Addiction and Mental Health:
Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders in Recovery

Understand the connection between addiction and mental health and how we can help you find sustainable recovery and healing.

Treating Addiction and Mental Health at Continuum

Addiction and mental health are closely connected. When one issue is present, others are often involved too.

This is why, at Continuum Outpatient Center, our compassionate, multidisciplinary team offers comprehensive services to address psychological and physical aspects of recovery. Our flexible, whole-person treatment approach makes professional long-term care accessible, and patients may continue maintaining their daily lives.

Key features of Continuum Outpatient Center include:
  • Flexible scheduling with in-person and telehealth options
  • Evidence-based treatments from experienced, compassionate professionals
  • A well-rounded approach with therapy, mental health classes, individual counseling, and group activities
  • A partial hospitalization program for those needing more focused, intensive care

Our San Antonio team is dedicated to supporting patients on their journey to recovery by providing flexible and effective treatment options.

addiction and mental health

Addiction and Mental Health Struggles Co-Occur

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), around 60% of young people with substance use disorders (SUD) also deal with mental health problems.1

Some common diagnoses that co-occur with addiction include:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Bipolar disorder

Comprehensive Treatment for Addiction and Mental Health Disorders

Continuum Outpatient Center’s expert staff employ a holistic approach to treat co-occurring issues. By treating both addiction and mental health disorders together, long-term recovery is possible.
At Continuum Outpatient Center, our comprehensive treatments focus on:
  • Co-occurrence: Addiction and mental health problems often happen together and exacerbate each other
  • Holistic healing: Addressing addiction and mental health issues simultaneously improves chances of long-term recovery
  • Skill development: Expert staff help patients learn practical skills they can use in daily life that support their recovery
Continuum Outpatient Center provides a safe and supportive environment, helping people form new, healthy, and sustainable habits. It allows individuals to make progress in all areas of their lives, building a strong foundation for lasting recovery.

The Link Between Addiction and Mental Health

When someone simultaneously presents a substance use disorder and a separate mental health disorder, both conditions must be treated at the same time. If only one problem is treated, recovery might not last, and an individual is more likely to relapse.

Definition of Co-occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders, also called dual diagnosis, happen when a person has both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition at the same time. These disorders often make each condition’s symptoms worse, too.
Dual diagnosis can include combinations like addiction to alcohol, opioids, or stimulants, along with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia.

Around 8.1 million adults in the United States have co-occurring disorders. In other words, over 40% of people with substance use disorders also face mental health challenges, which is why simultaneous treatment is paramount.2

How Addiction and Mental Health Issues Develop Together

Addiction and mental health problems often develop side by side. To manage mental health symptoms, some turn to drugs or alcohol. For example, someone with anxiety might drink alcohol to relax; a person with depression could misuse stimulants to feel more energized.
Some factors that contribute to simultaneous development of addiction and mental health issues include:
  • Genetics
  • Environment
  • Changes in brain chemistry

Substance Addiction Changes the Brain

However, long-term substance abuse changes the brain, worsening existing mental health problems or creating new ones. Substance use disorder and mental health problems often feed off each other, making both harder to treat.

The Impacts of Effective and Simultaneous Treatments

Research shows that treating addiction alone, without addressing mental health issues, leads to higher relapse rates. In the same way, focusing only on mental health while ignoring substance use disorders often results in poor outcomes.3
Holistic treatment plans and long-term care provides patients with the support needed for long-term recovery.

The Challenges of Treating Addiction and Mental Health Together

There is a pervasive stigma around addiction and mental health, which creates major challenges for treatment. People often avoid getting help because they fear judgment; many feel ashamed to admit their struggles with substances or mental health.

Stigma Surrounding Addiction and Mental Health Conditions

Unfortunately, stigma often stops people from ever starting treatment, leading to worse symptoms. Overcoming stigma remains a key challenge in addressing addiction and mental health together effectively.
Stigma affects treatment in several ways, such as:
  • Preventing people from seeking help 
  • Encouraging individuals to hide their struggles
  • Causing shame and isolation
  • Discouraging completing full treatment
  • Leading to poor recovery outcomes

Sources of Stigma

With a long history of stigma around mental health, SUD, and their treatments, negative attitudes today come from various places:
  • Society’s views on addiction and mental illness
  • Media portrayals of substance use
  • Lack of understanding about these conditions
  • Self-judgment by those affected

Complexities of Managing Dual Diagnosis in Outpatient Settings

Managing dual diagnosis in outpatient settings presents unique challenges due to the need for patients to balance treatment with daily life responsibilities.

