Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment

Mental health and substance use are often connected. Mental health problems can lead to drug or alcohol use, or using substances can trigger mental health issues. People often turn to drugs, alcohol, or other compulsive behaviors to cope with overwhelming thoughts and emotions.

Rising Phoenix Wellness Services has created a gold standard approach that addresses both an individual’s addiction and any underlying co-occurring disorder. We believe addiction and mental health issues, when they are both present, a blended treatment approach is needed. Our program focuses on learning strategies to help cope or face consequences associated with substance use as well as mitigate consequent mental health issues.

Our agency is also able to coordinate care in the community for an individual prescribed methadone or those receiving TMS or Ketamine treatment. Our program is available with flexible meeting times to accommodate a client’s need to receive outside treatment services not available at Rising Phoenix Wellness Services. All clients are encouraged to remain on prescribed medications while in programming in order to achieve the most successful outcomes.

What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?

Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, refer to the presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in an individual. These conditions often interact with each other, making treatment more complex. 

For example, someone might use drugs or alcohol to cope with anxiety or depression, but substance use can also worsen these mental health issues.

 

The Prevalence of Co-Occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders are more common than many people realize. Studies show that nearly half of those with a substance use disorder also struggle with a mental health disorder. Because these conditions are so intertwined, it’s crucial to treat them together for effective recovery.

 

Specialized Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment at Rising Phoenix

At Rising Phoenix Wellness Services, we specialize in treating co-occurring disorders. Our approach recognizes the need for an integrated treatment plan that addresses both the mental health and substance use aspects of these complex conditions. By offering personalized care, we aim to help our clients achieve lasting recovery and improve their overall quality of life.

Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, occur when a person has both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. These two conditions are often deeply connected. 

For instance, someone struggling with depression might use drugs or alcohol to numb their feelings. Over time, this behavior can lead to addiction, creating a cycle that is hard to break.

The Connection Between Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Mental health issues and substance use disorders often feed into each other. Mental health problems like anxiety, depression, or trauma can push someone toward substance use as a way to cope. 

On the other hand, using drugs or alcohol can worsen or even cause mental health problems. This connection makes treatment more complex, as both conditions need to be addressed at the same time.

The Importance of Treating Both Conditions Together

Treating just one condition without addressing the other is rarely effective. If someone with co-occurring disorders only receives help for their substance use, their untreated mental health issues could lead them back to using. 

Similarly, treating only the mental health condition without addressing the substance use problem leaves the root cause untreated. For effective recovery, both conditions must be treated together.

This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of a person’s well-being are considered, leading to better outcomes and a stronger foundation for recovery.

 

Types of Co-Occurring Disorders

Understanding the various combinations of mental health conditions and substance use disorders can provide valuable insights into how these issues interact and impact individuals. Here are some common pairings:

Depression and Substance Use

Depression often goes hand-in-hand with substance use disorders. People who suffer from depression may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their low mood and feelings of hopelessness.

Unfortunately, substance use can worsen symptoms of depression, creating a cycle that is hard to break. This combination can lead to increased feelings of sadness, impaired judgment, and difficulty in managing daily responsibilities.

Anxiety and Substance Use

Anxiety disorders and substance use frequently occur together. Individuals with anxiety may use substances to manage their intense feelings of worry and fear.

While substances might provide temporary relief, they often increase anxiety symptoms over time. This can lead to a worsening of the anxiety disorder and a deeper reliance on substances for comfort, which complicates recovery and treatment.

Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use

Bipolar disorder, characterized by extreme mood swings between mania and depression, often coexists with substance use disorders. Individuals with bipolar disorder might use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate during manic or depressive episodes.

However, substance use can disrupt mood stability, making it harder to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. This can lead to more frequent and severe mood swings, impacting the individual’s ability to function in daily life.

PTSD and Substance Use

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance use often occur together, particularly in individuals who use substances to cope with traumatic memories or flashbacks.

