Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnoses, occur when someone experiences both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time. For many adults, this does not begin with addiction or a clear diagnosis. It often starts with feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure of direction.
Some people use substances to cope with anxiety, low mood, anger, or a growing sense of hopelessness. Others feel lost, unmotivated, or overwhelmed and turn outward to distraction or escape. Over time, these patterns can intensify emotional symptoms and make daily life, relationships, and responsibilities harder to manage without support.
According to SAMHSA, about 20.4 million American adults were reported to have both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in the past year. Among those with serious mental illness, nearly half also live with a substance use disorder. These numbers highlight how common and complex this experience is, and why integrated, compassionate care matters.
Recognizing co-occurring disorders can be difficult, especially in young adults, because symptoms often overlap or appear as changes in motivation, behavior, or direction rather than obvious crises. Common signs may include:
If you or a loved one is experiencing several of these symptoms, seeking professional help is an important step. With the right care, recovery and stability are possible.
Co-occurring disorders are more complex than treating mental health or substance use concerns alone. When left unaddressed, they can quietly reinforce one another, increasing the risk of relapse, emotional withdrawal, and a growing sense of stagnation or failure.
For many people, this looks less like crisis and more like a slow loss of momentum, direction, and confidence. With the right integrated care, however, people can regain stability, reconnect with purpose, and begin moving forward again.
Early, compassionate intervention reduces risk, supports long-term recovery, and helps individuals restore meaningful connections with themselves, their families, and their futures.
At Emerald Wellness, we recognize that effective treatment must address both conditions together, not in isolation. Our approach combines evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), with holistic practices including art, music, yoga, and mindfulness.
We use a trauma-informed, person-centered philosophy to ensure each treatment plan reflects the unique needs, strengths, and goals of every client. By integrating clinical care with supportive therapies, we help individuals build resilience, develop relapse-prevention strategies, and create a foundation for lasting recovery.
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A SUD is a medical condition that occurs when the repeated use of alcohol or drugs leads to significant impairment in daily life. This may include health problems, difficulties at work or school, or challenges in relationships. SUDs can range from mild to severe, and effective treatment can help individuals regain stability and control.
The most common mental health conditions that co-occur with substance use include depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD and C-PTSD, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. These conditions often interact with substance use, making symptoms more severe. That’s why integrated treatment is so important.
Among adults 18 and older, the most common substance use disorders include alcohol use disorder, cannabis use disorder, opioid use disorder, and stimulant use disorders. These often co-occur with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, making integrated treatment essential.
The length of treatment varies from person to person. Some clients benefit from several weeks of structured programming, while others may need longer-term support. Our team works with each individual to determine a timeline that best supports lasting recovery.
When only one condition is addressed, symptoms from the other often resurface or worsen. That’s why integrated treatment, focusing on both mental health and substance use at the same time, offers the most effective path to long-term stability.
Living with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Emerald Wellness, we provide integrated, compassionate care designed to support your whole journey. Our team is here to help you find balance, healing, and lasting wellness.
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Our dedication lies not just in treating symptoms but in addressing the root causes, offering a holistic approach that integrates the best of therapeutic practices with the warmth of community support.
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