Dual Diagnosis: Understanding and Treating Co-Occurring Disorders

Dual diagnosis involves experiencing a mental health condition and addiction to drugs or alcohol simultaneously. These co-occurring disorders are more common than many people realize. They often feed into one another in ways that make recovery more complex. But with the right help, healing is possible.

We Level Up Washington provides levels of care that address both conditions. We know that treating one without the other is rarely effective for sustained recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling, this guide is here to help you understand what dual diagnosis means, how it’s treated, and where to find support in Spokane Valley and surrounding areas.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis refers to having both a mental health disorder, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, and a substance use disorder, like alcohol, opioid, or stimulant addiction.

These conditions are deeply intertwined.

For example, someone with untreated anxiety may use alcohol or benzodiazepines to calm their nerves. Over time, this can lead to physical dependency and make the anxiety worse. In turn, the substance use masks the root cause, making recovery difficult without professional support.

Common Mental Health Disorders in Dual Diagnosis

• Depression
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia

Common Substance Use Disorders

• Alcohol Use Disorder
• Opioid Use Disorder
• Cocaine or stimulant use
• Prescription drug misuse

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 50% of individuals with a mental health disorder will also experience a substance use disorder during their lives.

Why Dual Diagnosis Happens

There is no single cause of dual diagnosis. Instead, several factors can contribute:

1. Shared Risk Factors

Trauma, family history, genetics, brain chemistry, and chronic stress can increase the risk of both mental illness and addiction.

2. Self-Medication

Using substances like alcohol, opioids, or marijuana as coping skills for mental health symptoms can feel like relief at first. But over time, this strategy leads to dependency and worsens emotional well-being.

3. Substance-Induced Mental Illness

Chronic substance use can trigger mental health symptoms, especially with long-term alcohol or stimulant use. These symptoms might mimic disorders like depression or psychosis, making diagnosis difficult without clinical help.

Signs and Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis

Recognizing a dual diagnosis can be hard, especially since symptoms of mental illness and substance use overlap. But here are some signs that someone might be dealing with both:

Emotional and Mental Symptoms

• Severe mood swings
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Irritability or anger
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Difficulty concentrating

Behavioral and Physical Symptoms

• Drinking or using drugs to cope with emotions
• Isolation from friends or family
• Legal or financial issues
• Risky behaviors or poor decision-making
• Withdrawal symptoms when not using

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you love, it may be time to consider dual diagnosis treatment.

How Dual Diagnosis Is Diagnosed

At We Level Up Washington, we conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine whether a client is experiencing a dual diagnosis. This includes:

• Physical and mental health evaluations
• Substance use history
• Psychological testing, if needed
• Collaboration with psychiatric professionals

Using tools such as the DSM-5 criteria, our clinicians carefully identify whether symptoms stem from mental illness, substance use, or both.

Why Integrated Treatment Is Essential

Treating mental health and addiction separately doesn’t work. Dual diagnosis treatment programs involve addressing both conditions together, under one coordinated treatment plan.

Integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders leads to better outcomes, including lower relapse rates, improved psychiatric stability, and stronger long-term recovery.

Our Integrated Approach Includes

• Medically supervised detox, when needed
• Individual therapy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Medication management
• Trauma-informed care
• Peer support groups and 12-step alternatives
• Nutrition and wellness support
• Aftercare and relapse prevention planning

Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Washington State

If you’re seeking treatment at dual diagnosis treatment centers in Washington state, it’s important to find a facility that provides both mental health and addiction care. Our Spokane Valley location offers a supportive, therapeutic setting designed to treat the whole person.

We help clients from:

• Spokane and Spokane Valley
• Liberty Lake
• Cheney, WA
• Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

If you’re searching for “dual diagnosis treatment centers near me,” our admissions team can help you explore your options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Supporting a Loved One With Dual Diagnosis

If someone you love is facing a dual diagnosis, you might feel helpless. But your support can be life-changing. Here’s how to help:

• Encourage them to seek professional treatment
• Avoid judgment or shame
• Learn about their conditions
• Attend family therapy or support groups
• Take care of your own mental health too

Family involvement is a key factor in long-term recovery. Involving loved ones in care improves outcomes and strengthens support networks.

What Comes Next?

Dual diagnosis is complex, but recovery is possible. With compassionate care, clinical expertise, and a plan tailored to your needs, healing begins.

Whether you’re just starting to seek help or looking for the next step after detox, we’re here to support you. At our dual diagnosis treatment facility, We Level Up Washington, you’re not alone.

Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs.We Level Up Washington: your next step starts here.