both substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders.

Table of Contents

Healing Both Mind and Body: Facing Co-Occurring Disorders

Many individuals experiencing substance use disorder (SUD) also face mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. This is called co-occurring disorders, and these conditions often exacerbate the other, requiring an integrated approach to healing.   

According to national surveys, over 9 million adults in the U.S. have dealt with both SUD and a mental illness within the last year. However, fewer than 15% of people with co-occurring disorders receive the treatment they need to simultaneously address both conditions in a specialized program.1
substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders

Finding Comprehensive Care for Long-Term Recovery

Facing substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders can feel like starting upon a difficult path, and finding the right support is an imperative step in your healing journey.

At New Life Recovery, we see ourselves as your trusted dopamine dealer. We work hard to help you safely retrain your brain’s reward system to find joy and fulfillment naturally, without relying on substances.

We offer support designed for your needs plus thorough care at New Life Recovery within Fresno, California. Our holistic treatments with expert-led therapies build healthy coping skills then restore balance so you can create a joyful meaningful life.

New Life Recovery’s Whole-Person Treatment

We offer an integrated care model that combines proven therapies with holistic practices to support your emotional, physical, and spiritual healing which helps you in rebuilding a balanced, fulfilling life right here in Fresno, California.
These therapies support your emotional and physical healing, helping you become your best self by reconnecting with natural pleasures and balanced living. This way, you can holistically heal from substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders.

What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?

Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, is when an individual struggles with the simultaneous presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.
This isn’t merely having two separate conditions. Rather, it signifies a complex interplay where each disorder can significantly influence the onset, severity, and progression of the other.

For instance, someone struggling with depression might turn to alcohol to self-medicate feelings of sadness or hopelessness, inadvertently developing an SUD. Conversely, prolonged substance use can alter brain chemistry, leading to the development or worsening of anxiety, psychosis, or mood disorders.2

Finding Integrated Treatment

Finding integrated treatment for substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders is essential for true and lasting healing.
When only the substance use is treated, the underlying mental health challenges can quickly pull an individual back into old coping patterns. Likewise, focusing solely on mental health without addressing substance use can hinder progress, as the substance continues to impact well-being.
At New Life Recovery, we champion an integrated approach, providing simultaneous and coordinated care for both conditions. This holistic pathway recognizes that these challenges are deeply connected, meaning we ensure that every therapy, medication, and support system works together seamlessly.

Common Examples of Substance Use Disorder and Co-Occurring Disorders

Here’s a look at how some common combinations can influence each other:

Anxiety Disorders and SUD

It’s common for anxiety and substance use to become intertwined. Someone dealing with social anxiety, for instance, might reach for alcohol or tranquilizers like benzodiazepines to calm their nerves in social situations.
While this offers a fleeting sense of relief, it often paves the way for dependence. Over time, the substance use can actually worsen anxiety symptoms, trigger new anxieties during withdrawal, and trap the individual in a difficult cycle.
The constant worry and heightened alertness that come with anxiety can make staying sober incredibly challenging without specific coping skills.

Depression and SUD

Depression can be debilitating, draining energy, motivation, and joy, making even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming. People might turn to substances as a way to escape these painful feelings. However, this only deepens depressive states in the long run and pushes the individual further into isolation.

The persistent low mood and lack of drive often seen in depression can significantly undermine a person’s ability to engage consistently in recovery programs.

Trauma and SUD

There’s a powerful and often tragic connection between trauma and substance use. Many individuals who have experienced trauma, such as PTSD, use substances to numb the painful memories, flashbacks, or overwhelming emotions.
While this offers a temporary escape, it unfortunately prevents the necessary processing of the trauma, creating a cycle of avoidance and dependence.
The intense emotional and physical reactions associated with trauma can make it extremely difficult to tolerate the discomfort of withdrawal or engage in the vulnerable work required in therapy.

Bipolar Disorder and SUD

Bipolar disorder, characterized by extreme mood swings from euphoric highs to deep lows, presents unique challenges when combined with substance use. Individuals may seek substances to try and stabilize their fluctuating moods or to intensify the pleasurable feelings during manic phases.

