When someone struggles with both mental health challenges and substance use, the road to recovery can feel complicated and overwhelming. But you’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not broken. At Shanti Recovery and Wellness, we specialize in compassionate, whole-person care through co-occurring disorder treatment in Portland.
We understand that healing is rarely about treating just one issue. Often, substance use is tightly woven into a person’s emotional or psychological pain. That’s why we approach recovery by addressing both sides of the story: addiction and mental health, together.
Facing Both Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Together
The term “co-occurring disorders” refers to when someone experiences a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time. This is also commonly known as a dual diagnosis. For example, a person may be living with alcohol addiction and depression, or they might be managing anxiety while also struggling with opioid dependence.
These conditions often interact in complex ways. Mental health symptoms can lead someone to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, while prolonged substance use can worsen or even trigger mental health challenges. The combination can create a vicious cycle that’s difficult to break without help, but breaking that cycle is possible.
According to the National Library of Medicine, research over the past two decades has revealed a significant population in the U.S. living with both mental health and substance use disorders. It’s estimated that up to 10 million Americans experience co-occurring mental illness and substance use challenges within any given year.
At Shanti, we meet you where you are. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your symptoms or have been dealing with overlapping issues for years, our team is here to support you with care that’s personalized, evidence-based, and rooted in empathy.
Common Mental Health Conditions That Overlap With Addiction
For many people, substance use starts as a way to cope with symptoms like anxiety, depression, or intrusive thoughts. Over time, that coping mechanism can spiral into dependency, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break without support. That’s why co-occurring disorder treatment in Portland is so important: it addresses both the mental health and substance use challenges together. While any mental health condition can co-occur with substance use, some are more commonly linked to addiction than others.
Here are a few of the most frequent combinations we see in our treatment programs:
Depression and Alcohol or Opioid Use
People living with depression often turn to substances to dull emotional pain or feel a temporary sense of relief. Alcohol and opioids, both central nervous system depressants, can create short-term comfort but ultimately worsen depressive symptoms over time.
Anxiety Disorders and Stimulant or Alcohol Use
Chronic anxiety can lead to restlessness, panic attacks, and trouble sleeping. Some people may use alcohol to calm their nerves, while others may misuse stimulants to manage fatigue or focus, either of which can quickly turn into dependency.
Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use
The extreme highs and lows of bipolar disorder can push individuals toward substances during both manic and depressive episodes. This pairing can be particularly dangerous, as drugs and alcohol can amplify mood swings and increase the risk of harm.
PTSD and Substance Use
Many individuals with trauma histories develop PTSD and use substances to numb memories, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts. The connection between trauma and addiction is strong, but with the right support, recovery is absolutely within reach.
ADHD and Misuse of Stimulants or Alcohol
People with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) may misuse substances like Adderall, or they might drink to help calm mental overstimulation. When left untreated, ADHD can lead to impulsive decisions that increase the risk of addiction.
These are just a few of the combinations we treat. Each person’s story is different, and that’s why we build a care plan that reflects your experience, not someone else’s.
Why Integrated Treatment Is the Gold Standard
If only one side of a dual diagnosis is treated, say, addiction without addressing underlying anxiety, the untreated symptoms often lead to relapse. That’s why integrated care is so critical. In co-occurring disorder treatment in Portland, we bring together mental health professionals, addiction specialists, psychiatrists, and therapists to work as one team.
Our approach isn’t about punishment or blame. We don’t ask, “What’s wrong with you?” Instead, we ask, “What happened to you?” and “How can we help?”
Here’s why our integrated model matters:
- Better diagnosis, better outcomes: Treating addiction and mental health together allows us to understand how one condition influences the other.
- One treatment plan, one team: You don’t have to bounce between different providers. Our team works collaboratively, under one roof (or through telehealth), to support your full healing.
- Reduced risk of relapse: When both issues are addressed, long-term recovery becomes more sustainable.
- Greater self-understanding: Integrated treatment helps you uncover the why behind substance use, building self-awareness and emotional resilience along the way.
What to Expect From Our Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
Choosing to get help for both mental health and substance use is a powerful act of courage. At Shanti Recovery and Wellness, we make sure that the first step feels safe, supportive, and judgment-free. That’s why we’ve simplified the process to make it as supportive and transparent as possible.
Step 1: A Judgment-Free Evaluation
Your journey begins with a one-on-one assessment. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your symptoms, and explore both mental health and substance use concerns. This helps us accurately identify any dual diagnosis issues and determine the best path forward.
Step 2: Personalized, Whole-Person Care
From there, we develop a plan that combines therapy, psychiatry, medication (when appropriate), and holistic supports. Whether you’re receiving care for depression and alcohol use, or for PTSD and opioid dependency, your treatment plan is built around your needs.
Step 3: Ongoing Support That Doesn’t End After Treatment
Recovery isn’t a single moment; it’s an ongoing process, and we’re here to support you throughout it. After the initial phase of treatment, we continue to provide regular follow-ups, psychiatric care, and medication management to help you stay balanced and supported as you move forward.
Services Available at Shanti for Dual Diagnosis
Effective treatment for co-occurring disorders requires more than just addressing symptoms; it demands a connected, compassionate approach that treats the whole person. At Shanti Recovery and Wellness, we offer a full range of outpatient services that work in harmony to support both mental health and addiction recovery:
- Adult Psychiatry: Work with experienced mental health doctors who can assess, diagnose, and treat mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and more.
- Suboxone Treatment: For those living with opioid addiction, Suboxone can provide safe, effective relief while supporting long-term recovery.
- TMS Therapy: For individuals with treatment-resistant depression or anxiety, TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) offers a medication-free option that stimulates healing in the brain.
- Adolescent Psychiatry: Teens experiencing both emotional and substance-related challenges receive age-appropriate care from compassionate professionals.
- In-Person & Telehealth Options: We make care accessible, whether you prefer to come into our Portland office or receive support from home.
Every service is delivered by a team that truly cares, because at Shanti, you’re never just a diagnosis or a file. You’re a whole person, worthy of respect, hope, and healing.
Start Your Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment in Portland Today
You don’t have to choose between treating your addiction and your anxiety. Your trauma or your depression. You deserve care that sees the full picture and helps you heal from it all.
If you or someone you love is struggling with overlapping mental health and substance use challenges, do not hesitate to reach out. Our compassionate providers are here to help you take the first step, whether that’s a conversation, an assessment, or simply learning more about your options.
Contact us today to learn more about our co-occurring disorder treatment in Portland, and discover how we can support you or your loved one through a path of lasting recovery and emotional wellness.
