Mental health and substance abuse are interconnected. A substantial number of individuals who are addicted to substances also have a mental health condition. There are those who turn to drugs or alcohol because they are emotionally or mentally hurting and see those substances as a salve for their pain. But for many individuals, substance use is what sets the mental illness in motion or exacerbates an already existing condition.
This overlap is called a co-occurring disorder, and it’s more common than most people realize. That’s why dual diagnosis treatment is essential: it treats both conditions at the same time.
At BetterChoice Treatment Center, we help people address both their mental health and their addiction. Treating one without the other is rarely enough.
Why Mental Health and Substance Abuse Are So Closely Linked
Mental health and addiction affect the same parts of the brain: mood, impulse control, and reward systems. Someone with depression might drink to numb sadness. Someone with anxiety might use pills to feel calm. This is called self-medicating.
Over time, substances exacerbate the original symptoms. A person who drinks to escape depression may find that their mood crashes even harder the next day. This cycle makes recovery harder if both problems aren’t treated together.
According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 35% of U.S. adults aged 18 and over who have a mental disorder also have a substance use disorder.”
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Dual diagnosis treatment is when someone receives care for both mental illness and addiction at the same time. This type of program is different from standard rehab or therapy. It requires a team of professionals trained in both mental health and substance use disorders.
At BetterChoice, we use an integrated approach. Our team works together to understand the full picture. That means:
- Medical staff manage withdrawal and medications
- Therapists treat trauma, depression, anxiety, or other conditions
- Counselors help develop coping skills and relapse prevention plans
When someone receives addiction and mental health treatment in the same setting, they have a better chance at long-term success.
Common Mental Health Conditions That Co-Occur with Addiction
Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses linked with addiction. People may use drugs or alcohol to lift their mood or escape emptiness. But substance use often deepens the depression and makes it harder to function over time.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can show up in different ways: panic attacks, social fear, and constant worry. Many people drink or use drugs to relax. But over time, substance use increases anxiety, leading to a harmful loop.
PTSD and Trauma-Related Disorders
Trauma, especially childhood abuse or violence, raises the risk of both addiction and mental illness. Flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional triggers can be hard to manage. Many people try to numb this pain with substances.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder involves episodes of both depression and mania. During manic phases, people may act impulsively, including using drugs or alcohol. During depression, they may turn to substances to feel better. Treating bipolar disorder properly is key to stopping this cycle.
Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
Some people with schizophrenia use substances to try to quiet their thoughts or ease paranoia. But drugs often worsen hallucinations or make it harder to stay stable. These cases require careful medical support and structured therapy.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat Both Issues?
Ignoring either mental health or substance use can make both problems worse. Without dual diagnosis treatment, many people fall into a cycle that’s hard to break.
For example, if you only treat the addiction and not the mental illness, the emotional pain or trauma may remain. That increases the risk of relapse. On the other hand, treating only the mental illness while ignoring substance use means the medications and therapy may not work effectively.
People who don’t get proper care for co-occurring disorders may experience:
- More frequent relapses
- Worsening depression or anxiety
- Poor response to medication
- Increased hospital visits or legal problems
- Long-term damage to relationships, work, and health
Even if symptoms seem manageable at first, untreated mental illness and addiction often get worse over time. What starts as weekend drinking or mild anxiety can turn into a full-blown crisis if left unchecked.
The good news is: this outcome isn’t inevitable. With the right care, people can recover, stabilize, and rebuild. That’s why it’s important to take action early and make sure you’re getting treatment for the whole picture, not just part of it.
Warning Signs of Co-Occurring Disorders
Recognizing the signs of a co-occurring disorder can help someone get the right care faster. Some signs include:
- Mood swings that don’t go away
- Using substances to feel “normal”
- Isolation from friends and family
- Poor sleep or eating patterns
- Memory issues or trouble focusing
- History of trauma, anxiety, or depression
If you or someone you love shows signs of both mental illness and addiction, it’s time to reach out for help.
How BetterChoice Treatment Center Can Help
At BetterChoice Treatment Center, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment. Our team understands how addiction and mental illness affect each other, and how to treat both at the same time.
We create a treatment plan that fits the person, not just the diagnosis. This includes:
- 24/7 medical support during detox
- One-on-one therapy with licensed clinicians
- Group counseling with others facing similar challenges
- Medication management when needed
- Family therapy and education
- Trauma-focused care when appropriate
We also provide private rooms, gourmet meals, and wellness activities to support healing in every way. Our goal is not just recovery, but real, lasting change.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Mental health and substance abuse don’t have to control your life. With the right care, you can recover from both.
If you’re ready to take that first step, BetterChoice Treatment Center is here for you. Verify your insurance or call us at (725) 299-4777 to speak with our team.
Recovery starts when both parts of the problem are treated: your mental health and your addiction. And we’re ready to help you do just that.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Can addiction cause mental illness?
Yes. Prolonged use of addictive substances can alter the very chemistry of the brain and is known to trigger depression, anxiety, and even psychosis in vulnerable individuals. Our understanding of how addiction can initiate a mental health condition has advanced considerably in the past decade.
How is dual diagnosis different from regular rehab?
Dual diagnosis treatment focuses on both addiction and mental illness together. Standard rehab may only address substance use. Treating both at the same time improves recovery outcomes.
Do you have to take medication during dual diagnosis treatment?
It isn’t required for everyone. Some people might be advised to take meds to help maintain their stability or rein in certain symptoms, but it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all approach. At BetterChoice, we craft treatment plans that are as unique as the individuals we serve.
What’s the first step if I think I have a co-occurring disorder?
Start by talking to a professional who understands both addiction and mental health. A proper assessment is key. From there, a treatment team can create a plan that addresses both conditions safely.
Is family involved in the treatment process?
Yes. Family support can be important to recovery. At BetterChoice, we involve loved ones through education, therapy, and communication strategies—when appropriate and with the client’s consent.