Substance use disorders and the mental health challenges that can come with them can make coping with day-to-day life a challenge. For individuals facing both substance use and mental health challenges, Sunlight Recovery provides comprehensive dual diagnosis (mental health and substance abuse) treatment in our residential detox center. Our focus is on treating addiction, while also supporting co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD within an integrated care plan that addresses both issues.

Sunlight Recovery’s integrated dual diagnosis care center in Boca Raton, Florida, allows us to provide attentive care and support to every individual in our dual-diagnosis program. In the sections that follow, we will introduce you to the services we offer and the co-occurring conditions we support as part of dual-diagnosis care.

Our admissions team is available 24 hours a day to discuss how our dual-diagnosis program can help people struggling with co-occurring conditions (meaning conditions that occur at the same time as addiction). An in-depth medical and psychiatric assessment from our care team can help determine your individual treatment needs. From there, our team will work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan that will effectively address these needs.

Why Co-Occurring Conditions Need Integrated Care

Substance use disorder and mental health challenges are often intertwined. Substance abuse can affect the brain and influence behavior, and those who are struggling with their mental health may attempt to self-medicate. Because of the link between substance use and mental health, treating one often requires treating the other. The integrated treatment approach for co-occurring disorders is becoming increasingly common, as it helps to address both the physical aspects of addiction and any underlying mental health challenges which might increase the risk of relapse.

Mental Health Conditions We Support as Part of Dual Diagnosis

Across the U.S., 23.4% of adults (about 61.5 million people) experienced a mental illness in the past year, according to SAMHSA’s 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Nearly a third of those adults (31.5%) also had a substance use disorder.

Conditions we support as part of dual-diagnosis care include:

People who are living with these mental health issues can find a compassionate and healing environment through our care, specifically:

  • A Personalized Care Plan – Each person has the assurance of a treatment plan that targets their specific symptoms, needs, goals, and circumstances, with a thorough assessment and intensive clinical and therapeutic care.
  • A Committed, Integrated Care Team – Our team of psychiatrists, general practitioners, therapists, nurses, and other care staff works closely with each person in their care to address the medical, psychological, and emotional roots of the person’s challenges and to support their path to healing, self-discovery, and a brighter future.
  • A Positive and Affirming Therapeutic Culture – Every step forward is an achievement worth celebrating. We recognize the courage it takes to come to treatment and embrace mental well-being. We also affirm each person’s capacity for resilience and self-growth.

Our Mental Health Services – What to Expect

We provide a range of evidence-based mental health services and tailor our treatments to the individual. Our treatment options include:

  • Clinical / Therapeutic Care and Medication Management – An in-depth psychiatric evaluation helps to determine whether you may benefit from medication, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies. Where clinically appropriate, your care plan may include medication-assisted treatment (MAT). If a clinician recommends medication, you will receive ongoing check-ups to monitor how you’re responding to it and whether any changes to the prescribing protocol are necessary.
  • 24-Hour Nursing Care – Nurses are on duty 24/7 to observe patients, monitor their vital signs, and administer medications as needed.
  • Specialized Mental Health Therapy and Group Programming – Individual therapy with a licensed clinician addresses the specific diagnosis with personalized tools for managing it. Depending on your diagnosis, our clinicians might recommend a treatment modality such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT). Group therapy offers opportunities to share and practice these new coping skills and trade experiences within a supportive community of peers. We also offer the option of family therapy, so you can meet with your loved ones in a supportive space that creates an environment for mutual learning about addiction and recovery.
  • Residential Care – Residential care ensures round-the-clock support during the early stages of recovery. With residential care, you will live at our facility for the length of the treatment, and the programming is 7 days a week. This enables us to provide medically supervised detox and additional support as required, and provides you with a distraction-free environment where you can focus on learning the skills you need for recovery.
  • Detox for Co-Occurring Substance Use Issues – Substance use issues often co-occur with mental health conditions. That is why we provide medically supervised detox. It consists of a gradual taper off one or more substances, including the medical management of withdrawal symptoms and the monitoring of vital signs.
  • A Continuum of Care – Detox and residential care are the first part of recovery. Our care team also offers outpatient care and ongoing support to help people transfer from rehab to sober living. Regular check-ins and engagement with peer support groups can help people stay drug or alcohol free. We have a network of alumni who have successfully gone through our rehab program and maintained sobriety when returning to day-to-day life.
  • Comprehensive Case Management and Aftercare Planning – These services support success after treatment. Before discharging from our dual-diagnosis program, each person works with a case manager to create a comprehensive aftercare plan for their specific needs. It might include a referral to an outpatient mental health program, long-term therapist, and/or other mental health resources such as a local support group.
  • Insurance Verification – Our admissions team can verify whether our services are in-network for your health insurance and discuss payment options with you. We have a variety of options available to make our services as accessible as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are co-occurring disorders in mental health and addiction?

If someone has a mental health condition and is engaging in substance abuse at the same time, these are considered co-occurring disorders. It’s important to treat both issues at the same time to maximize the chances of recovery. Integrated treatment helps address both physical addiction and mental health challenges, reducing the risk of relapse and helping address the issues that may have led to a person turning to substance abuse or self-medication.

Does addiction ever go away?

Addiction is a chronic condition, and long-term substance use can rewire the brain’s reward centers. However, with sustained abstinence, it is possible for addiction to go into remission. Engaging with ongoing therapy or peer support groups can help to prevent a relapse, especially during the early stages of recovery.

Does addiction cause depression?

Drug and alcohol use can contribute to mental health challenges and can also worsen depression or other mental health issues in those who are already experiencing symptoms. A person who is struggling with depression may self-medicate to manage their feelings. Integrated treatment addresses both issues and helps promote lasting recovery.

How can I help someone with an addiction who doesn’t want help?

If someone is struggling with addiction but doesn’t want help, you can’t force them to change. However, you can set boundaries and stop enabling their addiction while making it known to them that you’ll support them if they decide to try to stop using drugs or alcohol.

Next Steps to Help

Seeking help is a strength, not a weakness, and within the supportive community of Sunlight Recovery, you’ll find understanding hearts, compassionate ears, and a team dedicated to your health and recovery. Never underestimate the power of a first step.

If you have questions, we are here to assist in any way we can. Call us any time at (855) 625-6684. Our admissions line is open 24/7 to answer any questions you may have and arrange a confidential consultation.

Sunlight Recovery is not a primary mental health treatment facility. We treat mental health conditions when they co-occur with substance use disorder. If you are seeking standalone mental health care without an addiction component, we encourage you to find a facility specialized in primary mental health treatment.