When mental health and substance use overlap
Sometimes substance use begins as a way to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, sleep problems, or other difficult experiences.
At the same time, substance use can make emotional symptoms more complicated and make it harder to understand what is contributing to how you feel.
When both concerns are present, it is important to look at the whole picture rather than focusing on only one part of what you are experiencing.
When both concerns need attention
Mental health and substance use concerns can influence one another in different ways.
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress
- Difficulty understanding whether substance use or emotional symptoms came first
- Substance use and mental health symptoms affecting relationships or responsibilities
- Mental health symptoms becoming more difficult when substance use increases
- Repeated attempts to make changes without addressing both concerns
- Feeling overwhelmed by managing multiple concerns at the same time
How counseling may help
Counseling can help you explore mental health symptoms and substance use patterns together, including the triggers, emotions, situations, and behaviors that may connect them.
You can also work on healthier coping strategies, emotional regulation, relationships, stress management, and goals that support both your mental health and recovery.
Depending on your individual needs, counseling may be one part of a broader plan involving medical care, psychiatric support, medication, specialized substance use treatment, or other recovery services.
Dual diagnosis counseling in Tulsa and across Oklahoma
Exhale offers in-person counseling at Downtown Tulsa and South Tulsa, with virtual counseling available for eligible clients across Oklahoma.
Downtown Tulsa
1611 S Denver Ave, 74119
South Tulsa
7702 E 91st, Suite 225, 74133
Can’t make it in?
Teletherapy available statewide in Oklahoma
Questions about dual diagnosis counseling
Dual diagnosis is a commonly used term for experiencing a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time. These are also referred to as co-occurring disorders.
Many different mental health conditions can occur alongside substance use disorders, including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, and other mental health concerns.
There is not one answer that applies to everyone. Because mental health and substance use concerns can affect each other, coordinated care that considers both concerns is often recommended. The appropriate treatment plan depends on your individual needs.
Counseling can help address emotional concerns, substance use patterns, triggers, coping strategies, relationships, and recovery goals. Depending on your needs, additional medical, psychiatric, or specialized substance use treatment may also be appropriate.
Substance use and mental health concerns can interact in complicated ways. For some people, substances may temporarily feel like a way to cope while ultimately contributing to additional emotional, behavioral, or functional difficulties.
Virtual counseling may be available for eligible clients throughout Oklahoma. Whether online counseling is appropriate will depend on your symptoms, substance use concerns, safety, and the level of care you need.