Tailored for you
Living with both mental health and substance use disorders can be overwhelming. At Compassion Recovery Centers, our dual diagnosis treatment center in Orange County provides integrated, evidence-based care to treat both conditions together and support long-term recovery.
Today, there are over 18.5 million Americans with a substance use disorder. That’s some 5% of the total population.
Of the 328 million Americans included in an annual census, 1 in 5, or 21%, have a mental illness.
1 in 20, or some 5% of the full population has a serious mental illness.
Most Americans are aware that factors like mental illness increase risks of substance use disorders. But, few of us are prepared for the fact that more than 45% of persons with a substance use disorder also have a mental health disorder.
Dual Diagnosis, which you might know as “co-occurring disorder”, or “comorbid disorder”, is the fact of having two diagnoses, in this case: a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.
Any mental health disorder – A mental health disorder, of any severity, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, paranoia, borderline, etc.
A substance use disorder – Any substance use disorder, as characterized by reliance and seeking behavior on a substance.
Dual diagnosis is also more common than most of us think. We know that mental illnesses increase the risks of substance use disorder. We also know that the factors resulting in increased risks to substance use disorders increase risks for mental illnesses. But, almost half of all persons with a substance use disorder have a dual diagnosis.
According to the National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health, 3.8% of the total U.S. population has a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. In fact, that’s 9.5 million Americans with a co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness and 9.7 million people with a substance use disorder and no mental illness.
While, the more serious the mental illness, the worse the risks, any mental illness exacerbates risks of substance use disorder. 1.5 million people with a substance use disorder and a mental illness had a severe mental illness in 2020. The other 2 million fall under classifications of “AMI”.
At Compassion Recovery, we know that dual diagnosis occurs, and it occurs a lot. Yet, it also gets in the way of traditional treatment. You can’t treat a mental health disorder through addiction and withdrawal. But, you can’t wait to treat it until after you’ve treated the substance use disorder, because chances of relapse are high. You need a comprehensive dual-diagnosis program, tailored to your specific needs, and updated throughout your treatment to ensure you get the help you need.
Most of our clients pay $0 out of pocket. Speak with our team about your options.
Our Program Defined
We strive to offer the best treatment experience and believe that through our proven program, that we can help you not only overcome mental illness, but achieve a fulfilling life full of gratitude and compassion beyond what seems possible at the beginning of your path to recovery.
Discover the wide range of services available at Compassion Recovery Centers in Orange County, California. Whether it’s substance abuse recovery or mental health support, we offer personalized treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring effective and compassionate care. Learn more
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Substance use disorders have always been strongly linked to mental health disorders. That makes sense when you consider that both often cause impulsivity, isolation, social ostracism, feelings of self-loathing, depression, and reckless behavior.
If someone is raised in an environment where they feel low self-worth or with a mental illness that makes them more prone to reckless decision-making, they are significantly more likely to become addicted.
Some of the most common mental illnesses that overlap with substance use disorder include:
These are all characterized by feelings of hopelessness, inability to enjoy anything, panic, distress, constant worry, elevated stress, and intense mood swings. However, this is just one tiny facet of a very complicated thing. Substance use disorders are impacted by dozens of causes ranging from genetics to epigenetics, exposure, nurture and upbringing, mental health, stress levels, and much more. Mental health is impacted by many of the same things. So, you also have the concept that substance use disorders and mental health disorders share many of the same triggers. For example, the Adverse Childhood Experiences study tracked over 90,000 people to assess vulnerability to addiction, mental illness, and physical illness and found that experiencing traumatic events as a child increases your risks of all three.
Anyone with a mental health disorder has a significantly increased risk of substance use disorder. This increase in vulnerability doesn’t mean it’s certain you will become addicted, but it means it’s more likely. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that 16.6% of all adults are likely to abuse substances in some fashion. That goes up to 38.8 person for person with any mental illness and 49.4% for those with a severe mental illness. Of course, mental health problems increase risks of substance abuse in many ways. Two of the primary risk categories within this group are self-medication and the fact that substance abuse worsens existing mental health symptoms.
Everything starts with the evaluation. During the evaluation, our team will work with you to determine which course of treatment is the best option and make recommendations for the level of care that will prove most successful for your situation.
For example: If unsteady family dynamics or bad communication led to an unsupportive environment for mental health conditions, or our medical team suspects that genetic factors might be a play for existing mental health problems, finding the proper mixture of family therapy, individual therapy, and medication can help you manage ongoing mental health illnesses while also overcoming drug and alcohol addiction.
Substance abuse is bad for your physical and mental health. Most of us know what it’s like to feel a hangover. But, when you abuse a substance every day, you get that result every day. People who rely on substances feel bad. That means lethargy, fatigue, headache, sore muscles, aching joints, and slow thought processes. Substance abuse also often gets in the way of getting enough sleep. Drug abuse also exacerbates issues like emotional blunting, psychosis, paranoia, and personality disorders. In fact, substance use disorders also cause issues that mimic many mental heatlh disorders by deregulating and changing how serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters are produced in the brain. That’s why a mental illness diagnosis requires that the symptoms appeared before the substance use disorder – because substance use disorders often mimic those symptoms.
