Key Takeaways
- Co-occurring disorders involve both mental health and substance use, and are very common in Orange County.
- Co-Occurring Disorder causes include trauma, stress, genetics, environmental factors, and self-medication with alcohol or drugs.
- The most effective treatment for co-occurring disorders is an integrated approach that addresses both conditions together at 12 South Recovery.
Two Struggles, One Road to Recovery
Mental health challenges and substance use often go hand in hand. In fact, living with both is far more common than many realize. According to SAMHSA’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 21.5 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder. At 12 South Recovery, we see how this reality plays out locally, especially in Orange County.
What is a Co-Occurring Disorder
A co-occurring disorder means someone is living with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time. For example, a person with depression may turn to alcohol, or someone with anxiety may misuse prescription drugs to cope.
Co-occurring disorders can appear in different forms and vary in severity. What ties them together is that both conditions impact daily functioning and recovery must address them together. At 12 South Recovery, we specialize in treating co-occurring disorders with therapies and holistic approaches that focus on the whole person.
What is the Difference Between Co-Occurring and Dual Diagnosis
Both terms describe when someone has a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time, but they’re used a little differently.
| Co-Occurring Disorder | Dual Diagnosis |
| Broader clinical term used in research and medical settings | More treatment-focused term used in recovery programs |
| Refers to any situation where mental health and substance use happen together | Highlights the need to treat both conditions at once |
| Commonly used in medical literature, surveys, and public health reports | Often used in rehab and therapy to guide integrated care |
At 12 South Recovery, we treat both conditions with one coordinated plan. Ignoring one only makes the other worse, which is why our integrated approach is key for lasting recovery.
What are Some Co-Occurring Disorders
Common examples include:
- Anxiety and alcohol use
- Depression and opioid misuse
- PTSD and stimulant abuse
- Bipolar disorder and cannabis dependence
- Personality disorders with alcohol or drugs
These combinations are not unusual. People often turn to substances as a way to cope with painful symptoms, but this only deepens the cycle.
Are Co-Occurring Disorders Common
Yes. Co-occurring disorders are more common than many realize. National data shows that millions of adults live with both a mental health condition and substance use disorder. In Orange County, with its high stress levels, fast-paced lifestyle, and accessibility of alcohol and drugs, co-occurring disorders appear at particularly high rates.
This is why treatment centers like 12 South Recovery focus on dual diagnosis care because treating one condition without addressing the other rarely leads to long-term recovery.
Why Co-Occurring Disorders Are Common in Orange County
There are several reasons why co-occurring disorders are common in Orange County:
- Environmental factors: The region’s culture, nightlife, and availability of substances make alcohol and drugs more accessible.
- Stress: High costs of living, work pressure, and performance-driven lifestyles add significant mental strain.
- Trauma: Past abuse, family conflict, or loss increases risk.
- Genetics: Family history of addiction or mental illness raises vulnerability.
- Self-medication: People may use substances to cope with untreated mental health symptoms.
Orange County’s mix of opportunity and stress creates conditions where mental health and addiction challenges often intersect.
What are the Contributing Factors of Co-Occurring Disorders
The contributing factors of co-occurring disorders vary, but some of the most influential include:
- Trauma: Unresolved trauma leads to higher risks of anxiety, depression, and substance misuse.
- Genetics: Family history can predispose individuals to both mental illness and addiction.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to peer substance use or high-stress environments increases likelihood.
- Stress: Daily pressures from work, finances, or relationships can drive both mental health and substance use issues.
- Self-medication: Many turn to alcohol or drugs to numb symptoms like panic attacks, insomnia, or sadness.
At 12 South Recovery, we assess all of these elements to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses root causes.
How are Co-Occurring Disorders Treated
The most effective method is an integrated approach where both mental health and substance use are addressed at the same time. Treating only one condition leaves the other unhandled, leading to relapse.
At 12 South Recovery, treatment may include:
- CBT to address negative thought patterns
- DBT for emotion regulation and healthier coping skills
- Trauma Therapy to process underlying experiences
- Holistic approaches like yoga, mindfulness, and art therapy to heal mind and body
- Medication management when needed for stability
This approach provides clients with tools to stabilize both mental health and substance use together, supporting long-term recovery.
Recovery Starts Stronger With Both Conditions Treated
Struggling with both mental health and substance use can feel exhausting, but you do not have to face it alone. At 12 South Recovery, we treat co-occurring disorders with science-based care and an integrated model that actually works.Call 12 South Recovery Today! Our team is ready to guide you with treatment that supports healing, resilience, and a brighter future.