Without constant supervision, individuals must navigate their mental health and addiction issues while maintaining personal and professional commitments. This requires a high level of self-discipline and engagement from patients.

Challenges

Some common challenges of managing dual diagnosis in outpatient settings include:
  • Balancing treatment with everyday responsibilities
  • Lack of round-the-clock supervision
  • Need for strong self-discipline and commitment

Barriers to Accessing Treatment

Several obstacles can impede access to comprehensive dual diagnosis care, including affordability, location limitations, and misconceptions about mental health treatment and recovery.
These include:
  • Affordability: Many individuals lack the financial resources for both therapy and medication-assisted treatment.
  • Geographic Limitations: Access to specialized dual diagnosis programs may be limited in certain areas.
  • Misconceptions: For example, uninformed beliefs such as one can simply “snap out of” addiction or mental health issues prevent people from seeking professional help.
The Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) study surveyed over 20,000 people across five U.S. states to gather data on psychiatric disorders. It found 13.5% experienced an alcohol use disorder, 6.1% faced other drug use disorders, and 22.5% dealt with non-substance-related psychiatric disorders.4
To overcome these barriers, treatment centers like Continuum Outpatient Center aim to provide affordable, accessible options tailored to each patient’s unique needs, fostering a compassionate environment for recovery from both addiction and mental health challenges.

Evidence-Based Approaches to Co-Occurring Disorders

Evidence-based approaches teach skills that help manage addiction and mental health issues.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Addiction and Mental Health

CBT helps people with co-occurring disorders identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
This approach empowers patients to:
  • Recognize triggers
  • Develop healthier coping mechanisms
  • Reframe harmful beliefs that contribute to substance use or emotional distress

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Emotional Regulation

DBT, a modified version of CBT, works particularly well for individuals who struggle with:
  • Emotional regulation
  • Impulsivity
  • High-risk behaviors
DBT teaches patients valuable skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation. Notably, DBT’s focus on relapse prevention provides individuals with tools to navigate emotional triggers without turning to substance use.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Managing Dual Diagnosis

MAT combines behavioral therapies with medications to treat substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. It’s especially beneficial for people struggling with opioid or alcohol dependence.
Medications like buprenorphine or naltrexone can:
  • Manage withdrawal symptoms
  • Reduce cravings
This comprehensive approach addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction and mental health disorders.

Holistic Approaches to Healing Addiction and Mental Health

Holistic therapies include practices such as mindfulness, yoga, and meditation. These play critical roles in the addiction and mental health recovery journey. They promote emotional balance and stress reduction, which is vital for long-term recovery.
To name a few benefits, these practices help individuals:
  • Cultivate self-awareness
  • Manage cravings
  • Reduce anxiety
Together, holistic approaches to healing addiction and mental health foster a deeper, healing connection between the mind and body for lasting healing.

Lifestyle Changes as Part of the Recovery Process

Nutrition and exercise are absolutely vital to recovery; they help restore physical health while simultaneously supporting mental clarity and emotional stability. A well-rounded lifestyle, including healthy eating habits and regular physical activity, has many benefits.
Incorporating healthy lifestyle changes:
  • Enhances mood
  • Reduces fatigue
  • Improves overall well-being 
Effective recovery addresses not just the physical and emotional aspects, but it also reaches the spiritual dimension of healing. Put simply, the most impactful treatments are those that treat the whole person rather than a host of symptoms.

The Role of Outpatient Care in Treating Addiction and Mental Health

Outpatient care offers a flexible and accessible approach to treating addiction and mental health issues simultaneously.
With flexible scheduling, outpatient programs allow patients to balance treatment with work and family commitments while receiving continuous support. These programs are often more cost-effective and accessible than inpatient options, making them the preferred choice for many.

