Dual diagnosis treatment centers Colorado

When someone is living with a mental health condition, the symptoms can be exhausting, disruptive, and difficult to manage. In an effort to cope, many people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to ease discomfort or escape overwhelming thoughts. For example, a person with anxiety may use opioids to feel calmer, while someone with depression might turn to stimulants to boost energy or mood.

While this kind of self-medicating may bring short-term relief, it often makes the situation worse over time. Symptoms can intensify, new ones may develop, and psychiatric medications may become less effective. Many people find themselves stuck in a cycle of relapse, unable to break free from substance use while their mental health continues to decline.

Mental health conditions can also affect judgment, making it harder to think clearly, weigh risks, or make healthy decisions. This can lead to dangerous behavior and increase the chances of addiction taking hold. That’s why it’s so important to seek professional treatment that addresses both disorders together.

Regular use of drugs or alcohol can alter brain chemistry in ways that contribute to serious psychological symptoms. For example, when substance use reduces dopamine production, a person may begin to feel emotionally flat or depressed and need increasing amounts just to feel normal.

For those taking psychiatric medication, alcohol or drug use can interfere with how well those medications work. It may also cover up underlying issues, making it harder to understand what’s really going on or to get an accurate diagnosis.

In some cases, alcohol addiction or other forms of substance use disorder can directly cause symptoms like anxiety, paranoia, or personality changes. Long-term use affects how the brain functions and can lead to problems that didn’t exist before the addiction began.

While any mental illness can occur alongside addiction, certain conditions are seen more frequently in individuals with a dual diagnosis. Some of the most common include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• PTSD
• ADHD
• Depression
• Eating disorders

Substances commonly involved in co-occurring disorders include alcohol, tobacco, opioids, stimulants, marijuana, and prescription medications.

The first step in dual diagnosis treatment is a comprehensive assessment. This helps us understand what you’re dealing with, including any mental health symptoms and patterns of substance use. From there, we can build a plan that addresses both at the same time.

Our team looks for conditions like bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other issues that often occur with substance use. Based on what we find, we’ll recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include a mental health treatment program, addiction services, or both.

Getting the right mental health treatment early on can make a big difference in how stable and effective the rest of your care is. The goal is to get you the support you actually need—not just for short-term relief, but for long-term progress.

For some individuals, treatment begins with a medically supervised detox. This is often necessary when withdrawal symptoms are expected to be severe or potentially risky. In a detox setting, you’ll receive 24/7 care from medical professionals who monitor your symptoms and help keep you safe and stable.

When someone is living with co-occurring disorders, detox can be more challenging. Symptoms related to both conditions may overlap or intensify during this time. Our team is equipped to manage these situations, providing medication, counseling, and close support throughout the process to prepare you for the next phase of care.

Many people with a dual diagnosis benefit from spending time in a residential setting. When someone is managing a substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health challenges, they often need an integrated treatment plan that ensures both conditions are treated simultaneously.

A typical treatment program is built around what’s found in the initial assessment. It’s designed to treat both substance use disorders and the mental health concerns that may be contributing to the problem.

Dual diagnosis treatment often includes individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy, along with evidence-based approaches like dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies help uncover the root causes of addiction and emotional struggles, rather than just focusing on symptoms.

Many residential programs also include holistic treatments like yoga, mindfulness, outdoor activities, and animal-assisted therapy. These experiences promote holistic healing, reduce stress, and support lasting coping skills.

Living in a supportive environment gives people a chance to reset, stabilize, and focus on healing. Recreational outings, peer connection, and structured days also play a role. Whether someone is dealing with substance abuse, alcohol abuse, or broader behavioral health issues, this type of care supports the whole person—not just the diagnosis.

Outpatient care at dual diagnosis treatment centers gives people different ways to stay engaged in treatment while living at home. For those dealing with co-occurring disorders, programs with more structure tend to be the most helpful.

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is the most intensive option outside of full-time care. It can feel a lot like inpatient treatment, but you head home in the evenings. Most PHPs run five days a week and are designed to treat both mental health problems and drug addiction at the same time.

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is more flexible than PHP. It usually includes three sessions a week, each lasting a few hours. This setup lets you keep up with work, school, or other responsibilities while still getting consistent support. Family involvement is encouraged during this time, since repairing relationships and building trust can help keep things steady outside of treatment.

Outpatient dual diagnosis treatment centers use proven behavioral therapies to treat co-occurring disorders. These therapies help you learn how to manage emotions, reduce stress, and deal with cravings in real time.

You’ll also work on everyday life skills, things like communication, budgeting, and creating routines that help you feel more in control. This part of the recovery process matters just as much as therapy and helps set the foundation for long-term success.

Some diagnosis treatment centers focus only on mental health or addiction, but treatment centers that offer dual diagnosis care are built to handle both. Getting help in a place that understands how these issues connect can make a big difference.