Mental Health Co-Occurring Disorders

Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders

People who struggle with a substance abuse disorder and a mental health disorder are diagnosed as having co-occurring disorders. This is also sometimes called a dual diagnosis or referred to as a dual disorder.

At Banyan Mental Health, we use unique programs and therapies to effectively treat all co-occurring disorders so our patients can experience a happy and healthy life in recovery. Our staff of certified professionals provide patients with the right resources and care to effectively treat both mental health disorders and addiction.

What are Co-Occurring Disorders?

Substance use disorder (SUD), also known as drug use disorder, is a condition in which the use of one or more substances leads to a clinically significant physical impairment or distress. Substance use disorders can interfere with the way a person functions at work, at school, and in personal relationships. It is also diagnosed when substance abuse creates or worsens a medical condition. This disorder can completely take over a person’s life and lead them down a dangerous path.

A co-occurring disorder can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms of a mental health disorder and addiction can be similar. Individuals struggling with addiction may not know they have a co-occurring disorder. Although everyone is different, there are general signs of existing co-occurring disorders you can look out for. Professional treatment from our mental health residential program may be necessary for recovery from addiction and mental illness.


Symptoms of co-occurring disorders include:

  • Mental health symptoms worsening even after receiving mental health treatment
  • If you are unable to fulfill your daily responsibilities at work or school due to your addiction or mental health issue
  • If you are neglecting your healthy relationships and are lacking in communication because you are struggling with drug use or mental health issues

Everyone has a different story, but addiction can change a person’s life for the worst. Substance abuse may result in mental health issues or cause them. Some people actively seek out drugs or alcohol during difficult times and use drugs as a way to mask the symptoms from a mental health disorder. Individuals battling with addiction and mental illness may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, in which patients learn how their thoughts and behaviors go hand in hand. Ultimately, this can debilitate a person’s physical and mental state, and proper co-occurring disorders treatment might be needed to overcome this change.

At Banyan Mental Health, we give our patients the tools they need to effectively manage their mental health disorder symptoms without feeling the need to turn to substance abuse. The symptoms of a mental health disorder can worsen if addiction is present and individualized care is the best option for treating both diseases. At our mental health facility in Boca, we use a variety of treatment methods to effectively treat all co-occurring disorders. Our trained and professional staff dedicates themselves to guiding our patients through every step of their recovery.


For more information on how our mental health programs can effectively treat co-occurring disorders, contact us today. We are here to help you truly recover and live a healthy life.