“Co-Occurring Disorders” is a critical term in modern-day substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health treatment. Described in the past as a Dual Diagnosis, co-occurring disorders are when a person struggles with substance use and a mental health (MH) challenge.

Given the challenges, the integrated care approach at the core of the Tarzana Treatment Centers model is highly recommended.

When new patients enter the program, assessments begin. The clinical staff at TTC screens them for a history of substance use and any underlying mental health condition. Such screenings and assessments result in a better quality of care for both disorders. Often, underlying a substance use disorder, a mental health condition is the hidden issue.

For example, a lot of substance use disorders are the result of people self-medicating. Instead of going to a professional and accessing MH treatment, they seek a drug to ease the pain. As a result, trying desperately to address a mental health challenge, a new problem arises.

Integrated Healthcare and Co-Occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders treatment is integrated into the levels of care for substance use disorders treatment and mental health treatment at TTC. By utilizing evidence-based practices and a comprehensive approach, our treatment team delivers an integrated program of care to our patients. A consequence of this approach is a more integrated treatment approach for co-occurring disorders. At TTC, addressing co-occurring disorders becomes essential as the whole person is treated.

Experience with patients struggling with co-occurring disorders has shown that integrated treatment leads to more successful outcomes. Medication therapy is more effective when a patient’s pharmacological plan addresses both disorders. Patients are grateful when they realize they are self-medicating and only worsening their conditions. By offering them real help, their quality of life improves.

Results of Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders:

• Higher rates of relapse prevention and better recovery outcomes
• Understanding reasons and causes behind substance use disorders
• Reduction of psychiatric symptoms and the addressing of trauma
• Substance use as a form of self-medication is removed from the equation
• Medication management that leads to MH efficacy and positive results

Additionally, studies have shown that people with co-occurring disorders are far more likely to be hospitalized than people with only a mental health condition or a substance use disorder. It is hard to cover up two disorders that are aggravating each other, making a challenging situation worse. Once admitted to TTC for residential or outpatient help, our integrated treatment model offers a focus that helps carve out a path to long-term recovery.

The Priority of Treating Co-Occurring Disorders

In the SUD Program at TTC, diagnosing and treating these patients is a priority. Indeed, the simple truth is that co-occurring disorders make life much more difficult for those that suffer from them. Given such challenges, treatment services are a priority.

Integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders is the key to protecting people from poverty, illness, isolation, incarceration, and homelessness. To avoid such consequences, anyone seeking help for substance use, misuse, or another mental health disorder needs an initial evaluation. Covering mental health and SUD challenges, such an evaluation leads to effective treatment.

If you believe you or a loved one suffers from co-occurring disorders, please contact one of our treatment specialists to find out how you can begin the process of recovery today.