Did you know that approximately 9.2 million people in the United States have a co-occurring disorder? For these people, getting the right co-occurring disorders treatment is essential to the recovery process.
So what are the options when it comes to co-occurring disorders treatments? Keep reading to find out.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders are when an individual has both a mental health diagnosis and a substance abuse diagnosis. Individuals with a mental health diagnosis are more likely to abuse drugs. And vice versa, individuals who abuse drugs can develop a mental health diagnosis.
Co-occurring disorders are also frequently referred to as dual diagnoses.
Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
It is important that both mental health and substance abuse disorders are treated together. This is referred to as integrated treatment.
Integrated treatment can include everything from therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to medical interventions, such as medication-assisted treatment.
Treatments Used
Many people with co-occurring disorders will see a variety of treatment methods used. Some of these include the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Medication-Assisted treatment
- Holistic treatment
- Detox
- Group therapy
- Programs for family
- Residential therapy
- Outpatient therapy
- After-care programs
However, every program will approach co-occurring disorders a little differently. It is important that as you explore your treatment options. Choose the program that is right for you.
While you can get recommendations, it is ultimately all about what will work for you in the end. Some individuals respond better to other types of treatment, and it is important to be able to have those conversations
Holistic Treatment
For many individuals with co-occurring disorders, it will be important to find a facility that offers holistic treatment. Holistic treatment uses many approaches that range from talk therapy to yoga.
However, the biggest benefit to co-occurring disorders treatment programs that take a holistic approach is that they look at mind, body, and soul together.
Holistic treatment programs are very cognizant of the fact that you cannot treat one part of the problem without treating the other. To do so would be counterproductive.
Inpatient Treatment
For many individuals, inpatient treatment for co-occurring disorders may be the right decision. Inpatient treatment is more intensive. If you struggle to maintain sobriety or are at risk of harming yourself, this is likely the right choice for you.
Residential treatment for co-occurring disorder programs provides 24-hour care and support. In the early days, this could be the right choice for you.
Outpatient Treatment
Patients who may not need recovery services that are quite as intensive can consider outpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment is typically still intensive treatment. However, you do not have 24-hour care, as you would in a residential program.
Sometimes the decision between outpatient and inpatient treatment can also come down to the ability to pay for treatment.
Start Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment
Are you ready to reach out for help? There is no better time than now. Get the co-occurring disorders treatment you need to heal your mind, body, and soul.
Was this article helpful? Check out more articles in the health section of our website to build your knowledge.