Wellness and Recovery at Continuum Outpatient Center

At Continuum Outpatient Center, we combine evidence-based therapies, medication management, and holistic approaches to provide comprehensive care that addresses both addiction and mental health needs, promoting overall wellness and recovery.
Personalized treatment plans are crucial in tackling the unique challenges of dual diagnosis patients, ensuring both addiction and mental health issues are addressed effectively and simultaneously for the best possible outcomes.

Building a Supportive Environment in Outpatient Treatment

Creating a supportive environment is essential for the success of outpatient treatment programs. This environment fosters healing, encourages peer support, and promotes long-term recovery.

Some benefits of a supportive community during recovery include:
  • Group therapy sessions provide a platform for shared experiences and mutual support among patients with co-occurring disorders
  • Peer support helps reduce feelings of isolation and promotes a sense of community in the recovery process
  • Family therapy sessions help address underlying family dynamics that may contribute to addiction and mental health issues
  • Ongoing community support plays a crucial role in preventing relapse and promoting sustained recovery
Ultimately, building connections within the recovery community helps patients maintain their progress after completing the program.

Relapse Prevention for Addiction and Mental Health Recovery

Long-term recovery from addiction and mental health issues involves a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond initial treatment.
Below are key steps that support lasting recovery:

#1: Developing Coping Strategies

Some coping strategies include:
  • Identify Triggers: Recognizing situations, emotions, or environments that may lead to relapse.
  • Practice Mindfulness: Staying present and aware of thoughts and feelings to manage stress effectively.
  • Engage in Physical Activity: Regular exercise supports mental well-being and reduces stress.
  • Utilize Support Networks: Building and maintaining relationships with supportive individuals can help reinforce recovery goals.

#2: Ongoing Therapy and Support

Then, it’s important to continue attending group sessions, one-on-one counseling, or family therapy ensures individuals stay connected to their support system.
Therapy helps maintain and strengthen the coping mechanisms learned during initial treatment. Also, routine appointments with mental health professionals can address emerging issues before they lead to relapse.

#3: Sustainable Recovery Plans

At Continuum Outpatient Center, recovery plans are personalized to provide long-term support for individuals with dual diagnoses.
These plans integrate therapy, medication management, and lifestyle changes to help patients sustain their progress and manage both addiction and mental health challenges.
By following these steps, individuals are better prepared to navigate life’s challenges without reverting to old habits.

Addressing Stigma Around Dual Diagnosis

Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to seeking treatment for individuals with both addiction and mental health conditions. Overcoming this stigma requires both societal change and personal empowerment.
Knowing this, Continuum Outpatient Center works to break down these barriers by providing an open, non-judgmental environment where patients feel supported from the moment they seek help.

Continuum’s Supportive Environment

At Continuum Outpatient Center, fostering a supportive environment is paramount to treatment success. Here are a few key ways they promote openness and support:
  • Offering judgment-free care: Patients are encouraged to share their experiences without fear of being judged
  • Inclusive group therapy: Patients connect with peers who understand their struggles, reinforcing a sense of belonging
  • Educational resources: Continuum Outpatient Center provides ongoing education for patients and their families to help reduce stigma and increase understanding of dual diagnosis
By focusing on empathy, support, and education, Continuum Outpatient Center helps patients overcome both internal and external barriers. This empowers them to take charge of their recovery journey without the weight of stigma holding them back.
addiction and mental health

Get the Care You Deserve with Continuum

Understanding the connection between addiction and mental health is a critical factor in successful recovery. Not only do the two greatly affect each other, but they can even exacerbate the other condition or symptoms as well.
Continuum Outpatient Center is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based, and holistic care tailored to each individual’s unique needs. By combining therapies with medication-assisted treatment and holistic practices, we provide the most effective care for dual diagnosis.
Our team will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses all facets of your symptoms, including any and all substance use or mental health disorder struggles.

Get in Touch Today

For more information about starting treatment or to schedule a consultation, contact Continuum Outpatient Center today. Our professionals will ensure you get the care and support you need for recovery.

Our dedicated team is here to support every step of your journey to healing and well-being.
Questions About Treatment?
Reach out to our knowledgeable and compassionate Continuum Outpatient Center team for the guidance and support you need for sustainable recovery. We’re here to help you build a foundation for long-term happiness, wellness, and healing.