While substances might provide temporary relief from PTSD symptoms, they can also exacerbate them, leading to increased distress and impaired functioning. This combination can make it challenging to process trauma effectively and maintain healthy coping strategies.

Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders

Identifying the symptoms of co-occurring disorders can help in recognizing when both mental health and substance use issues might be present. Here are some common signs to watch for:

Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions

People with co-occurring disorders often struggle with focusing on tasks or making decisions. This difficulty can stem from both mental health issues and substance use, leading to confusion and impaired judgment.

Persistent Feelings of Sadness or Anxiety

Feeling persistently sad or anxious is a key symptom of co-occurring disorders. These feelings might be constant or come and go, but they significantly affect daily life and overall well-being.

Substance Cravings or Withdrawal Symptoms

Cravings for substances or experiencing withdrawal symptoms can indicate a substance use disorder. When combined with mental health issues, these symptoms can become more intense and harder to manage.

Changes in Sleep or Appetite

Co-occurring disorders often lead to noticeable changes in sleep patterns or appetite. Individuals may experience insomnia, excessive sleep, loss of appetite, or overeating, impacting their physical health and daily routine.

Social Withdrawal or Isolation

A common sign of co-occurring disorders is withdrawing from social interactions. This isolation can result from both mental health struggles and the effects of substance use, leading to a decrease in social engagement and support.

Physical Symptoms Like Headaches or Fatigue

Physical symptoms such as frequent headaches or fatigue can also indicate co-occurring disorders. These symptoms are often related to the stress and strain of dealing with both mental health and substance use issues.

 

Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders

Identifying the symptoms of co-occurring disorders can help in recognizing when both mental health and substance use issues might be present. Here are some common signs to watch for:

Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions

People with co-occurring disorders often struggle with focusing on tasks or making decisions. This difficulty can stem from both mental health issues and substance use, leading to confusion and impaired judgment.

Persistent Feelings of Sadness or Anxiety

Feeling persistently sad or anxious is a key symptom of co-occurring disorders. These feelings might be constant or come and go, but they significantly affect daily life and overall well-being.

Substance Cravings or Withdrawal Symptoms

Cravings for substances or experiencing withdrawal symptoms can indicate a substance use disorder. When combined with mental health issues, these symptoms can become more intense and harder to manage.

Changes in Sleep or Appetite

Co-occurring disorders often lead to noticeable changes in sleep patterns or appetite. Individuals may experience insomnia, excessive sleep, loss of appetite, or overeating, impacting their physical health and daily routine.

Social Withdrawal or Isolation

A common sign of co-occurring disorders is withdrawing from social interactions. This isolation can result from both mental health struggles and the effects of substance use, leading to a decrease in social engagement and support.

Physical Symptoms Like Headaches or Fatigue

Physical symptoms such as frequent headaches or fatigue can also indicate co-occurring disorders. These symptoms are often related to the stress and strain of dealing with both mental health and substance use issues.

 

Risk Factors for Co-Occurring Disorders

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing co-occurring disorders. Understanding these risk factors can help in recognizing and addressing potential issues early on. Here are some key contributors:

Genetic Predisposition

Genetics can play a significant role in the development of co-occurring disorders. If there is a family history of mental health issues or substance use disorders, an individual may be at a higher risk of experiencing these conditions themselves.

History of Trauma or Abuse

Experiencing trauma or abuse can contribute to the development of co-occurring disorders. Trauma can lead to mental health issues such as PTSD or depression, which might prompt the use of substances as a coping mechanism.

Chronic Stress

Ongoing stress from various sources—such as work, relationships, or financial problems—can increase the risk of co-occurring disorders. Chronic stress can exacerbate mental health issues and lead to substance use as a way to manage stress.

Early Substance Use

Using substances at a young age can impact brain development and increase the risk of developing both mental health and substance use disorders. Early exposure to drugs or alcohol can disrupt emotional and psychological growth.

Co-Existing Mental Health Conditions

Having one mental health condition can make an individual more susceptible to developing additional mental health issues and substance use disorders. For example, someone with anxiety might be at higher risk of developing depression or a substance use problem.

