What is dual diagnosis?
Definition and overview of co-occurring disorders
Dual diagnosis means a person has a mental health condition and a substance use disorder occurring at the same time. It is also known as a co-occurring disorder.
These two conditions often occur together and can worsen each other, making it essential to treat both conditions at the same time and place.
The most common co-occurring disorders include combinations such as:
- Depression and substance misuse
- Anxiety and substance misuse
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance misuse
Dual diagnosis vs. addiction
A substance use disorder means someone is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, but does not have a co-occurring mental health condition.
Dual diagnosis is different. It means a person is struggling with both substance misuse and a mental health disorder at the same time.
These conditions are closely connected, with one worsening the other, making symptoms difficult to manage. If only one issue is treated, the untreated condition can easily derail recovery.
That’s why dual diagnosis care requires specialized therapy and an integrated treatment approach. It ensures progress in one area supports healing in the other.
Understanding the medical aspects of dual diagnosis recovery
Medical insight helps clinicians see the full picture behind a person’s symptoms. They see the addiction as well as any underlying mental health concerns, physical complications or medication needs.
Addiction affects the brain and body, making support from a skilled addiction recovery medical team essential for a safer detox, more accurate diagnosis, and a personalized treatment program that works holistically to help you achieve long-term recovery and wellness.
Common causes and risk factors of dual diagnosis
Biological, psychological and environmental factors
Dual diagnosis often develops as a result of several competing factors. At Beach House Center for Recovery, we consider the biological, psychological and environmental factors that can impact a person’s overall wellness, and result in co-occurring substance use disorder and mental health condition.
Factors that increase a person’s risk of substance use and mental health disorders or make symptoms worse over time include:
Biological
- Genetics
- Family history of mental health or substance use disorders
- Brain chemistry imbalances
Psychological factors
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Unresolved emotional stress
Environmental factors
- Stressful life events
- Unstable home environments
- Relationship difficulties
- Exposure to substance use
The role of genetics and brain chemistry
Genetics and brain chemistry influence how a person responds to stress, substances, and medications.
These biological factors can make some individuals more vulnerable to conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma-related symptoms, which can raise the risk of substance misuse.
How untreated mental illness increases addiction risk
Untreated mental health conditions can increase depression, anxiety, and risky behaviors, increasing the risk of substance misuse. To cope, some people self-medicate with drugs or alcohol for short-term relief.
Unfortunately, this approach can worsen dual diagnosis symptoms over time and increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder.
Medical approach to dual diagnosis treatment
How mental and physical health interact in dual diagnosis
Mental health conditions and substance use disorders often influence (and exacerbate) each other. At Beach House Center for Recovery, we look at the full picture to be sure we address your mental and physical health, resulting in more effective recovery.
The importance of medical assessment and diagnosis
A thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation is an essential part of how doctors treat patients with dual diagnosis. It ensures we target all underlying conditions, building a stronger foundation for lasting recovery and wellness.
Common co-occurring disorders and their impact on recovery
Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD frequently occur alongside addiction. Recognizing these helps our licensed clinicians tailor care and improve recovery outcomes.
Dual diagnosis assessments and evaluations
We use a series of psychiatric evaluations and clinical screenings to identify all factors affecting your mental and physical health. These may include:
- Comprehensive mental health history
- Standardized clinical screenings to identify substance use and mental health conditions
- Laboratory testing and other diagnostic dual diagnosis assessments to identify underlying medical issues.
Dual diagnosis medication and therapy: individualized treatment plans for mental health and addiction
We understand that every person is unique and requires personalized care. At Beach House Center for Recovery, our licensed clinicians create a tailored treatment approach that may include:
- Integrated care for mental health and addiction
- Medications when medically necessary
- Evidence-based behavioral therapies to build effective coping skills
- Coordination between psychiatrists, licensed clinicians and addiction specialists
Role of dual diagnosis licensed clinicians and rehab centers
How dual diagnosis rehab differs from standard rehab
The difference between dual diagnosis rehab and standard rehab lies within the overall approach to care.