A mental illness vastly complicates traditional rehab. Instead, both conflict with each other and with treatment. Mental illness often leaves individuals demotivated, unwilling to seek treatment, and unable to change. Taking the steps to treat a dual diagnosis means assessing the individual and building a program that starts with the most pressing problems and moves forward from there. That normally looks a bit like this:
Treating symptoms causing a danger to health or life. E.g., trauma therapy for persons with suicidal ideation and detox for persons at risk of an overdose.
Treating cravings and delivering behavioral therapy that aims to lower relapse rates and increase overall effectiveness.
Building important life skills and behaviors to ensure success in the real world once you leave treatment.
EXCELLENT Based on 48 reviews Posted on Melissa CaldwellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Caring and understanding staffPosted on Daniel MTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best IOP center in Orange County for a reason. Compassion made recovery possible for me—without stepping into a facility. Their virtual care was personal, flexible, and truly supportive. They saw me as a whole person, not just a patient. Can’t thank them enough.Posted on Maza HoldingsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Have a bit more to say about this IOP but in summary really grateful for Josh, Dr JP and their team of doctors and group facilitators for helping me through a difficult situation. I needed to work around my schdule with family and kids and their program was perfect for me. Maybe it's not ideal for everyone but for me it was exactly what I needed. The whole process from intake, insurance verification, admission, scheduling, I was kept up to date on everything. I met with the Doctor and he was very knowledgeable, spent an hour with me which was what I needed, someone and a program to show that they care. Would recommend this IOP to anyone who struggles with mental health and needs some support and doesn't want to drastically change their life commitments at the time. Thank you Josh and thank you Compassion IOP.Posted on Tara EdwardsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a licensed therapist, I hold high standards when it comes to mental health care—and Compassion Recovery consistently exceeds them. I’ve had the privilege of referring clients to this facility, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the depth of care, clinical excellence, and integrity they bring to every aspect of treatment. The staff are well-trained snd lead with empathy and a genuine commitment to long-term healing. Their multidisciplinary team collaborates seamlessly to support clients through complex diagnoses and co-occurring disorders. What impresses me most is Compassion Recovery’s ability to meet clients where they are, while gently challenging them toward meaningful change. The therapeutic environment is safe, structured, and profoundly supportive—ideal for real transformation to take place. As a clinician, I trust Compassion Recovery implicitly and will continue to refer clients here without hesitation. They are truly setting the standard for compassionate, effective mental health care.Posted on Brenda RoneyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you're struggling and looking for real genuine support in your recovery journey, Compassion Recovery Centers makes getting the help you need accessible and convenient. For the past 3 months, I have been a part of the Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and have witnessed personalized care, encouragement, and an incredibly skilled staff. This isn't just another program - it's a community that creates a warm, welcoming, safe place where you will never be alone during your healing process. Everyone deserves this level of support.Posted on Carlos CervantesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I want to share that this IOP program is amazing! The people who work there and are in charge have their client’s best interest at heart. Recommend to anyone needing help with mental health and/or substance use disorders. Again, great program lead by great people!Posted on Mike MagallanesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started IOP with an open mind and was surprised on day one how Kendal made me feel welcomed. I felt that this program could work and it did. Thank you Kendal for all the tools and perspective and the extra effort you made to find a way to help each individual. Thank you Gilbert for your ability to help those of us who needed special assistance on any given night and thank you Tara for offering me such a safe space and helping me find out a bit about myself. Thanks to these wonderful people I feel like I'm going to be OK! P.S. A shout out the the night groupies! Always rooting for you.Posted on Lorena WadeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Josh, the owner of Compassion Recovery Centers, truly lives up to the name—his kindness, empathy, and dedication to helping others are unmatched. He genuinely cares about every person who reaches out, offering support and hope even if they don’t end up admitting to his program. That kind of selfless compassion is rare and speaks volumes about the impact he has on those in need. If you’re looking for a place that truly prioritizes people and their well-being, Compassion Recovery Centers is an incredible resource.Posted on wendyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Compassion is a Gem. Their virtual program is super convenient, amazing therapists, team, and overall amazing experience. I am a very busy person and this program is great for people with busy lives that need care. The whole team is amazing and is run very well. I Would highly recommend. Dr. Haidak is the BEST!
Your path to recovery starts here
From our licensed staff, dedication to personalized treatment, and years of expertise in treating alcohol use disorders to our beautiful rehab center in Laguna Beach, Compassion Recovery Centers strives to offer the best possible recovery experience. That means good support, evidence-backed treatment, compassionate staff, medical expertise, family support, and plenty of activities to keep you engaged, relaxed, and happy. Recovery should be about improving yourself, and we are committed to making that enjoyable and sustainable.
Compassion Recovery is here to help you take the steps to recovery. Whether you’re ready to start detox or are ready to move right into therapy, we can help with a comprehensive and fully customized plan designed around your needs. Contact us today to learn more.
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We are 100% in Network Provider. Most of our clients pay $0 out of pocket.