This particular combination of substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders frequently results in more severe symptoms, a higher likelihood of hospitalization, and greater difficulty in maintaining stability without a carefully integrated treatment plan.

substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders

Evidence-Based and Holistic Healing Options in Fresno, CA

Transformation means more than just stopping substance use – our team believes that true healing happens when you reconnect with what brings meaning and joy to your life.
Our care for substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders blends proven clinical therapies with holistic strategies that nurture your mind, body, and spirit. These approaches gently inform the brain’s reward system and build a strong foundation for a balanced, fulfilling future.
Some substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders therapy options we provide for long-term healing include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which can often become complex and interconnected during intense SUD.
This therapy teaches skills for coping with difficult situations, reducing stress, and preventing the chance of a return to substance use. Over time, CBT also helps you develop new routines and responses that foster emotional stability and resilience.
CBT has proven to be an effective therapy for various mental health disorders. For anxiety disorders, studies show an average response rate of 49.5% immediately after treatment and 53.6% at follow-up assessments.3

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT combines mindfulness techniques with practical skills to manage intense emotions that are often associated with substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders. It is especially effective for individuals who have experienced trauma or face challenges like mood swings or emotional overwhelm.
It helps you stay grounded in the present moment and teaches you ways to handle conflict calmly. It also supports building stronger, healthier relationships by improving communication and emotional regulation skills.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a powerful therapy for healing past trauma. Through guided eye movements, the brain processes painful memories without needing to relive the trauma fully.

This therapy reduces the emotional charge connected to distressing experiences, making it easier to move forward with greater peace and emotional balance.4

Holistic Options for Calming the Mind and Body

Alongside clinical therapies for substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders, holistic practices promote relaxation and emotional balance. These therapies nurture your overall well-being and help you reconnect with your body and spirit.
Some holistic therapies for substance use disorder and co-occurring disorder treatment include:5
  • Yoga and meditation encourage mindful breathing and gentle movement, helping reduce anxiety and physical tension. 
  • Cold plunge and infrared sauna sessions soothe the nervous system and improve mental clarity.
  • Massage and fitness sessions enhance body awareness and support emotional release.
  • Creative therapies like art and music allow for healing through self-expression.
These practices offer natural ways to find joy, reduce stress, and deepen your connection with yourself after struggling with substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders.

Life Tools That Empower

Recovery is about learning skills that help you thrive day to day. That’s why our team guides you through practical training in areas like cooking healthy meals, budgeting finances, and job readiness.
We also offer educational support and vocational training in substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders treatment to help you rebuild your life with confidence.
By developing these skills, you gain independence and feel more prepared to face the challenges life may bring. These tools empower you to create a future that feels stable and hopeful.

Full-Spectrum Support Every Step of the Way

Every step of your recovery journey happens on one caring campus. From medical detox to inpatient treatment, outpatient programs, sober living, and aftercare, our care team remains consistent and dedicated.

This seamless support for substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders reduces stress and creates trust, allowing you to focus on healing without worrying about gaps or disruptions in your care.
substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders

Start the Path to Healing With New Life Recovery

We understand that true healing is about much more than simply stopping substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders symptoms.
It’s about rediscovering a deep sense of balance, feeling calm and grounded in your body, clear and focused in your mind, and connected and supported in your relationships.
We embrace the idea of becoming your own dopamine dealer, helping you find joy, satisfaction, and motivation naturally without relying on substances.

Our Team Is Here For You

Our dedicated team walks with you through every step of your substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders journey, offering compassionate guidance and a caring environment where you can safely rebuild your life.

We focus on nurturing your inner strength and resilience so that the progress you make lasts well beyond your time with us. By fostering trust in yourself, you can heal old wounds, form healthier relationships, and create a renewed sense of meaning and purpose in your life.

Create a Healthier Tomorrow

Change is easier when you don’t feel alone in it. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders symptoms, get in touch with our team in Frenso, CA today.

We’ll be with you every step of the way during your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some questions our team is commonly asked about substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders:
What is dual diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition. Treating just one without addressing the other often leads to relapse or incomplete recovery.
Without integrated care, untreated mental health symptoms can trigger substance use, while ongoing substance use can worsen mental health – leading to a cycle that increases the risk of returning to substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders.
We offer evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and EMDR, combined with holistic practices like yoga, meditation, and creative arts, all tailored to treat both mental health and substance use issues together.
Yes, New Life Recovery provides inpatient and outpatient care for dual diagnosis in Fresno. Our team offers full-spectrum, holistic support to help you heal both physically and emotionally.
Our Fresno campus provides ongoing support including outpatient services, sober living options, life skills training, and aftercare planning – all designed to help you maintain recovery in your everyday life.

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