Many people battling substance use disorder (SUD) also experience mental health conditions at the same time, and vice versa.1 This common overlap, known as a co-occurring disorder, affects people from all walks of life.2 While the onset of co-occurring disorders can vary, it’s essential to treat both conditions in tandem for the most effective outcomes.1
Managing addiction and mental health disorders can be challenging without professional support. Thankfully, co-occurring disorder treatment is available at Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta. Our dedicated team provides an integrated approach to support your healing and help you move forward in your journey. Keep reading to learn more about treatment for co-occurring disorders and how to start your path to recovery at our rehab facility in Atlanta, Georgia.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis?
When someone has a dual diagnosis, it means they have both a mental health condition and SUD.1 Also known as a co-occurring disorder, these conditions are very common.1 According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 21.2 million adults reported having a dual diagnosis.2
Co-occurring disorders can develop differently, with substance use possibly contributing to or worsening mental health conditions, while mental health symptoms may also lead to substance use. For example, people who struggle with mental health illnesses may self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms. You may experience short-term relief, but underlying mental health conditions can also worsen due to substance use.3
Those with SUDs may also develop mental illnesses. Using drugs or alcohol before the first signs of a mental condition can contribute to changes in your brain’s structure and function and may increase the risk of developing mental illnesses.3
Common Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
It’s very common to experience mental health conditions and addiction at the same time.1 Everyone is different, but there are prevalent conditions that often co-occur with substance use. Here are some widely seen co-occurring mental health disorders:
What Causes Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders?
Although there is no single known cause, many risk factors can contribute to your likelihood of developing an SUD or mental health conditions. Both conditions share risk factors and often involve issues with similar brain areas.3
Having a mental illness increases the risk of developing an SUD.2 Likewise, addiction increases your vulnerability to developing mental conditions, as well as other chronic diseases.2,3 The following are widely recognized risk factors for mental health conditions and addiction3:
- Genetic vulnerabilities
- Gene expression changes
- Adverse social environments
- Trauma
- Stress
- Adverse childhood experiences
- Brain region involvement
Signs and Symptoms of a Co-Occurring Disorder
The exact symptoms of a co-occurring disorder generally vary depending on the mental health condition you have.4 Many times, people with a dual diagnosis show more persistent, severe, and resistant symptoms compared to those who have just one disorder.3
It can be difficult to distinguish whether symptoms are related to substance abuse or mental illness. Someone with a co-occurring disorder may include overlapping signs and symptoms, such as4:
- Manic- and hypomanic-like symptoms
- Agitation
- Decrease in appetite
- Diminished sleep
- Grandiose thoughts
- Paranoid thinking patterns
- Anhedonia (emotional numbness)
- Depressed mood
- Abnormal sleep patterns
How Is Dual Diagnosis Treated?
Addiction experts recommend providing integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders.1 This means incorporating various treatment approaches, including behavioral therapies and medications, to address both conditions simultaneously.1 Treatment may also involve collaboration with organizations to connect you to supportive services, such as vocational, housing, and legal assistance.3
Recovery looks different for everyone, but patients with a dual diagnosis often have lower treatment retention rates and demonstrate poorer outcomes than those without mental illness.3 With an integrated approach, you can access well-rounded care tailored to your unique needs, recovery goals, and the conditions you’re experiencing.
Therapy for Co-Occurring Disorders
Therapy is fundamental in co-occurring disorder treatment programs.3 These sessions can help you boost interpersonal and coping skills while supporting motivation and functional recovery.3 You may participate in several behavioral therapies in individual, group, and family settings, depending on your needs.5
Within each setting, you can focus on different aspects of healing. For example, family therapy provides a space to improve family interactions, which may contribute to problem behaviors.3 In individual therapy, you’ll work one-on-one with your therapist to build coping skills and facilitate better interpersonal relationships.5 Group therapy can reinforce and help enforce behavioral plans that promote abstinence.5
A dual diagnosis treatment center or co-occurring disorder treatment center may offer the following therapies:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Designed to change harmful beliefs and maladaptive behaviors.3
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Focuses on helping patients engage in healthy, positive behaviors.3
- Holistic therapy: Allows for self-expression through creative or whole-person activities, such as art therapy, dance, and spirituality.6
Medication Management for Co-Occurring Disorders
Medication management may include medications used to help manage the symptoms of mental health disorders. Psychoactive medications, such as antidepressants, antianxiety agents, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotic medications, can help effectively treating co-occurring mental disorders.5
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may also be an option if you struggle with co-occurring alcohol or opioid addiction. This approach helps you manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings while reducing the chances of relapse.5 Whether using medication for addiction or mental health treatment, it can help you cope with your symptoms and focus solely on recovery.5
Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
If you’re struggling with a co-occurring disorder, dual diagnosis treatment provides many benefits. Seeking dual diagnosis care can open the doors to ongoing support and guidance to improve your mental health and overall situation. Here are some key benefits of co-occurring disorder rehab or dual diagnosis rehab3:
- Having a better understanding of your conditions
- Improving your mental health and overall well-being
- Providing personalized care that addresses both conditions in tandem
- Developing interpersonal and coping skills for lasting recovery
Dealing with dual diagnosis alone is challenging. Seeking help from a professional dual diagnosis addiction treatment center can offer the support you need to reach your recovery goals. Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta provides effective, individualized treatment tailored to your unique needs.
Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders in Atlanta, GA
If you’re ready to start co-occurring disorder treatment in Georgia, help is available at Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta. Our facility provides an integrated approach to treating dual diagnosis through our different rehab programs. We offer multiple tracks, including partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and standard outpatient care. You can access a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes your needs and recovery goals.
We accept most insurance plans and provide other payment options. Our rehab admissions team is here to answer any questions you have about attending our addiction treatment center in Atlanta. Whether you’re considering using insurance for rehab or other ways to cover the cost of rehab, we can help. Contact us to verify your insurance benefits and get started on recovery.
References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Co-Occurring Disorders and Health Conditions. Retrieved on March 11, 2026, from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/co-occurring-disorders-health-conditions#topic-7
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2025). Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions. Retrieved on March 11, 2026, from https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/co-occurring-disorders
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders. Retrieved on March 11, 2026, from https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/1155-common-comorbidities-with-substance-use-disorders.pdf
- Iqbal, M., Levin, C., & Levin, F. (2019). Treatment for Substance Use Disorder With Co-Occurring Mental Illness. Retrieved on March 11, 2026, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6526999/
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). Retrieved on March 11, 2026, from https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/podat-3rdEd-508.pdf
- Breslin, K., Reed, M., & Malone, S. (2003). An holistic approach to substance abuse treatment. Retrieved on March 14, 2026, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12924747/
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