Mental health and substance use disorders often go hand in hand. When someone experiences both at the same time, it’s known as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. This combination can make recovery more complex—but with the right integrated approach, long-term healing is possible.
At Axiom Care, we understand how closely linked mental health and addiction can be. Our programs are designed to treat both conditions together, not in isolation, because that’s what leads to the best outcomes. Effective recovery focuses on more than just treating symptoms—it supports the whole person, including physical health and unmet social needs like access to housing, food, or transportation.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders, also called dual diagnosis, refer to the presence of both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. These conditions interact with each other and must be treated simultaneously.
Some common examples include:
- Depression and alcohol use disorder
- PTSD and opioid addiction
- Anxiety and stimulant use
- Bipolar disorder and cannabis dependence
Mental health and addiction are two distinct conditions, but they are deeply connected. One can intensify the other, and symptoms often overlap, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging without specialized support.
What Causes Co-Occurring Disorders?
There’s no single cause of co-occurring disorders. Instead, a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors can play a role. These may include:
- Genetics: A family history of mental illness or substance use disorder can increase risk.
- Trauma or chronic stress: Past trauma, especially when untreated, can contribute to both mental health struggles and substance misuse.
- Neurochemical imbalances: Brain chemistry can impact mood regulation and the brain’s reward system.
- Self-medication: Many people begin using drugs or alcohol to cope with undiagnosed mental health symptoms, which can lead to dependency.
While substance use doesn’t directly cause mental illness (and vice versa), there is a clear link. Using alcohol or drugs can worsen mental health symptoms or make a mental health disorder more likely to develop over time.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders
Because symptoms of mental illness and substance use often overlap, it can be hard to recognize that both are present. Someone may seek help for one condition without realizing they’re also struggling with the other.
Signs of Mental Health Issues
Mental health disorders can present in many different ways. These symptoms may be constant or come and go in cycles, depending on the condition. They can interfere with a person’s relationships, work, sleep, and overall quality of life.
- Persistent sadness or mood swings: May point to depression, bipolar disorder, or other mood disorders.
- Anxiety, panic attacks, or racing thoughts: Common in anxiety disorders or PTSD.
- Paranoia, disorganized thinking, or delusions: These are more severe symptoms often associated with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.
- Sleep issues, trouble concentrating, or emotional withdrawal: These symptoms may be early warning signs of many mental health concerns and should be addressed early.
These symptoms can relate to conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, or ADHD.
Signs of Substance Use Disorder
A substance use disorder involves ongoing, harmful use of alcohol or drugs, despite negative consequences. It’s not just about how often someone uses, but how it impacts their life.
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope with stress or emotional pain: This is often a red flag that someone is relying on substances for emotional regulation.
- Building tolerance or experiencing withdrawal symptoms: These are physical signs that the body has become dependent on the substance.
- Hiding substance use or feeling out of control: People may lie about how much they use or feel unable to stop even when they want to.
- Facing legal, financial, or relationship problems related to use: These consequences can be signs that the substance use is having a serious impact on daily functioning.
Signs That Point to Dual Diagnosis
Recognizing a dual diagnosis can be challenging, especially because the symptoms of mental illness and substance use often overlap. However, certain signs suggest both conditions are present and influencing each other.
- Mental health symptoms that persist even when sober: If depression, anxiety, or mood instability continue after substance use stops, this may indicate an underlying mental health condition.
- Worsening mood or behavior during or after substance use: Substances can temporarily numb emotional pain, but often cause mental health symptoms to worsen.
- Trouble completing addiction treatment due to mental health symptoms: People with untreated mental illness may struggle to stay engaged or make progress in recovery.
- Frequent relapses linked to unmanaged psychological triggers: Emotional triggers like stress, grief, or trauma can lead to relapse if mental health isn’t addressed alongside addiction.
Why Integrated Treatment Is Essential
Treating mental illness and addiction separately often leads to incomplete care. Integrated treatment means both conditions are addressed at the same time, by the same team, in a coordinated plan.
Benefits of integrated care include:
- Better treatment retention and engagement
- Lower relapse rates
- Improved emotional stability
- Increased overall functioning and quality of life
The goal is to help the individual understand how both conditions affect each other and to provide the tools needed to manage both for lasting recovery.
Treatment Options for Co-Occurring Disorders
At Axiom Care, we believe that recovery is possible no matter what challenges someone may be facing. Our treatment plans are personalized to address each individual’s unique combination of mental health and substance use concerns.
A. Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Our licensed professionals conduct a thorough evaluation to understand what’s really going on and how best to support recovery.
B. Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs
We offer:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-informed care to address root causes
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate
- Peer support groups and structured community recovery programs
C. Personalized Treatment Plans
Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. We tailor each plan based on the person’s mental health condition, substance use history, coping style, and goals. We also support skill-building, daily routines, and life stabilization.
As part of a comprehensive approach, many individuals also benefit from a structured relapse prevention plan. This helps identify triggers, build coping strategies, and reinforce long-term recovery goals.
Challenges and Barriers to Recovery
Recovery from a dual diagnosis comes with specific hurdles, including:
- Stigma around mental health and substance use
- Limited access to integrated care or support for health-related social needs (like housing, food, or transportation)
- Denial or impaired insight due to mental health symptoms
- Treatment fatigue from previous unsuccessful attempts
Recognizing these barriers helps providers—and loved ones—offer the support needed to overcome them.
Recovery Outlook and Support Systems
While dual diagnosis can make recovery more complex, it’s absolutely possible with the right support. Success often means more than just stopping substance use. It includes:
- Improved mental health and emotional regulation
- Better physical health and sleep patterns
- Rebuilding relationships and responsibilities
- Creating a sense of purpose and stability
Recovery is a journey, not a one-time event. With consistency, structure, and compassion, people with co-occurring disorders can and do live fulfilling lives.
At Axiom Care, we also understand the connection between physical health, social conditions, and recovery outcomes. That’s why we align with the AHCCCS Whole Person Care Initiative and address health-related social needs (HRSNs) through screenings and referrals. We use CommunityCares, Arizona’s closed-loop referral system, to connect individuals with services like housing, food, transportation, and more. Studies show that up to 80% of health outcomes are shaped by these non-medical factors.
How Axiom Care Supports Co-Occurring Disorders
Axiom Care specializes in treating co-occurring disorders through fully integrated services. Our programs include:
- Detox and medical stabilization
- Residential treatment with dual diagnosis support
- Outpatient therapy and peer-based recovery
- Case management and connections to long-term community resources
We use a team-based approach with licensed clinicians, counselors, and support staff who understand the unique needs of individuals with dual diagnosis. We also support whole-person wellness through primary care services and referrals made via CommunityCares (Unite Us), a tool that allows our team to identify and address barriers like housing, transportation, and food insecurity—key components of lasting recovery.
Your Path to Healing Starts with the Right Support
Co-occurring disorders require care that treats the whole person—not just one part of the problem. With integrated treatment and a compassionate team, long-term recovery is within reach.
If you or someone you love is living with a dual diagnosis, contact Axiom Care today. We accept AHCCCS and other insurance plans to make treatment more accessible. You’re not alone. When you’re ready, help is here.