Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment Matters
Mental health and addiction often feed into each other. Anxiety can lead to drinking. Trauma can lead to drug use. Depression can make recovery feel impossible. And untreated addiction can make mental health symptoms worse.
Trying to treat one problem without addressing the other often leads to relapse, frustration, and feeling stuck.
At True Healing Centers in Cincinnati, our dual diagnosis program treats both mental health conditions and substance use disorders at the same time—so you can finally stabilize, understand what’s driving your symptoms, and begin real, lasting recovery.
Struggling with both mental health and substance use?
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team can help you understand what’s going on and guide you toward the right level of care.
Call (513) 643-9118 or visit us today.
What Dual Diagnosis Really Is
Dual diagnosis means someone has:
A mental health disorder
and
A substance use disorder
at the same time.
Both conditions interact and must be treated together for progress to last.
Review our dual diagnosis treatment programs designed to match what you’re going through — whether you need medical help, daily structure, or flexible therapy you can balance with life.
Common Mental Health Conditions We Treat
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Trauma & PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Mood swings or emotional instability
- Stress or burnout
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive thoughts or compulsions
Common Substance Use Disorders We Treat
- Alcohol addiction
- Opioid use disorder
- Benzodiazepine dependence
- Stimulant addiction
- Marijuana dependence
- Polysubstance use
Examples of Dual Diagnosis
These are some of the most common combinations we see:
- Anxiety + Alcohol Use (using alcohol to calm nerves)
- PTSD + Opioids (using drugs to numb pain or memories)
- Depression + Stimulants (using stimulants to “function”)
- Bipolar Disorder + Alcohol (instability fuels relapse)
- Trauma + Benzodiazepines (using pills to stay calm)
Dual diagnosis looks different for everyone, but the pattern is similar: mental health struggles drive substance use, and substance use intensifies the mental health symptoms.
Signs & Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis can be hard to identify because symptoms overlap. Here’s what to look for:
Emotional & Mental Signs
- Feeling constantly overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed
- Losing interest in things you once enjoyed
- Mood swings or irritability
- Racing thoughts or trouble concentrating
- Feeling disconnected, numb, or hopeless
Behavioral Signs
- Drinking or using drugs to cope
- Isolating or withdrawing from people
- Risk-taking or impulsive behavior
- Trouble managing responsibilities
- Using substances even when it causes problems
Physical Signs
- Poor sleep
- Appetite changes
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Shakiness or withdrawal symptoms
If you’re experiencing any mix of these signs, integrated treatment can help.
Who Is at Risk for Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis can affect anyone, but risk is higher for adults who:
- Have a history of trauma or PTSD
- Struggle with intense stress or chronic anxiety
- Grew up around substance use
- Have a family history of mental health disorders
- Developed an addiction after trying to self-medicate
- Have untreated depression or mood disorders
- Experience chronic pain and use substances to cope
- Have experienced major life changes or loss
Understanding your risk is the first step toward getting the right treatment.
How Treatment Works Here: A Plan Tailored To You and Built With You
At True Healing Centers, we don’t hand you a one-size-fits-all plan. We sit with you, listen to what you’ve been carrying, and design a treatment path that fits your symptoms, your goals, and your life. Your therapist, psychiatric provider, and case manager all work together to create a plan you can actually stick with — one that treats your mental health and substance use at the same time.
Levels of Care That Meet You Where You Are in Recovery
Finding the right support shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Our dual diagnosis programs are designed to match what you’re going through — whether you need medical help, daily structure, or flexible therapy you can balance with life.
Medical Detox — A Safe Start When Withdrawal Feels Scary
For people who need help getting substances out of their system safely.
Clients are monitored by medical staff, kept comfortable, and supported through withdrawal so they can stabilize before deeper work begins.
Best fit for: Anyone experiencing physical dependence, dangerous withdrawal symptoms, or repeated relapse when trying to quit alone.
Residential Treatment — 24/7 Care When Life Feels Unmanageable
A structured, supportive living environment for people who need round-the-clock care.
Clients receive daily therapy, psychiatric support, and a calm space away from triggers at home.
Best fit for: Individuals with severe symptoms, unsafe or stressful home environments, or people needing an immersive reset.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) — Full-Day Treatment Without Overnight Stay
A step below inpatient care but still highly structured.
Clients spend most of the day in therapy, groups, and psychiatry sessions, then return home or to sober living at night.
Best fit for: People who need intensive support but can stay safe at home and want more independence than residential care.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) — Strong Support With More Flexibility
IOP blends structure with real-life balance.
Clients attend therapy several days per week while keeping up with work, school, or parenting.
Best fit for: Those who don’t need full-day treatment but still need consistent support for symptoms, triggers, or early recovery.
Outpatient Program (OP) — Staying Connected as You Build Stability
Weekly therapy, medication management, and check-ins help clients stay on track as life becomes more stable.
Best fit for: People who are transitioning out of IOP/PHP and want to maintain progress without a large time commitment.
Addiction Aftercare & Case Management — Long-Term Guidance and Relapse Prevention
Support doesn’t end when the program does.
Clients receive ongoing help with relapse prevention, employment, housing needs, community resources, and continuing therapy.
Best fit for: Anyone rebuilding their life, navigating stress, or wanting a planned path forward after formal treatment.
Therapies Used in Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Our dual diagnosis program integrates evidence-based therapies and psychiatric care:
Evidence-Based Treatments
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)— Helps you notice unhelpful thoughts and build healthier coping skills.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- — Teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindful communication.
- EMDR-Informed Trauma Therapy — Supports reprocessing traumatic memories so they feel less overwhelming.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) — Builds motivation for change through supportive, non-judgmental conversations.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) — Uses safe medications to reduce cravings and stabilize withdrawal.
- Psychiatric Assessment & Medication Management — Provides diagnoses and ongoing medication support to manage mental health symptoms.
Group & Individual Counseling
We combine holistic group therapy with individual therapy sessions to help clients build skills, process emotions, and stay grounded throughout recovery.
- Emotional regulation skills
- Relapse prevention
- Coping skills development
- Trauma processing
- Education and skill-building
Mindfulness practices
Wellness and lifestyle support
Breathing and grounding techniques
Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment Near Cincinnati, Ohio
True Healing Centers provides dual diagnosis treatment for adults across:
- Cincinnati
- Hamilton County
- Butler County
- Warren County
- Northern Kentucky
Whether you’re coming from Norwood, Mason, West Chester, or the surrounding areas, supportive care is close by.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment FAQ
Treatment that addresses mental health and addiction at the same time.
If you use substances to cope with emotional or mental symptoms — dual diagnosis may be appropriate.
Yes. We verify benefits quickly and confidentially.
If you experience withdrawal symptoms or daily use, detox may be the safest first step.
Often within 24 hours. Our admissions team is available daily.
Start Your Recovery Today
Healing is possible — and you don’t have to do it alone. True Healing Centers offers integrated, compassionate care for adults ready to address both mental health and addiction together.
Call (513) 643-9118 or visit us today.