While standard rehab focuses solely on addiction recovery, dual diagnosis employs an integrated approach that addresses substance use disorders and mental health conditions at the same time and place. This expanded level of care includes:
- Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
- Treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
- Medication management when needed
- Supportive, evidence-based dual diagnosis therapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and trauma-informed care)
- Coordination between mental health and clinical care teams
- Ongoing monitoring to reduce relapse risk
The value of long-term medical supervision in recovery
Long-term medical supervision helps individuals stay on track with their recovery goals and maintain steady progress in treatment. At Beach House Center for Recovery, our licensed clinicians provide ongoing medical oversight throughout inpatient rehab, residential treatment and continuing care. We monitor physical health, mental health symptoms, and medication needs over time, ensuring a safe, personalized, and highly effective recovery experience.
As a person’s brain and body adjust to life without drugs or alcohol, our medical team delivers skilled guidance to support long-term recovery. Our team continually:
- Monitors and adjusts care plans to ensure comfort, safety and positive treatment outcomes
- Watches for early warning signs of relapse, especially during outpatient rehab and continuing care programs
- Manages co-occurring disorders for individuals with dual diagnosis
- Provides support when new stressors or challenges arise, helping patients stay grounded and connected to their recovery plan
If you or your loved one is ready to overcome a substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health condition, contact our admissions team today. We can help you begin a personalized path toward dual diagnosis treatment.
The path to dual diagnosis recovery
Managing relapse risks and medication adherence
Following your treatment plan, including prescribed medications, therapy sessions and continuing care, can significantly reduce the risk of relapse. At Beach House Center for Recovery, our licensed clinicians work closely with each patient to adjust care plans and medications as needed, providing compassionate support and guidance when cravings or other symptoms occur.
Importance of lifestyle changes and ongoing therapy
Building and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits (e.g., restorative sleep, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and stress management) supports lasting recovery.
Continued therapy helps patients build coping skills, navigate triggers, and maintain healthy lifestyle habits long after residential treatment ends.
Family involvement and post-treatment medical care
Family involvement can strengthen communication, stability, and accountability. After treatment, participating in a continuing care program (e.g., therapy sessions and support groups) helps patients maintain progress and stay aligned with their recovery plan.
Frequently asked questions about dual diagnosis
How do doctors diagnose dual diagnosis conditions?
At Beach House Center for Recovery, our licensed clinicians use comprehensive evaluations, mental health assessments and clinical screenings based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) criteria to accurately identify co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
What are the early signs of dual diagnosis?
Early warning signs of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders may include:
- Mood swings
- Social withdrawal
- Decline in performance at school or work
- Anxiety or depression
- Recklessness or impulsivity
- Noticeable changes in eating, sleeping, or daily habits
Our dual diagnosis rehab team evaluates these patterns to provide timely, integrated care, helping you or your loved one regain stability.
Can dual diagnosis be treated without medication?
It depends. Some patients respond well to therapy-focused approaches. Beach House Center for Recovery offers personalized dual diagnosis treatment plans that include behavioral therapies, counseling, and medications when medically necessary.
How long does dual diagnosis treatment take?
Treatment length varies by patient. Our evidence-based programs range from short-term intensive care to longer-term dual diagnosis rehab, ensuring each patient receives the level of care they need for lasting recovery.
Is recovery from dual diagnosis possible?
Yes. Through integrated treatment for dual diagnosis, medication support, and ongoing monitoring, patients at Beach House Center for Recovery can achieve meaningful, long-term recovery from co-occurring disorders.
What should families know about supporting a loved one with a dual diagnosis?
Family involvement is a key part of addiction recovery. Our licensed clinicians offer education, counseling, and various support strategies to help families stay informed and engaged throughout their loved one’s recovery journey and dual diagnosis treatment.
Are dual diagnosis treatment centers covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. However, most major insurance carriers cover at least a portion of dual diagnosis treatment.
Our admissions counselors are here to help you navigate your benefits, verify coverage, and review potential out-of-pocket costs up front.
