Anxiety Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Los Angeles
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HCO ID: 715830
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Anxiety and Addiction Often Come Together — And They Are Both Treatable
Anxiety is one of the most common health conditions in the United States. An estimated 19.1% of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder in any given year, and about one in three will experience one at some point in their lives, according to the National Institute of Mental Health
For many people, anxiety does not appear alone. It often shows up alongside a substance use disorder — a pattern clinicians call a co-occurring disorder, or dual diagnosis. SAMHSA’s 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that about 21.2 million U.S. adults live with a co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder
This page is designed to be a resource for two groups of people. The first is anyone trying to understand anxiety on its own — what it is, why it happens, and how it is treated. The second is anyone who suspects that anxiety and substance use may be feeding each other in their life or a loved one’s life. Both groups will find evidence-based information here, written in plain language, and reviewed against the standards used by licensed clinical programs.
1st Choice Detox Treatment Center is a Joint Commission accredited program based in Los Angeles, California. The program is staffed by licensed clinicians and medical professionals who treat anxiety disorders and substance use disorders together, using approaches that are supported by peer-reviewed research.
To speak with a licensed admissions counselor, call (844) 944-3139 or email info@1stchoicedetoxtreatmentcenter.com. There is no cost to ask a question.
Anxiety Numbers to put in perspective
Educate Yourself To Better Understand Yourself and/or Your Loved Ones
Understanding Anxiety: What It Is and Why It Happens
Anxiety is a normal human response. Almost everyone feels anxious before a big test, an important meeting, or a difficult conversation. That kind of short-term anxiety is healthy. It helps the brain stay alert and focused.
An anxiety disorder is different. It is anxiety that lasts longer than the situation calls for, gets in the way of daily life, and does not go away on its own. A person with an anxiety disorder may feel worry, fear, or dread on most days for months or even years. The symptoms can be mental, like racing thoughts and trouble concentrating. They can also be physical, like a fast heartbeat, muscle tension, stomach problems, or trouble sleeping.
Anxiety disorders are medical conditions, not personality traits or signs of weakness. They are caused by a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, life experience, and environment. The good news is that anxiety disorders are among the most studied and most treatable conditions in mental health care. Most people who receive evidence-based treatment see meaningful improvement.
Common Signs of an Anxiety Disorder
Worry that feels constant or hard to control
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Feeling restless, on edge, or easily startled
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue or low energy
Irritability
Muscle tension or headaches
Stomach or digestive problems
A racing heart, sweating, or shortness of breath in certain situations
Why Anxiety Often Leads to Substance Use
Many people with untreated anxiety try to find relief in whatever way they can. That sometimes includes alcohol, marijuana, prescription medication, or other substances. In the short term, some substances do quiet anxiety. They slow the nervous system, soften the edges of worry, or make it easier to sleep.
The problem is that the relief is temporary, and the body adapts. The brain begins to expect the substance, and the same amount no longer works the way it used to. Over time, anxiety can return stronger than before, and the substance use can grow into a substance use disorder. The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse has documented this pattern in detail noting that anxiety disorders and substance use disorders frequently appear together and influence one another.
This is not a failure of willpower. It is how the brain is wired to respond to discomfort. And it is exactly why integrated treatment exists.
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Anxiety?
A dual diagnosis means a person has been diagnosed with two conditions at the same time: a mental health condition, such as an anxiety disorder, and a substance use disorder. Clinicians also use the terms “co-occurring disorders” or “comorbidity” to describe the same situation.
Dual diagnosis treatment is the clinical approach that addresses both conditions at the same time, with the same care team. This is sometimes called integrated treatment. It is recommended as the standard of care by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), because research has shown that treating only one condition often leaves the other untreated — which raises the risk that symptoms return.
In an integrated program, anxiety care and addiction care happen side by side. The same clinical team coordinates medication, therapy, and any medical needs. A person does not have to repeat their story to a new provider every few weeks, and the treatment plan adjusts as the person makes progress. Peer-reviewed clinical guidance on treating substance use disorders alongside co-occurring conditions consistently supports this model.
