Co-occurring Disorders - Coastal Harbor Health System | Compassion Quality Excellence

Co-Occurring Disorders

Substance abuse is a debilitating disease that can adversely affect a person’s life if not treated. Unfortunately, for many substance abuse patients, this disease is also coupled with a mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Treatment for both diseases must be a coordinated team effort by both our psychiatric and substance abuse specialists. Relapse prevention education is important as it relates to both conditions since a return of symptoms in either one can trigger a relapse in the other. Patients with both mental health diagnoses and substance abuse problems are introduced to 12-step recovery programs. We highly encourage family involvement in the recovery process, as it greatly decreases the chance of relapse. Recovery is difficult, but it is very possible.