How To Treat Co-Occurring Disorders

Living with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time can feel overwhelming. This combination affects millions of people every year, and recovery requires more than addressing just one side of the problem. Understanding how to treat co-occurring disorders involves recognizing the ways these conditions interact and developing a treatment plan that addresses both simultaneously.

At Victory Recovery Partners, we believe in meeting you where you are, without judgment or delay. We bring all the services you need under one roof—behavioral health counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), psychiatric care, and wellness support—so you can start feeling better as quickly and safely as possible. Our goal is simple: no one is left behind, and every patient receives the integrated, evidence-based care they deserve.

Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders—also called dual diagnosis—happen when someone has both a mental health and a substance use disorder. These conditions can appear in many combinations. For example:

  • Depression and alcohol use disorder.
  • Anxiety and opioid addiction.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and stimulant use disorder.
  • Bipolar disorder and benzodiazepine dependence.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), roughly 21.5 million adults in the U.S. live with co-occurring disorders. In many cases, the symptoms of one condition can trigger or worsen the other. Anxiety may lead someone to misuse alcohol to cope, or untreated depression may contribute to opioid use. In turn, substance use can intensify feelings of hopelessness, irritability, or emotional instability.

The overlap of symptoms can make it harder to see the whole picture. Substance use may mask mental health issues, or mental health symptoms may be mistaken for withdrawal effects. That’s why getting the correct diagnosis from an integrated care team is so important. 

Why an Integrated Approach Is Essential

When mental health and substance use disorders happen together, treating just one condition rarely works for long. If depression is left untreated, for example, a person may relapse into alcohol use even after completing a detox program. Likewise, if substance use isn’t addressed, therapy for anxiety or trauma may stall. True recovery depends on addressing both conditions at the same time.

An integrated approach brings all aspects of care together so your mental health and recovery are treated as part of the same journey. This means:

  • Coordinated care between medical providers, therapists, and recovery specialists.\
  • Evidence-based therapies that address thought patterns, coping skills, and relapse prevention.
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to reduce cravings, manage withdrawal, and stabilize mood.
  • Psychiatric care for accurate diagnosis and medication management.
  • Supportive therapy groups to share experiences, build resilience, and learn new strategies.

At Victory Recovery Partners, every treatment plan is customized to meet your individual needs. We bring medical, therapeutic, and wellness services under one roof, so you don’t have to juggle appointments at different facilities or wait weeks to get the help you need. Our team works together from day one, ensuring your recovery plan is connected, consistent, and designed for long-term success.

How Victory Recovery Partners Treats Co-Occurring Disorders

Every person’s experience with co-occurring disorders is unique, which is why our care begins with listening—really listening—to your story. From there, we create a treatment plan that addresses both your mental health needs and your recovery goals, with all services coordinated in one location. Our programs include:

  • Intensive outpatient program (IOP): Structured support several days a week, offering therapy, education, and recovery skill-building while you continue living at home.
  • Outpatient program: Flexible therapy and medical care for those ready for fewer treatment hours but who still benefit from ongoing support.

As part of our outpatient program, we offer a range of specialized services to address dual diagnosis, including:

  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): FDA-approved medications like Suboxone and methadone to manage opioid use disorder, plus options for alcohol and even cocaine—an uncommon but effective offering.
  • Behavioral health counseling: Individual sessions to work through personal challenges, and group therapy to connect with others who understand.
  • Psychiatric services & medication management: For accurate diagnosis, symptom management, and ongoing monitoring.
  • Specialty therapy groups: Targeted groups for specific needs, such as trauma, relapse prevention, or life skills.
  • Wellness services: Primary-care-like support for enrolled clients—everything from flu treatment to health referrals—because your physical health impacts your recovery.

Our admissions process moves quickly, with most patients starting therapy within 24 hours of their first call. We proudly welcome patients whom others may turn away, because we believe every person deserves the chance to recover with dignity, respect, and comprehensive care.

Start Your Recovery Today

Recovery from co-occurring disorders is not only possible—it’s within your reach when you have the right team and the right plan. With integrated treatment that addresses your mental health and substance use together, you can build the tools, confidence, and stability needed for lasting change.

At Victory Recovery Partners, no one is left behind. Our team is ready to help you start your personalized treatment plan—often within 24 hours. Contact us today to take your first step toward recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can co-occurring disorders be cured?

There isn’t a single “cure” for co-occurring disorders, but there is a proven path to recovery. With the right combination of therapy, medical care, and ongoing support, many people achieve long-term stability and a vastly improved quality of life. At Victory Recovery Partners, we focus on helping you manage symptoms, develop healthy coping strategies, and reduce the risk of relapse—so you can build a sustainable recovery.

What therapies work best for co-occurring disorders?

The most effective therapies are those that address both mental health and substance use. At Victory Recovery Partners, we use:
Behavioral health counseling (individual and group sessions).
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) when appropriate.
Specialty therapy groups for targeted needs, such as trauma or relapse prevention.
Psychiatric services for accurate diagnosis and medication management.
These services are coordinated so your care plan works as a whole—not as separate treatments.

What are some of the benefits of dual diagnosis treatment?

Dual diagnosis treatment ensures that both your mental health condition and substance use disorder are addressed at the same time, which can lead to:
Reduced risk of relapse.
Improved emotional stability.
More personalized care that adapts as your needs change.
Greater overall quality of life and well-being.
When care is integrated, you have a stronger foundation for long-term recovery.

What are the barriers to dual diagnosis treatment?

Common barriers to dual diagnosis treatment include:
Lack of access to programs that treat both conditions together.
Stigma surrounding mental health or substance use.
Delays in diagnosis due to overlapping symptoms.
Limited insurance coverage for integrated services.
Victory Recovery Partners works to break down these barriers by offering coordinated care under one roof, rapid admissions, and a welcoming, judgment-free environment.

Does Victory Recovery Partners accept patients with complex cases?

Yes. Our “no one left behind” philosophy means we welcome patients who may have been turned away elsewhere. Whether you have multiple mental health conditions, long-term substance use, or a history of relapse, we will work with you to create a plan that meets your needs. Our integrated care model and rapid admissions process mean you won’t have to wait to start getting help.