Key Takeaways

• Dual diagnosis means struggling with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder—such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder combined with alcohol, opioid, or cocaine use.
• Treatment is most effective when both conditions are addressed at the same time through evidence-based care, including CBT, DBT, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and detox.
• Living Longer Recovery provides dual diagnosis services including medical detox, PHP, outpatient treatment, and family support in a peaceful and supportive Southern California setting.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

You’re not alone. If you or someone you care about is dealing with drug addiction, alcohol use, and also suffering from anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, know that help is available. Addressing emotional struggles and substance use at the same time can lead to quicker relief. It can also bring mental clarity and build a stronger foundation for long-term recovery. Many people silently live with both mental health issues and substance abuse disorder. They often don’t realize there’s a way to treat both conditions at the same time. Understanding dual diagnosis could be the first real step toward healing.

What Does Dual Diagnosis Mean in Mental Health?

Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder in the same individual. This isn’t rare, millions of Americans face this combination every year.

Mental health conditions like:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia

These mental health conditions are often tied to the use of alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, opioids, or prescription medications. People who struggle with both mental illness and substance use often turn to drugs or alcohol to feel some kind of relief. Unfortunately, this usually creates a cycle where emotional pain gets worse, and dependency grows stronger. If treatment focuses on just one issue and not the other, it’s much harder to feel stable or avoid relapse. That’s why addressing both conditions together is so important.

Which Substance Is the Most Commonly Used Amongst Dual Diagnosis Patients?

While any substance can be involved, research consistently shows that alcohol is the most common. It’s widely accessible and socially accepted, making it a frequent go-to for those self-medicating with mental illness.

After alcohol, other commonly misused substances include:

• Cannabis (Marijuana) – Often used to manage anxiety but may worsen symptoms.
• Opioids (like heroin or fentanyl) – Can numb emotional pain but rapidly lead to dependency.
• Cocaine and methamphetamine – Used to self-treat depressive symptoms but often result in more severe crashes and paranoia.

One of the hardest parts of living with dual diagnosis is how the two conditions feed into each other. For example, someone struggling with depression may start drinking to ease the emotional pain. That drinking, however, can make the depression even more intense and harder to escape.

What Is the Best Treatment for Dual Diagnosis?

The best treatment for dual diagnosis involves treating both conditions at the same time. Ignoring one can sabotage progress with the other. At Living Longer Recovery, we provide integrated care plans that include:

Medical Detox Services

Detox helps clients safely stop using drugs or alcohol. It’s the first critical step in the recovery process. It allows the body to clear harmful substances under medical supervision. At Living Longer Recovery, detox is more than just withdrawal management. It’s a closely monitored process where clients are supported physically and emotionally to ease discomfort, prevent complications. It also prepares the patient for the next phase of treatment. Our licensed facility offers:

• Alcohol detox
• Opioid detox
• Fentanyl detox
• Drug detox (including stimulants and sedatives)

Medical staff supervise the entire process. They help manage withdrawal symptoms and focus on keeping clients as comfortable and safe as possible. They also monitor vital signs closely. Medication is provided when needed to ease symptoms. Staff offer emotional support and reassurance during what can be a very difficult and vulnerable time.

Evidence-Based Therapies

We use proven approaches to treat both addiction and mental health issues:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy helps people recognize negative or distorted thought patterns that contribute to substance use or mental health struggles. By identifying and challenging these thoughts, individuals can begin to think more clearly. They learn to respond to situations in healthier ways. This helps support emotional stability and encourages long-term recovery.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This therapy helps people develop practical tools to manage intense emotions and reduce impulsive behaviors. It focuses on building healthier coping strategies for stressful situations. These skills help individuals respond with greater calm, balance, and self-awareness in daily life.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): This approach combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. Together, they address both the physical and psychological sides of addiction. The medications can help reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms. Therapy supports emotional healing and teaches healthy coping skills. This combination gives individuals a stronger chance at staying in recovery and feeling better day to day.

Residential and Outpatient Programs

Some clients benefit from 24/7 inpatient care, while others thrive in outpatient settings. We offer:

• Inpatient Rehab – A full-time level of care that provides 24/7 support in a secure and organized setting. Clients follow a consistent routine. This includes daily therapy sessions, regular medical check-ins, nutritious meals, and structured activities that support physical and emotional well-being. All of this takes place in a safe, welcoming space where healing and stability have room to grow.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – This level of care offers structured treatment during the day. Clients take part in therapy, group sessions, and receive clinical support to help them build stability. In the evenings, they return home or to a sober living environment. This setup allows them to apply what they’ve learned during the day while still having access to professional guidance and support.
• Outpatient Program – This program offers part-time therapy sessions that fit around your personal schedule. It’s ideal for individuals who need support while continuing to work, attend school, or take care of responsibilities at home. You still receive high-quality care and guidance, but with the freedom to maintain your daily life.

What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual Diagnosis Treatment refers to a method of care that treats both the mental health condition and the addiction. Both are addressed at the same time to promote lasting recovery. At Living Longer Recovery, dual diagnosis treatment includes:

• One-on-one therapy with mental health professionals
• Psychiatric care and medication management
• Support groups and relapse prevention education
• Family involvement through our family program
• Holistic care such as art therapy and mindfulness

This approach boosts long-term recovery outcomes and reduces the chances of relapse. By identifying how emotional pain and substance use are linked, clients can break the cycle more effectively.

What Is the New Name for Dual Diagnosis?

Professionals sometimes use terms like:

• Co-occurring disorders
• Co-morbidity

“Dual diagnosis” is still commonly used in everyday speech. However, in clinical and insurance settings, the term “co-occurring disorders” is more widely used. Both refer to the same combination of mental health and substance use issues.

At Living Longer Recovery, we use whichever term helps our clients understand their challenges best. What matters most is the treatment, not the label.

Living Longer Recovery: Your Dual Diagnosis Partner

At Living Longer Recovery in Desert Hot Springs, CA, we support people from around the world and throughout Southern California in rebuilding their lives. Whether someone is just beginning to seek help or has tried before, our team is here to walk with them every step forward, offering care, support, and proven treatment in a peaceful environment.

Our dual diagnosis services include:

• Medical detox to stabilize your body
• Therapy to support your mind
• Evidence-based programs for lasting change
• Family involvement to strengthen your support network

All of this takes place in a calm, welcoming setting designed to help you feel safe and supported. Our facility features spacious living areas where you can unwind in comfort. Outside, relaxing patios and a refreshing pool offer calm spots for reflection and peace. You’ll also find clean, cozy rooms that give you a quiet place to rest and recharge.

Take the First Step at Living Longer Recovery

If you or a loved one is facing both emotional struggles and substance use, effective help is available. At Living Longer Recovery, we treat the whole person—mind and body—with compassion and proven care methods. Contact Living Longer Recovery today to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is dual diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is when someone has both a mental health condition (like anxiety or depression) and a substance use disorder (like alcohol or drug addiction).

2. What is the best treatment for dual diagnosis?
The most effective treatment addresses both mental health and substance use together through medical detox, therapy, and ongoing support.

3. What does dual diagnosis mean in mental health?
It means that mental health issues and addiction are present at the same time, requiring integrated treatment to support lasting recovery.

4. Which substance is the most commonly used amongst dual diagnosis patients?
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance. Others include marijuana, opioids, cocaine, and meth.

5. What is the new name for dual diagnosis?
The clinical term is “co-occurring disorders,” but both terms mean the same thing—mental illness plus substance abuse.