Top Reasons to Seek Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
Why Salem Needs Better Access to Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
Mental health and substance use often go hand in hand, especially in teens and young adults. Addressing what we call “co-occurring disorder,” or when someone experiences both a mental health condition and a substance use issue, requires integrated care. However, Salem, like much of Oregon, struggles with gaps in integrated care. And the barriers to care can make it difficult to start on the path to recovery.
This blog explores why co-occurring disorder treatment matters, signs it may be time to seek help, and how Insight Northwest Recovery (INR) supports clients in Salem, Eugene, and surrounding areas on the path to recovery.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders (also called dual diagnosis) occur when someone experiences both a mental health condition and a substance use issue at the same time. These conditions are closely linked and can influence each other in complex ways. Often, substance abuse issues can be a direct result of one or more mental health conditions.
Some common pairings include:
Anxiety combined with regular cannabis use
Depression paired with heavy alcohol consumption
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) alongside stimulant use.
This list is in no way exhaustive of the types of conditions and use that are commonly seen. In many cases, substance use begins as a way to cope with distressing symptoms, but over time, it can intensify those symptoms or create new challenges.
Treating both conditions together is essential.
If treatment focuses only on the mental health issue without addressing substance use, the person may relapse into unhealthy coping mechanisms. Likewise, focusing solely on substance use without treating underlying emotional pain can lead to worsening mental health symptoms. Integrated care (where both conditions are treated at the same time) offers the best chance for long-term recovery and stability.
What it comes down to is it is advantageous and the most effective course of treatment to address both at the same time.
Why Integrated Treatment Matters
In traditional care models, mental health and addiction services are treated separately, sometimes by different providers with little communication between them. This can create gaps in care, leaving underlying issues unaddressed and increasing the risk of relapse.
Integrated treatment, on the other hand, addresses both conditions at the same time, often within the same coordinated care team. This form of treatment often leads to more effective recovery. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), integrated treatment can reduce relapse risk by up to 25%.
The benefits of integrated care are wide-ranging.
Integrated treatment often combines therapy and psychiatry, ensuring emotional support is paired with appropriate medication management. It also blends skill building with peer support, giving individuals both practical tools and coping mechanisms, along with a sense of community.
Another key strength is coordination of care. Whereas traditional care models typically approach the mental health issue and substance abuse separately, during integrated treatment counselors, doctors, and support specialists work together, sharing insights and adjusting treatment plans as progress is made. This unified approach ensures that both the mental health condition and the substance use disorder are addressed together, leading to more stable and lasting recovery.
Salem’s Mental Health and Substance Use Landscape
Where to find co-occurring disorder treatment in Salem, accessing addiction support in Salem, and Salem mental health support in general are lacking. The truth is, there is a need for greater services.
Salem, like much of Oregon, faces significant challenges in meeting the demand for behavioral health services. Oregon ranks 49th in the nation for mental health access nationally, meaning many residents struggle to find timely, affordable care. This gap is especially concerning considering that Oregon's substance use rates are among the highest in the country.
For Salem residents struggling with a co-occurring disorder, accessing integrated care can be especially difficult. The lack of behavioral treatment services means major barriers to help. In fact, Salem residents often face long waitlists or travel for care, especially for co-occurring issues.
These barriers mean it is more difficult for Salem residents to find appropriate resources to help with recovery. However, we are proud to now offer all of our integrated treatment services in the Salem area.
Why INR Is a Trusted Resource for Salem Families
At INR, we offer Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment to those in Salem looking to regain control of their lives to start living a life they deserve free of substance dependence and addiction.
We believe this understanding is the key to providing effective drug and alcohol treatment. More often than not, these mental health conditions are deeply intertwined. Each person that walks through the doors or begins services at INR will enter into treatment programs that factor in the whole individual: your history, mental health conditions, drug or alcohol dependence, and most importantly, your goals for your future and your health.
INR treats clients ages 12+ with integrated care. We provide in-person and virtual PHP and IOP options to allow Salem families to access care without relocating.
Some highlights of our approach include:
Mental health-first focus
Co-occurring disorder specialization
Group, individual, family therapy
Medication management
The change we are capable of creating in our lives is amazing with the support of the proper resources. We have a highly experienced and compassionate treatment team that is here to help you take the next step on your road to recovery from alcohol or drug use.
Signs It’s Time to Seek Help
Recognizing when to reach out for mental health support or substance use treatment is the first step toward recovery.
For mental health concerns, warning signs can include persistent sadness or anxiety that doesn’t seem to improve. You might notice withdrawal from friends, family, or activities you once enjoyed. Difficulty sleeping or functioning at school or work can also be a warning sign.
When it comes to substance use, key indicators it’s time to seek help include increased use of alcohol, marijuana, or other substances, especially if it’s happening more frequently or in larger amounts. If you find yourself using substances to cope with or escape from emotions and feelings, it’s a strong sign to seek support. Other warning signs include legal or academic trouble, or health consequences and problems linked to substance use.
Whether you’re dealing with mental health challenges, substance use issues, or both, reaching out to a counselor, therapist, or treatment program can help you regain stability and build healthier coping strategies. You don’t have to wait for a crisis. Seeking help early when you notice these signs can be life-changing.
If you’re seeing multiple signs, it may be time for an integrated assessment.
How to Get Started with INR
Getting help with INR is designed to be simple and accessible in Salem and Eugene, where there are gaps in accessing care. The process begins with an easy virtual consultation from anywhere in Oregon, so you can connect with a provider from the comfort of your home. This first step allows the team to understand your needs and goals, without the stress of travel or long wait times.
From there, INR develops personalized care plans based on mental health and recovery needs. To help you overcome a co-occurring disorder, your plan will combine evidence-based therapies, skill-building, and ongoing support to help you make meaningful progress.
At INR, we work with teens, young adults, and adults at every step, ensuring you’ll have compassionate professionals to guide and encourage you during your healing journey.
Family involvement is encouraged because we recognize that loved ones can play a powerful role in recovery.
Getting started is just a call or click away, and it could be the first step toward lasting change.
Help Is Closer Than You Think
Mental health decline and substance use can feel daunting, especially for Oregon residents, who face barriers to care.
Co-occurring disorders require specialized care, and that care is available for Salem and Eugene residents. At INR, our goal is to help you find access to the care you need, despite these treatment barriers.
With INR’s integrated programs and virtual options, you don’t have to wait or travel far. Our virtual consultation option can help you find the right plan for you to start your healing journey right away.
Contact Insight Northwest Recovery today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healing.