Indio, California’s Premier Addiction Treatment Center

Co-occurring addiction refers to when someone struggles with a substance use disorder in addition to a mental health disorder. Sometimes, if a person has a mental health disorder, they turn to substances as a way to cope with their symptoms. Approximately 9.2 million adults in the U.S. struggle with a co-occurring substance use disorder, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  

Effective treatment for a mental health disorder involves a comprehensive approach that addresses any co-occurring addiction concerns. If you or someone you love has a co-occurring addiction, it’s important to seek professional help at a treatment center like Coachella Valley Behavioral Health.  

Co-occurring addiction can manifest differently depending on the substance involved. If someone is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, they may display the following signs: 

• Obsessively thinking about, using, or recovering from the use of a substance 
• Feeling the need to use a substance to cope with stress 
• Neglecting personal and professional responsibilities due to substance use 
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed 
• Isolating from family and friends 
• Continuing to use a substance despite experiencing adverse effects 

When someone has a co-occurring addiction, they may experience a range of physical and mental symptoms. Symptoms of co-occurring addiction may include: 

• Bloodshot eyes 
• Slurred speech 
• Changes in appetite and weight 
• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, excessive drowsiness, and nightmares 
• Impaired coordination 
• Tremors 
• Frequent mood swings 
• Confusion and disorientation 
• Memory problems 

If you notice any of these signs and symptoms in yourself or a loved one, we strongly encourage you to seek professional evaluation and treatment. By receiving focused care for a co-occurring addiction, you can greatly improve your life and the lives of those around you. It’s never too late to begin your recovery journey. 

The development of a co-occurring substance use disorder can be influenced by a combination of causes and risk factors. These causes and risk factors may include: 

• Environmental factors: If someone lives in a stressful environment or is surrounded by people who use substances, they may develop a co-occurring addiction. 
• Early life experiences: Traumatic childhood experiences, such as family dysfunction or abuse, can increase someone’s chances of developing a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder later in life.  
• Chronic stress: If someone experiences high levels of stress and lacks the coping skills to navigate this stress in a healthy way, they may develop a co-occurring addiction. Dealing with chronic stress can lead someone to turn to substances as a way to self-medicate. 
• Socioeconomic factors: Having limited access to mental health and co-occurring addiction treatment can increase someone’s risk for developing both types of disorders. 
• Substance use at a young age: Exposure to substances at a young age can increase someone’s risk for developing both an addiction and a mental health disorder.  

Some people may have a genetic predisposition that makes them more vulnerable to developing a mental health disorder and co-occurring addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), genetic factors account for up to 60% of someone’s risk for developing a substance use disorder. 

Comprehensive and empathetic care is necessary for those who are struggling with co-occurring addictions. By receiving targeted treatment at Coachella Valley Behavioral Health, individuals can achieve recovery and long-term wellness. 

Mental health concerns and co-occurring addictions are common. Fortunately, treatment is available and is highly effective. SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2021 reported the following statistics on mental health and substance use in the U.S.: 

• 41.7% of adults age 18 and older, or 44.1 million people, met the criteria for having a substance use disorder.  
• 22.8% of adults, or 57.8 million people, had a mental health disorder in the past year.  
• In 2021, 5.5% of adults had a serious mental health disorder that significantly impacted their day-to-day life.  
• 96.8% of people who had a co-occurring addiction and did not receive treatment for it did not believe that they needed treatment. 
• 84% of adults age 18 and older who had a co-occurring addiction only received mental health treatment. 

These statistics highlight the importance of ensuring that people have access to quality treatment and support for mental health concerns and co-occurring substance use disorders.  

An untreated co-occurring addiction can impact nearly every area of someone’s life. They may struggle with health concerns, maintaining relationships, and keeping a job. An untreated addiction combined with a primary diagnosis of a mental health disorder can make it difficult for someone to live a happy and healthy life. Effects of an untreated co-occurring addiction may also include: 

• Increased tolerance: A person may need to use more of the substance to achieve the same desired effects. 
• Withdrawal symptoms: If someone abruptly stops using a substance, they can experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and can make it difficult for them to maintain recovery.  
• Social isolation: People may withdraw from friends and family or lose interest in activities that were once enjoyable if they do not address a co-occurring addiction. 
• Financial problems: Without treatment, someone who has a co-occurring addiction may suffer from financial difficulties, unemployment, or debt. 
• Legal issues: If someone has a co-occurring addiction, they may be more likely to get in trouble with the law due to their substance use. 
• Relationship difficulties: A co-occurring addiction can put someone at risk for having strained or broken relationships with loved ones. 
• Physical health complications: There are many health problems that are related to substance use, and without treatment, these complications can get worse. 

Individuals who have a co-occurring addiction require comprehensive treatment and support from trained behavioral health professionals. Early intervention and treatment can improve the prognosis and quality of life of adults who have a co-occurring addiction. 

Someone can begin their journey toward healing by receiving treatment for a co-occurring substance use disorder. At Coachella Valley Behavioral Health, individuals who have co-occurring addictions and mental health concerns can receive comprehensive care that addresses both conditions simultaneously. Throughout treatment, patients can learn healthy coping skills and gain a deeper understanding of how mental health and substance use are connected. 

Taking part in co-occurring addiction treatment can offer numerous benefits, including: 

• Reduced risk for relapse  
• Improved relationships 
• Peer support 
• Enhanced self-esteem 

It can be challenging to navigate recovery on your own. At Coachella Valley Behavioral Health, we strive to encourage and support each patient as they progress through treatment and pursue lifelong recovery. 

If someone has a co-occurring addiction, it is essential that they receive treatment in a timely manner. By receiving care at our co-occurring addiction treatment center, people can get the help they need to stop using substances and begin a new chapter in their lives.  

Coachella Valley Behavioral Health is a premier mental health and co-occurring addiction treatment center located in Indio, California. Our treatment center offers acute inpatient mental health treatment and additional programming for patients who are also struggling with co-occurring addiction concerns. When patients receive care at our drug and alcohol addiction treatment center, they work closely with members of our multidisciplinary team. These professionals may include psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, dietitians, recreational therapists, yoga instructors, art and music therapists, and registered nurses. 

At Coachella Valley Behavioral Health, patients take part in programming that is personalized to meet their unique needs. We are committed to providing compassionate and effective care to empower each patient to take control of their personal path to recovery. If you or a loved one could benefit from receiving care at our co-occurring addiction treatment center, we encourage you to reach out to us today. Our knowledgeable and empathetic admissions specialists are available 24/7 and can help you begin your recovery journey today. 

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Coachella Valley Behavioral Health.