Co-occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis) Treatments in Los Angeles

A co-occurring disorder, also known as a dual diagnosis, occurs when a person experiences a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time. Co-occurring disorders are common among people seeking addiction treatment, and they require a specialized, integrated approach. At Highwater Detox, we understand how closely mental health and addiction are connected, and we provide care for both at our private facility near Los Angeles, California.

What Causes Co-occurring Disorders?

The link between mental health and substance use can work in both directions. Some people turn to drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of a mental health disorder, such as persistent sadness, worry, or difficulty sleeping. This is sometimes called self-medication. While substances may seem to help in the short term, they usually make symptoms worse over time. In other cases, long-term substance use changes brain chemistry and contributes to the development of mental health problems.

Signs of a Co-occurring Disorder

Because the two conditions overlap, co-occurring disorders can be difficult to recognize. Signs may include using substances to cope with emotions, mood changes that continue even when not using, withdrawing from friends and family, difficulty managing daily responsibilities, and repeated relapse after attempts to quit. People with co-occurring disorders may also find that previous addiction treatment did not last, often because the mental health side of their struggle was never addressed.

Why Both Conditions Must Be Treated Together

Treating only one condition rarely leads to lasting recovery. When addiction is treated but mental health symptoms remain, those symptoms can lead a person back to substance use. When mental health is treated but addiction continues, substance use interferes with progress. Integrated treatment, where both conditions are addressed together by one coordinated team, is widely considered the most effective approach for co-occurring disorders.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Highwater Detox

At Highwater Detox, dual diagnosis care begins with a comprehensive assessment of each patient’s substance use, mental health history, and current symptoms. Our medical and clinical staff use this information to create an individualized treatment plan. During medically supervised detox, which typically lasts 5 to 11 days, our team closely monitors both withdrawal and mental health symptoms, since withdrawal can intensify emotional distress. When clinically appropriate, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is part of the plan.

Residential Rehab for Co-occurring Disorders

After detox, patients continue into residential rehab, available in 7, 30, 60, or 90-day programs. Residential treatment gives patients the time and stability needed to understand how their mental health and substance use affect each other. Because mental health and addiction recovery both take time, many patients with co-occurring disorders benefit from longer stays.

Therapies for Dual Diagnosis

Therapy is central to treating co-occurring disorders. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps patients recognize and change negative thought patterns that affect both mood and substance use. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches skills for managing intense emotions and distress. Individual therapy, group therapy, and addiction counseling help patients build coping strategies and a relapse prevention plan that accounts for both conditions.

A Supportive Environment for Healing

Our holistic approach supports mental and physical wellbeing through yoga, massage therapy, fitness, nutritious gourmet meals, and outdoor activities. A calm, private environment and 24/7 access to clinical staff help patients feel safe and supported throughout treatment.

Get Help for Co-occurring Disorders Today

Highwater Detox offers 24/7 same-day admissions and accepts most major private insurance plans, including PPO, POS, and Open Access plans. Self-pay options are available, and we do not accept Medi-Cal or Medicaid. If you or a loved one is struggling with both addiction and mental health, contact our admissions team today for a free, confidential consultation.

If you need FREE help or have Medical or Medicaid insurance please contact the National Helpline about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, treatment, and recovery in English and Spanish.