Polysubstance Abuse and Mental Health: How Sanford Behavioral Health Provides Dual Diagnosis Care
Living with addiction is challenging on its own, but when multiple substances and mental health struggles are involved, recovery can become even more complicated. Polysubstance abuse—the use of three or more substances either at the same time or in sequence—often leads to serious health concerns, difficult withdrawal, and worsening psychiatric symptoms.
Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are especially common in those with polysubstance use. These conditions can lead individuals to substance use as a way to cope, creating a cycle that can quickly escalate. Without treatment, that cycle may develop into a substance use disorder (SUD) and contribute to long-term mental health conditions.
At Sanford Behavioral Health in Michigan, patients have access to compassionate and professional care. Our treatment center specializes in treatment for co-occurring disorders, offering integrated addiction treatment programs and a strong continuum of care to help patients and their families achieve lasting stability.
Understanding the link between polysubstance abuse and mental health
Polysubstance use and mental health are deeply connected. When someone struggles with more than one substance, it can make feelings of sadness, worry, or fear even more difficult to manage. Symptoms may become more severe and interfere with daily life.
Common psychiatric symptoms linked to polysubstance use include:
- Mood swings that feel unpredictable or extreme
- Paranoia or suspicious thinking
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors
- Heightened anxiety and restlessness
- Intensified symptoms of depression
Untreated conditions such as anxiety or major depressive disorder (MDD) may lead individuals to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, creating a cycle of dependence.
Some common substance combinations that increase risks include:
- Alcohol with benzodiazepines or sedatives: Can slow breathing and raise the risk of psychiatric complications.
- Opioids mixed with stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamine: Put the body under dangerous stress and fuel emotional highs and lows.
- Prescription pain medications with illicit drugs: Heighten the risk of substance use disorder and worsen co-occurring mental health conditions.
When mental health needs are left untreated, substance use often escalates, leading to deeper challenges and hopelessness. The encouraging news is that recovery is possible. With integrated treatment for both addiction and mental health, patients can receive care that addresses both struggles at the same time, offering real hope for healing and stability.
Challenges of treating co-occurring disorders
Individuals with polysubstance use often experience withdrawal from multiple substances at once, alongside depression, trauma, or other psychiatric conditions. Because symptoms overlap, it can be challenging to distinguish substance-related issues from underlying mental health concerns.
Standard recovery programs may not meet these needs, as they often focus only on abstinence. Without addressing psychiatric conditions, relapse is more likely. That’s why treatment for co-occurring disorders must combine medical detox, mental health services, and therapy to support both sides of recovery.
Patients with severe conditions such as PTSD or major depressive disorder may require more structured care. Professional teams trained in addiction medicine and psychiatry provide the stability and support necessary for long-term recovery.
Co-occurring disorders care at Sanford Behavioral Health
Sanford Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive program designed to treat substance use disorders and psychiatric conditions together. Care begins with a thorough assessment to identify both the types of substances used and the mental health challenges present.
Treatment may include:
- Medical detoxification with 24/7 monitoring to safely manage withdrawal from multiple substances.
- Evidence-based therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care.
- Mental health services for conditions such as anxiety, major depressive disorder, and PTSD.
- Family involvement through therapy and education to strengthen support systems.
This integrated model allows patients to receive care for both addiction and mental health at the same time. It also provides a safe environment to reduce psychiatric symptoms and begin the process of emotional healing.
Benefits of integrated addiction treatment
Integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders provides clear benefits for long-term success. By addressing substance use and psychiatric conditions together, patients reduce their risk of relapse and experience greater emotional stability.
- Families build stronger bonds and learn healthier ways to support recovery.
- Patients develop resilience, coping skills, and routines that promote stability.
- Mental health symptoms are managed alongside substance use, creating a balanced foundation for recovery.
This whole-person approach leads to a stronger chance of lasting recovery and reduced relapse risk.
What families can expect at Sanford Behavioral Health
Families may feel overwhelmed when a loved one is facing polysubstance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. Sanford Behavioral Health’s care is individualized, compassionate, and designed around each patient’s needs and goals.
Treatment plans may vary:
- Young adults may benefit from structured group therapy and family involvement.
- Adults with severe mental health concerns might need intensive psychiatric support and stabilization.
Sanford Behavioral Health emphasizes relapse prevention, aftercare planning, and connections to community-based services. Families are supported with education and counseling, helping them play a healthy role in recovery.
Find strength and stability through integrated care
Recovery from polysubstance use is possible, but it requires more than detox or short-term support. Because substance use and psychiatric conditions often overlap, specialized care is essential. At Sanford Behavioral Health, patients benefit from an integrated co-occurring disorders program that combines addiction treatment, evidence-based therapy, and psychiatric care.
If you or a loved one is struggling with polysubstance use and mental health challenges, help is available. Call Sanford Behavioral Health today at 616.202.3326 or reach out through the online contact form to begin your path to lasting recovery.