1st Choice Detox uses an integrated treatment model. Every person who enters the program is screened for both substance use and mental health symptoms during the initial clinical assessment. If anxiety is identified, it is included in the treatment plan from day one — not treated as a side note.
To learn more about other co-occurring conditions the program treats, see depression dual diagnosis treatment, PTSD dual diagnosis treatment, and BPD dual diagnosis treatment.
Types of Anxiety Disorders Treated at 1st Choice Detox
Anxiety is a family of related conditions. Each type has its own pattern of symptoms, and each responds best to a slightly different mix of therapy and medical care. The clinical team treats the major anxiety disorders recognized by the National Institute of Mental Health. Anxiety also commonly appears alongside alcohol use disorder, and stimulant use disorders, which the program is licensed to treat together.
The Integrated Treatment Approach
Recovery from anxiety and substance use is not a single event. It is a process that moves through several levels of care, with the intensity of treatment matching what the person needs at each stage. At every level, the same clinical team treats both conditions, so nothing is lost in the handoff between providers.
For people whose treatment begins with substance use withdrawal, medical detox is the first step. Detox typically lasts 3 to 10 days, depending on the substance and the person’s medical history. A licensed medical team monitors symptoms 24 hours a day and uses approved medications to manage withdrawal safely. Detox from alcohol or benzodiazepines should only be done under medical supervision because of the risk of serious complications. Learn more about the medical detox program.
After detox, many people step into residential treatment. In a residential program, the person lives on-site and receives daily individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric care, and skills training. This is often where the deeper work on anxiety begins, because the person is in a stable, structured environment. Residential stays typically last 30 to 90 days, based on each person’s clinical needs. See the residential treatment program.
A partial hospitalization program is a step down from residential care. The person attends treatment 5 to 6 days a week, several hours a day, while sleeping at home or in a sober living residence. PHP keeps clinical intensity high while allowing the person to start rebuilding daily routines. Explore the partial hospitalization program in your area.
An intensive outpatient program supports people who are stable enough to live independently or return to work and family responsibilities. Treatment usually happens 3 to 4 days a week, often in the evenings, and continues to focus on anxiety management and relapse prevention. Learn more about the intensive outpatient program.
Clinical Assessment
A licensed clinician and a medical provider evaluate both anxiety symptoms and substance use during intake.
Evidence-Based Therapies Used in the Program
Every therapy used at 1st Choice Detox is supported by peer-reviewed research. These are the approaches most commonly used to treat anxiety alongside substance use.
Why Families and Clients Choose 1st Choice Detox
Six aspects of the program that families consistently say matter most.
24/7 supervision by licensed medical professionals
Master’s-level licensed clinicians, including LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, and LPC
A low client-to-staff ratio that supports individualized care
Licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services
In-network with most major PPO insurance plans, plus a long-term alumni support program
Verify Your Insurance Benefits — Free and Confidential
Most major PPO insurance plans include coverage for dual diagnosis treatment. Federal mental health parity laws require insurers to cover mental health and substance use services at a level similar to other medical care.
The admissions team can verify benefits at no cost and explain what is covered, what is not, and what next steps may look like. There is no pressure to enroll and no obligation. To get started, call (844) 944-3139, email info@1stchoicedetoxtreatmentcenter.com, or submit the verification form in the next section.
For more detail on the verification process, see the insurance verification page.
Free Insurance Verification
Major carriers commonly accepted include Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Magellan, and Health Net. Coverage varies by plan.
What the Admissions Process Looks Like
Three steps. The admissions team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
1. Reach Out
Call (844) 944-3139, email info@1stchoicedetoxtreatmentcenter.com, or submit the form on this page. A licensed admissions counselor will listen, answer questions, and walk through what to expect. All conversations are confidential.
2. Complete a Clinical Assessment
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3. Begin Treatment
Once the assessment is complete and insurance is verified, the admissions team coordinates intake. The program offers same-day admission when clinically appropriate. To learn more about intake, see the admissions page → link to: /admissions/.
Your questions answered
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ #1 What is dual diagnosis treatment for anxiety?
