For many people, substance use takes hold as a way to manage something deeper — depression, anxiety, the effects of trauma. When treatment addresses the substance use alone and leaves those conditions untreated, recovery rarely lasts. Effective care has to reach the causes, not just the symptoms.
That’s the difference at Clearview. As one of the few residential programs in the country built around comprehensive dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Clearview provides integrated treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions — treating both together rather than one at a time. Its residential programs in the Los Angeles area serve adults of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
What Are Substance Use Disorders?
A substance use disorder is more than a habit or a lack of willpower. It’s a treatable medical condition in which a person continues using alcohol or drugs despite harm to their health, relationships, work, or daily life. Over time, substance use changes how the brain works, which is why stopping is so hard — and why it’s a medical issue, not a moral failing.
Substance use disorders range from mild to severe, and they often develop alongside a mental health condition. Many people begin using substances to cope with difficult symptoms — anxiety, depression, the effects of trauma — which can make those symptoms worse over time and create a cycle that’s hard to break without treatment.
Signs of a Substance Use Disorder
A substance use disorder can be hard to recognize — in yourself or in someone you love — because it often develops gradually and is easy to explain away. Signs often show up in behavior, relationships and responsibilities, and physical health. Common signs include:
- Needing more of a substance to feel the same effect, or being unable to cut back despite wanting to
- Spending more and more time getting, using, or recovering from substances
- Losing interest in activities, hobbies, or relationships that once mattered
- Falling behind on responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Growing conflict, secrecy, or withdrawal from family and friends
- Taking risks or acting out of character while under the influence
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms — such as anxiety, sweating, insomnia, tremors, or a racing heart — when not using
When to seek help right away: If someone you love is at risk of overdose, is talking about suicide, or is in danger during withdrawal, treat it as urgent. Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, or call 911. Withdrawal from alcohol and some drugs can be medically dangerous, so a person should never stop suddenly without professional guidance.
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Clearview’s admissions team can answer your questions and help you find the right care, whether for yourself or for someone you love.
How Are Substance Use Disorders Treated?
Substance use disorders are treatable, and treatment works best when it addresses both the substance use and any co-occurring mental health condition at the same time. Treating one without the other often causes recovery to fall apart. Effective care usually begins with a thorough assessment, then combines several evidence-based approaches:
- Individual therapy – Often using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to build skills for managing cravings, emotions, and the situations that lead to use.
- Group therapy and peer support – Including relapse-prevention groups and involvement with 12-step meetings, which reduce isolation and build a support system.
Treatment for co-occurring conditions – Addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health conditions alongside the substance use, not separately.
Skill-building – In areas like mindfulness, stress management, and daily structure that support long-term recovery.
The right level of care depends on the severity of the substance use, the risk of withdrawal, and whether co-occurring conditions are present. For many people, a residential setting offers the structure, round-the-clock support, and focused environment that make early recovery more manageable.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorders at Clearview
Clearview treats substance use disorders in its residential programs in the Los Angeles area, with an approach built around treating substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions together. Care is grounded in evidence-based therapies — with deep clinical expertise in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — delivered by a team experienced in complex, co-occurring diagnoses.
At Clearview, treatment for substance use disorders is provided primarily through:
- Addiction with Co-Occurring Mental Health – A residential program for adults living with a substance use disorder alongside depression, anxiety, trauma, or another mental health condition, with specialized care for dual diagnosis.
Clients whose needs are primarily related to a mental health condition may also be served by Clearview’s other residential programs. Every client begins with a thorough assessment, so care is matched to their diagnosis from the start.
Why Choose Clearview
Integrated care for substance use + mental health
Substance use rarely happens in isolation. Clearview treats substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma together — which is often what makes recovery last.
Deep DBT expertise
Clearview’s clinicians are extensively trained in DBT and supported by ongoing consultation, giving clients real, practical skills for managing cravings, emotions, and the moments that put recovery at risk.
A focused residential setting
In a structured, home-like residential environment, clients can step away from the pressures and triggers of daily life and focus fully on early recovery, with round-the-clock support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Substance Use Disorders
Yes. Substance use disorders are treatable medical conditions, and many people go on to sustained recovery with the right care. Treatment usually combines therapy — such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) — with peer support and treatment for any co-occurring mental health conditions. Because substance use and mental health so often go together, addressing both at once gives the best chance at lasting change. Recovery takes time, but with evidence-based care and support, it’s absolutely possible.
A co-occurring disorder, also called dual diagnosis, is when a person has both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition at the same time — such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD alongside alcohol or drug use. This is very common. Often, one drives the other: someone may use substances to cope with mental health symptoms, which then worsen over time. Effective treatment addresses both conditions together, rather than one at a time.
Not always. Withdrawal from alcohol and certain drugs can be medically dangerous and, in some cases, life-threatening. Symptoms can include anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and a racing heart, and severe cases need medical supervision. If you or someone you love is thinking about stopping, it’s safest to do so with professional guidance. Clearview’s admissions team can help determine the right level of care and connect you to appropriate support.
Clearview treats substance use disorders involving alcohol and drugs, with particular depth in cases that occur alongside a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or a personality disorder. Care is available through residential programs in the Los Angeles area, with treatment matched to each client’s needs. Because substance use and mental health so often overlap, Clearview’s team is experienced in treating both together rather than in isolation.
Take the Next Step
Reaching out is a meaningful first step, whether you’re seeking help for yourself or for someone you love. Clearview’s admissions team can answer your questions, verify insurance, and help you find the right program.
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