Alcohol Use Disorder and Co-Occurring Disorders

Alcohol misuse frequently goes hand in hand with other mental health conditions. Many individuals with alcohol use disorder are “self-medicating” emotional pain such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) emphasizes that alcohol use disorder often co-occurs with other mental health disorders – in other words, it’s common to have a dual diagnosis of AUD and another psychiatric disorder. The most common mental health conditions seen alongside AUD include “depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma- and stress-related disorders, other substance use disorders, and sleep disorders.”

When an individual has co-occurring disorders, it’s crucial to treat both the addiction and the mental health disorder together. Focusing on only one while neglecting the other often leads to incomplete recovery or relapse. With comprehensive treatment, individuals with dual diagnoses can and do recover. Professional advice notes that “the likelihood of recovery from both conditions is higher if both the AUD and the co-occurring mental health disorder are treated” (NIAAA).

Mind Therapy Clinic’s Integrated Care Approach

At Mind Therapy Clinic, our approach to addiction treatment is rooted in an integrated care model that addresses substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously, while providing comprehensive support to both individuals and their loved ones. Our multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, addiction specialists, and family therapists who collaborate to treat the whole person.

We offer a broad spectrum of services tailored to meet clients where they are in their recovery journey:

Individual Therapy

Clients can work one-on-one with a therapist who specializes in substance use disorder assessment and recovery. This is ideal for individuals who are exploring their relationship with alcohol, or for those who have already decided they want to make a change in their drinking habits.

Psychiatric Assessment and Medication Management

Clients may meet with psychiatrists who are board-certified or experienced in Addiction Psychiatry or Addiction Medicine. These clinicians can evaluate the role of medications in reducing cravings and preventing relapse. Emerging treatments are showing promise in helping individuals reduce their alcohol use safely and effectively.

Family Therapy and Coaching

For family members and friends of someone struggling with alcohol misuse—especially when that person is not yet acknowledging a problem—working with an MTC family therapist can be one of the most effective approaches. These sessions focus on education about addiction and recovery, and offer coaching on communication strategies, boundary-setting, and how best to support a loved one.

Substance Use Groups

Clients may benefit from joining therapy groups focused on alcohol and substance use, including:

These groups offer peer support and therapist-guided skills training in a safe and confidential environment.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

For individuals needing more intensive treatment, IOP and PHP provide structured, daily support. These programs are designed to:

  1. Help individuals explore their relationship to alcohol and decide whether they want to make a change.
  2. Support early recovery for those who have already committed to change.

MTC’s IOP/PHP includes:

  • Group therapy focused on substance abuse, relapse prevention, emotional regulation, and coping skills.
  • Individual therapy, psychiatric care, and medication management.
  • Case management and recovery coaching, where clients learn about the neurobiology of addiction, identify triggers, and develop concrete strategies for change.
  • Family therapy support, as described above, integrated into the care plan.

E Street House: Supportive Sober Living

For clients enrolled in our IOP or PHP, E Street House offers a sober living environment with additional support. This residence adds a layer of protection and structure that can be essential for early recovery, especially for those transitioning from residential treatment or needing a more immersive recovery community.

If you’re unsure whether alcohol may be a problem in your life or someone else’s, consider taking a confidential self-assessment to learn more.

To learn more about how alcohol use disorder affects families, see our post on how alcohol misuse impacts families and relationships.

Impact of Alcohol Misuse on Families and Relationships

Understanding the impact of alcohol misuse on families and relationships is a central theme of Alcohol Awareness Month. When one person struggles with alcohol abuse, their loved ones often struggle as well. In this post, we will explore how alcohol misuse affects family systems and why family members need support and education.

How Alcohol Impacts Families

Alcohol use disorder doesn’t only affect the individual – it impacts the entire family. Families with alcohol and drug problems usually have high levels of stress and confusion (SAMHSA). Living with someone who misuses alcohol can create an environment of chronic tension, instability, and even trauma. The CDC warns that excessive drinking can harm those around the individual, leading to “relationship strain, added emotional stressors, and financial challenges.” Spouses or partners may feel hurt, isolated, or helpless as trust erodes. Children in these families often experience uncertainty, neglect, or emotional turmoil. In fact, parental alcohol use disorder affected about 12.8 million children in the U.S, or roughly 18% of all children nationwide (UMich). These children are at higher risk for academic, social, and behavioral problems, and a high-stress family environment is a known risk factor for future substance use and mental health issues in youth.

The Importance of Family Support

When families receive support, they’re better able to care for themselves and more effectively support a loved one’s journey toward recovery. Family therapy, education programs, and peer support groups can help loved ones develop healthier coping strategies, rebuild trust, and set boundaries. These resources offer a space for family members to share their experiences, learn about the nature of addiction, and begin to shift damaging dynamics. When families are informed and supported, they are better equipped to help their loved one seek treatment while also protecting their own mental and emotional well-being.

You Are Not Alone

As we observe Alcohol Awareness Month, let’s not forget the ripple effects alcohol misuse can have on the people closest to us. Acknowledging these impacts is the first step toward healing. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or someone you care about, remember that recovery is not a path walked alone. Support is available—for individuals and for families.

If you’re unsure whether alcohol may be a problem in your life or someone else’s, consider taking a confidential self-assessment to learn more.

To better understand the connection between alcohol use and mental health, visit our resource on alcohol and co-occurring disorders.