Substance Use and Mental Health Co-Occurring Disorders
Medical Writer:
Reviewer:
Johnny Kim
Executive Psychotherapist
Medical Writer:
Reviewer:
Johnny Kim
Executive Psychotherapist
Clinicians term the combination of substance use disorders and mental health disorders as co-occurring disorders. If left untreated, these concurrent disorders can exacerbate each other. This might cause worse symptoms and raise the risk of overdose, long-lasting sickness, and suicide.
Mental illness might lead people to use drugs to help themselves feel better; in the same way, using substances can start mental health problems. Mental health symptoms and drug abuse can seem alike, leading to misdiagnosis and neglect of necessary mental health treatment.
Healthcare professionals do not fully understand all the factors that cause co-occurring disorders. However, they have identified some common conditions and how they affect each other. Ultimately, what matters most is treating both issues effectively to help with long-term recovery, regardless of their origin.
What Is a Co-Occurring Disorder?
When someone has both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder, it is called a co-occurring disorder. This means that the person is dealing with two different types of conditions at the same time.
Co-occurring disorders can be challenging to treat because they require addressing both the substance use and mental health issues simultaneously. Treatment for co-occurring disorders often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support services.
These conditions affect daily life and can often worsen each other; neither condition supersedes or replaces the other. They occur simultaneously.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), almost 9 million adults in the US have both substance use and mental health issues every year. Unfortunately, more than 50% of these individuals will not seek any form of treatment.
Less than 10% of people will join a program that deals with substance abuse and mental health issues. This lack of participation leads to more problems. Some treatment professionals call co-occurring disorders comorbidity, but this term is falling out of favor because it has negative associations.
In the past, experts believed treating substance abuse could help with depression, or vice versa, thinking one problem caused the other. As our understanding grew, addiction was no longer seen as a moral issue but as a medical condition. Professionals now recognize that people with addiction often have other health issues that need to be treated at the same time.
People grappling with both mental health problems and substance abuse can experience significant health consequences. If you or someone you know is dealing with substance addictions or mental health issues, it’s important to seek help. Getting assistance is crucial for overcoming these challenges.
It’s best to present important details upfront and use short and simple sentences to ensure clarity. Avoid including unnecessary information and opt for familiar language and active voice. Remember, seeking help is a brave step towards a healthier life.
Co-occurring disorders occur when mental health issues and substance use problems happen at the same time. There is no specific list of disorders that can co-occur, although there are more common conditions.
Common Co-Occurring Disorders
Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, fifth edition, known as DSM-5, to assess and treat people with mental health issues. The DSM-5 lists over 300 personality disorders. Some are often seen with substance use disorders, according to research.
Anxiety Disorders
People experience different kinds of worries, such as GAD, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder, social fears, and panic issues. Often, individuals use alcohol or other substances to try to improve their mood.
Personality Disorders
Individuals suffering from BPD, schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder, and paranoid personality disorder frequently battle with substance abuse. The hypothesis posits that the identical brain chemistry causing these mental health disorders also escalates the likelihood of addiction. This proposition implies that the brain chemistry contributing to these conditions also heightens the susceptibility of individuals to addiction.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is linked to making quick decisions and having a higher tendency to seek excitement, which may involve using drugs. People with ADHD and substance use disorders may start by misusing prescription drugs. They may then progress to using stronger or mixed substances.
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders encompass conditions such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, and various forms of mania.
20% of individuals receiving a dual diagnosis have been identified with one or more mood disorders. Substance misuse and mood disorders often have similar symptoms and can be more severe when both are present together.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD, classified as a distinct anxiety disorder, emerges in individuals who have endured traumatic incidents. Although commonly linked with veterans, it affects 3.5% of the adult population in the United States. People with PTSD have a much higher risk of developing a substance use disorder compared to those without PTSD. In fact, the risk can be up to fourteen times greater.
Eating Disorders
Common eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia, and binge eating are frequently linked with concurrent mood or personality disorders and substance abuse issues. People with these eating disorders often use stimulants and similar substances to reduce their appetite.
Not all mental health issues are covered by the mentioned conditions. A proper diagnosis can only be given by a trained medical expert. If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health problem, it’s important to tell your treatment team at White Oak Recovery Center. They will confirm your diagnosis and look for any other conditions.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis means a person has two or more disorders at the same time. This includes finding out and naming these disorders. Co-occurring conditions are the specific illnesses someone has. The goal of dual diagnosis is to figure out these conditions and make a treatment plan that helps with each one.
Dual diagnosis is not contingent upon any particular pairing of mental health and substance use disorders. People can have various combinations of mental health issues and substance use disorders.
Some individuals may have one mental health issue and multiple substance use disorders. Others may have multiple mental health conditions and one addiction.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Treating co-occurring disorders means dealing with substance use and mental health issues simultaneously. It involves considering how these issues impact each other. In integrated treatment, both disorders are given equal priority to make sure that neither is ignored in favor of the other.
Not every treatment facility can diagnose and manage co-occurring disorders. White Oak Recovery Center employs a multidisciplinary team specializing in evidence-based, personalized treatment plans for these disorders.
Treating both mental health issues and addiction may involve medicine and various kinds of therapy. Therapy is not just talking to someone who takes notes. There are many types of treatments, each with its own goal and way of helping people.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment at White Oak Recovery Center
The optimal approach to treating co-occurring disorders involves an integrated residential treatment program. Integrated treatment means acknowledging mental health disorders and substance use disorders as distinct yet interconnected conditions while addressing them with equal priority and immediacy.
White Oak Recovery Center is a licensed and accredited facility with a dedicated team of caring experts. They use an integrated approach to treat co-occurring disorders.
WORC provides evidence-based therapies in a supportive setting. This helps you avoid triggers and learn how to manage your mental health and substance use effectively. We aim to help you develop positive and lasting strategies for maintaining your well-being.
Reach out now. We are enthusiastic about assisting you in reclaiming your life through effective, meaningful treatment for lasting recovery.
Medical Disclaimer:
