It is common for individuals to experience both substance use and underlying mental health concerns, such as depression or anxiety. In some cases, substances may be used as a way to cope with difficult emotions or distressing symptoms. While this may offer short-term relief, it can contribute to worsening symptoms over time.
A dual diagnosis treatment approach can help treat the addiction while working to resolve the underlying issue. Its main purpose is to focus on co-occurring disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma disorders.
Spokane Falls Recovery Center is an addiction treatment center located in North Spokane, Washington. Our team provides evidence-based care for substance use disorders using an individualized approach to treatment.
We are also co-occurring capable and equipped to support individuals who may also be experiencing mental health concerns alongside substance use. We work closely with each client to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that supports physical, mental, and emotional well-being throughout the recovery process.
What is dual diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition occurring at the same time. These co-occurring disorders are common and often go unrecognized, which can complicate recovery and increase the risk of ongoing substance use if both conditions are not properly addressed.
This can include combinations such as substance use alongside depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Because these conditions often influence one another, effective care requires an integrated approach that considers the full scope of a person’s mental and physical health, rather than treating each issue in isolation.
Common co-occurring conditions
Many individuals may turn to substances as a way to cope with feelings of depression, anxiety, or emotional distress. While substances may provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying concerns and can contribute to worsening symptoms over time.
Here is a list of several common co-occurring disorders that people experience:
Depression and addiction
Individuals may turn to substances to self-medicate depression symptoms such as persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest. Over time, substance use can worsen these issues and lead to additional symptoms like sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and hallucinations.
Anxiety and addiction
Anxiety and substance use are often closely connected, as individuals may turn to substances to cope with overwhelming thoughts or physical symptoms. This coping response can increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder as substances begin to replace healthier coping strategies.
PTSD and addiction
Trauma and addiction are often closely connected, as some individuals may turn to substances to cope with distressing memories, anxiety, or emotional pain. This pattern can make both conditions more difficult to manage without professional support.
Bipolar disorder and addiction
Substance use can worsen mood instability and can trigger impulsive behavior, while manic or hypomanic episodes lower inhibition and judgment, increasing the risk of addiction and further deteriorating mental health.
Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both addiction and mental health concerns simultaneously, helping to improve the chances of achieving lasting recovery.
Why treating both at the same time matters
A dual diagnosis treatment approach addresses substance use and mental health concerns at the same time. When one condition is treated without the other, unresolved symptoms can continue to contribute to ongoing substance use and increase the risk of relapse.
With an integrated treatment plan, clients receive coordinated care that supports both recovery and emotional well-being through a combination of therapies and supportive services.
Spokane Falls Recovery Center is co-occurring capable, meaning our team is trained to support individuals who may be experiencing both substance use and mental health concerns through personalized treatment planning.
How dual diagnosis treatment works at Spokane Falls Recovery Center
Spokane Falls Recovery Center uses an individualized approach to create a comprehensive treatment program for individuals experiencing addiction and mental health concerns. Here is what clients can expect from our integrated treatment approach:
Assessment
During the assessment process, a clinician meets with the client to better understand their substance use history, current needs, and recovery goals. This information helps guide the development of an individualized treatment plan and determine the most appropriate level of care.
Medical detox
Medical detox is often the first step in treatment, helping individuals safely manage withdrawal symptoms from substances. During this process, medical staff closely monitor each client to help reduce discomfort and support stabilization.
Common withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Muscle aches and pains
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
- Depression and anxiety
- Restlessness
- Changes in sleep
- In some cases, more severe symptoms like seizures
The clinical team monitors progress throughout detox and adjusts care as needed to support a safe and stable transition into ongoing treatment.
Residential treatment
A residential treatment program provides structured, immersive care, combining individual and group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and peer support. Within a supportive environment, individuals live on-site while working with clinicians to uncover underlying issues and build a personalized recovery plan.
Therapy
A dual diagnosis treatment plan may include a variety of therapies to treat addiction and mental health conditions. Individual and group therapy sessions take place in a private setting where clients and clinicians build a trusting relationship and work toward a common goal of long-lasting recovery.
In family therapy, a clinician works with family members to educate them about the dual diagnosis and to focus on creating a stable, supportive home for when they return. They work to resolve any lingering issues that can trigger a relapse and show family members how they can become an integral part of the recovery process.
Step-down care
After completing residential treatment, clients may benefit from continued support to help maintain progress and manage both substance use and mental health concerns over time.
Common step-down care options include:
- A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a continuation of the therapies and medical support in a less restrictive environment. It is for those who complete residential treatment as well as for those who do not need 24-hour care.
- An intensive outpatient program (IOP) generally follows PHP and is a step down in level of care to allow for more freedom and time spent at home. It offers a structured program and a continuation of individualized care, allowing them to work on their recovery.
The length of these treatment options depends on an individual’s needs and recovery progress.
Frequently asked questions
A professional assessment can help determine whether substance use and mental health concerns may be affecting you at the same time. During the assessment process, a clinician will talk with you about your substance use history, current symptoms, overall well-being, and treatment goals to help identify the most appropriate level of care.
The appropriate level of care depends on each individual’s needs, including the severity of substance use and any mental health concerns. Some individuals may benefit from structured outpatient programs such as a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP), while others may require residential treatment for additional support.
Most major insurance plans cover dual diagnosis treatment. Call Spokane Falls Recovery Center at 844.962.2775 to verify your specific coverage.
Relapse can be a part of the recovery process and does not mean treatment has failed. It may be a sign that additional support or a different level of care is needed to help address underlying challenges and strengthen long-term recovery.
Get dual diagnosis treatment at Spokane Falls Recovery Center
Spokane Falls Recovery Center provides evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders in North Spokane, Washington. As a co-occurring capable treatment center, our clinical team is trained to support individuals who may also be experiencing mental health concerns alongside substance use.
We will develop a comprehensive program that can include medical detox, residential treatment, and outpatient options like a PHP and an IOP. We are Joint Commission-accredited and accept most major insurance providers.
To learn more about your options, contact Spokane Falls Recovery Center today to speak with our admissions team or schedule a confidential assessment. Call 844.962.2775 to get started.