Dual diagnosis treatment for anxiety is an integrated clinical program that treats an anxiety disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time, using the same care team. Therapy, medication, and medical care are coordinated so that both conditions are addressed together rather than one at a time. SAMHSA recognizes integrated treatment as the standard of care for co-occurring disorders because it tends to produce stronger long-term outcomes than separate treatment.
FAQ #2: Can anxiety lead to addiction?
Yes, untreated anxiety can contribute to substance use disorders. People with ongoing anxiety sometimes use alcohol, prescription medication, marijuana, or other substances to find short-term relief. Over time, the body adapts and may require larger amounts to achieve the same effect, which can develop into dependence. The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes this pattern in detail. Treating both anxiety and substance use together helps interrupt the cycle.
FAQ #3: Does insurance cover dual diagnosis treatment in California?
Most major PPO insurance plans include coverage for dual diagnosis treatment in California. Federal laws, including the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the Affordable Care Act, require insurers to cover mental health and substance use services at a level comparable to other medical care. Coverage details vary by plan. The fastest way to confirm is a free verification call to (844) 944-3139 or through the insurance verification page.
FAQ #4: How long does dual diagnosis treatment usually last?
Dual diagnosis treatment typically lasts between 30 and 90 days, though the exact length is determined by clinical need. A common path begins with 3 to 10 days of medical detox, followed by 30 to 90 days of residential care, then a step down through partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, and finally ongoing aftercare. Research suggests that longer engagement in treatment is associated with stronger long-term outcomes for co-occurring conditions.
FAQ #5: What is the difference between anxiety and a panic attack?
Anxiety is a sustained state of worry, tension, or unease that may last hours, days, or longer. A panic attack is a sudden, intense episode of fear that peaks within minutes and includes physical symptoms such as racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, or a sense of losing control. A person can experience anxiety without panic attacks, but panic disorder specifically involves repeated, unexpected panic attacks. Both can be treated effectively.
FAQ #6: Is PTSD considered an anxiety disorder, and can it be treated alongside addiction?
PTSD is closely related to anxiety disorders and is often discussed alongside them, though it is classified separately in current diagnostic guidelines. Yes, PTSD and substance use disorders can be treated together through an integrated program. Evidence-based approaches include trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR. Peer-reviewed research supports EMDR for trauma-related conditions. Learn more about PTSD dual diagnosis treatment.
FAQ #7: Will I be prescribed medication during treatment?
Medication is one possible part of treatment, not a requirement. A psychiatric provider may discuss FDA-approved options to support anxiety care or to manage substance use, such as non-addictive antidepressants or medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder. Every medication decision is made collaboratively with the person in treatment, and many people complete care using therapy and skills training without long-term medication. SAMHSA provides guidance on medication-supported approaches.
FAQ #8: Is it safe to detox if I also have an anxiety disorder?
Yes, supervised medical detox is designed to be safe for people with anxiety disorders. Withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or stimulants can temporarily increase anxiety symptoms, and unsupervised detox from certain substances carries serious medical risks. A medical detox program provides 24-hour monitoring, approved medications to manage withdrawal, and clinical support specifically for anxiety symptoms during the detox process. To learn more, see the medical detox program.
FAQ #9: Is 1st Choice Detox in-network with my insurance plan?
1st Choice Detox works with most major PPO insurance carriers, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Magellan, and Health Net. The program also accepts many out-of-network PPO plans. Coverage depends on the specific plan, so the best way to confirm is a free benefits check. Call (844) 944-3139 or submit the insurance verification form, and a counselor will respond within about 15 minutes.
FAQ #10: What kind of support is available after treatment ends?
After completing treatment, clients are invited into the program’s aftercare and alumni community. Aftercare typically includes weekly alumni groups, regular check-ins, referrals to outpatient services or sober living when appropriate, and access to a 24-hour support line. Continuing engagement with a recovery community after discharge is one of the most well-studied factors associated with long-term recovery for both anxiety and substance use disorders.
You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone
Learning about anxiety and addiction is the first step. Talking to a licensed clinician is the next one. The admissions team at 1st Choice Detox is available 24 hours a day to answer questions, explain insurance, and discuss whether the program is the right fit. There is no cost and no commitment to make the call.
If you or a loved one is in immediate crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or reach the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)