What are co-occurring disorders?

Co-occurring disorders, or dual diagnosis, occur when a person experiences both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder simultaneously.

What are signs I need dual diagnosis treatment?

Key signs include using substances to cope, worsening symptoms in sobriety, and difficulty functioning day-to-day despite treatment attempts.

Does Journey Hillside offer dual diagnosis treatment?

Yes, Journey Hillside Tarzana specializes in integrated dual diagnosis treatment for clients struggling with both mental health and substance use.

5 Warning Signs You Need Dual Diagnosis Help

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Living with a mental health disorder is already challenging. Add substance use to the mix, and things become even more complex. This condition is known as co-occurring disorders, or dual diagnosis, where an individual struggles with both a mental health condition and substance use disorder (SUD). The signs aren’t always obvious—and they often go untreated. Knowing when to seek help can be the key to recovery.

At Journey Hillside Tarzana, we specialize in treating dual diagnosis clients with the compassionate, customized care they deserve. Here are five signs it’s time to reach out for help.

1. Using Substances to Cope with Mental Health Symptoms

If drugs or alcohol are being used to mask symptoms like anxiety, depression, trauma, or mood swings, it’s more than just substance use—it’s self-medication. This is a major red flag for co-occurring disorders.
Over time, self-medication worsens both conditions. The substances dull emotional pain temporarily, but the underlying mental health issues remain unresolved—and often get worse.

Ask Yourself:

Do I drink or use drugs when I’m feeling low, anxious, or overwhelmed?
Do I feel like I need substances to function?

2. Mental Health Symptoms Worsen in Sobriety

In some cases, mental health symptoms intensify when substances wear off. This is common with conditions like bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and depression.

When you or a loved one tries to stop using, the untreated mental illness becomes more noticeable—and painful.

Without proper support, this can lead to relapse.

Journey Hillside Approach:

Our dual diagnosis program provides psychiatric care, evidence-based therapy (like CBT and DBT), and medication management tailored to each individual’s needs.

3. Difficulty Managing Daily Responsibilities

Dual diagnosis often makes it difficult to function day-to-day. You may notice:

Missing work or school
Neglecting hygiene or basic self-care
Damaged relationships due to erratic behavior
Inability to maintain responsibilities

This functional decline signals that both the substance use and mental health symptoms are interfering with life—and professional support is urgently needed.

Receive Guidance, Call Now

(877) 414-1024

4. A History of Failed Treatment Attempts

Have you or your loved one been to rehab before, only to relapse shortly after? Often, this happens when the mental health component is not adequately addressed.

Treating addiction without treating the underlying mental health condition is like putting a bandage on a deep wound. True healing requires an integrated approach.

At Journey Hillside, we provide comprehensive psychiatric assessments and offer specialty treatment tracks—like our Professionals Program or Trauma-Informed Track—to ensure every layer of the disorder is treated.

5. You Feel Hopeless, Numb, or Constantly Overwhelmed

If emotional numbness, hopelessness, or chronic stress have become your default state, and substance use is part of your coping toolbox, you’re not alone—but you are at risk.

These emotional patterns are common in people with depression, anxiety, and PTSD—and they often go hand-in-hand with substance use.

Supportive Healing Starts Here:

Journey Hillside provides a nurturing, boutique environment where clients can stabilize, feel heard, and begin to believe in themselves again.

Why Choose Journey Hillside for Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment?

Luxury setting in the hills of Tarzana, CA

Integrated dual diagnosis treatment
Small client-to-staff ratio for personalized care
Holistic therapies like yoga, EMDR, and nutrition
Experienced clinical and psychiatric team
Private admissions consultations for families and professionals

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Co-occurring disorders can feel like a constant tug-of-war—but with the right help, recovery is possible. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or a loved one, the team at Journey Hillside is here to walk with you every step of the way. Dial (877) 414-1024 today.

Learn how to recognize the top five signs of co-occurring disorders, including self-medication with drugs or alcohol, worsening mental health symptoms in sobriety, and difficulty functioning in daily life. Discover how Journey Hillside Tarzana offers personalized dual diagnosis care to support recovery.