 

Treatment Options for Co-Occurring Disorders

There are many effective treatment options available for managing and treating co-occurring disorders. These treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and equip individuals with coping strategies to manage their conditions in the long term. 

Treatment selection often depends on the individual’s specific needs, the severity of their disorders, personal circumstances, and overall health condition. Rising Phoenix Wellness Services offers several treatment options for co-occurring disorders in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

Our program offerings include: [match color and style along with checkmarks from the Anxiety and Depression landing pages)

✔ Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides a comprehensive and structured alternative to inpatient treatment. This program offers groups 5 days per week in an outpatient environment. 

Clients receive a minimum of 20 hours of multidisciplinary care and individualized treatment planning within a community setting. Our continuum of care is based on best practice guidelines and ensures a smooth transition to a lower level of services.

✔ Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides a higher level of care than traditional outpatient therapy. Clients participate in structured group therapy a minimum of 3-5 days per week, with sessions available in the morning, evenings, and weekends. 

This program offers a tailored treatment approach and includes consistent psychoeducation and process groups in a supportive environment.

✔ Outpatient Program (OP)

The Outpatient Program (OP) offers continued support for clients who have completed IOP or require a lower level of care. Clients attend structured group therapy 1-2 days per week. 

This long-term treatment model facilitates a seamless transition to a lower level of care while supporting ongoing recovery efforts.

Programs

Our Treatment Programs

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Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

IOP provides a higher level of care than traditional outpatient therapy. Client will have access to this structured group therapy at a minimum of 3-5 days per week. Groups are available morning, evenings, and weekends in a nurturing environment. We offer a customized treatment approach to our specific programs as well as consistent psychoeducation and process groups.

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Outpatient Program (OP)

Clients that complete the IOP program have the opportunity to remain at RPWS for additional outpatient therapy. Clients will have access to structured group therapy 1-2 days per week. Our long-term treatment model offers a seamless transition to a lower level of care.

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Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

PHP provides a comprehensive and structured alternative to inpatient treatment. Groups are available 5 days per week and provided in an outpatient environment. Clients will have access to a minimum of 20 hours of multidisciplinary care and individualized treatment planning in a community environment. Our continuum of care is founded on best practice guidelines and offers a seamless transition to a lower level of services

Evidence-Based Therapies

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

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Somatic Experiencing (SE)

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Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

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Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

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Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR)

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Mindfulness and Meditation

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Trauma Focused Therapy

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Yoga Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Y-CBT)

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Motivational Interviewing (MI)

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Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

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Equine Therapy

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Compassion Focused Therapy

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Art Therapy and Creative Expression

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Family Therapy

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Client-Centered Programs

Rising Phoenix Wellness Services treats adults aged 18 years and older who struggle with various mental heal issues resulting in impaired functioning.

Our clients come from diverse backgrounds and present with various psychosocial stressors, family of origin issues, trauma, adjustment difficulties, grief and loss, marginalization experiences, and difficulty coping with distressing situations. Yet, they all share a need for a reliable, nurturing, and safe environment to achieve successful recovery.

As a result, we have designed our program to help clients increase their self-awareness, develop refined coping strategies, and recognize their innate capacities and inner strength. This often results in motivation to maintain lasting changes and improved functioning. Overall, clients become insightful as they achieve mastery and start to heal.

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Gender Groups

In these groups, clients can expect to receive full support and acceptance. We offer a women’s group and a men’s group as an adjunct to our IOP program. These groups are held in the evenings on a weekly basis. Read more +
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Impaired Professional Groups

This is a unique program that Rising Phoenix Wellness Services offers to the community. In this cohort, clients from various professional backgrounds such as nursing, the practice of medicine, pilots, EMS, Police, and other certified and licensed professionals can receive support and monitoring. Read more +

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Young Adult Groups

At Rising Phoenix Wellness Services, we've designed our approach to be especially welcoming to young adults. Our groups assist young adults with processing current struggles. Clients can expect a structured environment where they learn evidence-based coping skills.