WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE A CO-OCCURRING DISORDER?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines co-occurring disorders as the “coexistence of both a mental illness and a substance use disorder.”
In fact, people who suffer from a substance use disorder are at greater risk for developing co-occurring disorders.
SAMHSA also reports that “Co-occurring disorders may include any combination of two or more substance use disorders and mental disorders.”
The following mental health disorders are most commonly seen in conjunction with substance use disorders:
- Anxiety and mood disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
WHAT DO CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS LOOK LIKE?
While co-occurring disorders present in various combinations and vary widely, symptoms of a substance use disorder can include:
- Withdrawal from support system – i.e. friends, family, other support
- Using substances in dangerous conditions – i.e. driving under the influence or operating heavy machinery while intoxicated
- Engaging in high-risk behaviors – i.e. IV drug use, sharing needles, unprotected sex while under the influence
- Loss of control over using substances – i.e. using more than planned or using when you planned not to
- Development of tolerance or experiencing withdrawal symptoms – i.e. using greater amounts of substances to get similar effects, sweats/fever/chills when unable to use
- Needing the substance to function – i.e. unable to go to work or complete other responsibilities unless intoxicated
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE A CO-OCCURRING DISORDER?
While mental health symptoms can vary widely as well, there are warning signs you may be experiencing a co-occurring disorder, including:
- Extreme mood changes – i.e. extreme happiness/sadness, irritability
- Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating
- Withdrawal from support system – i.e. friends, family, other support
- Avoiding social activities
- Thoughts of suicide
WHY DO SUDS AND MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS OCCUR TOGETHER?
The National Institute of Mental Health recognizes that while substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health disorders commonly co-occur, it doesn’t mean one caused the other.
There are a number of reasons why SUDs and mental health disorders may occur together:
- Both SUDs and mental health disorders have genetic factors, suggesting that certain genes may be a risk factor.
- Environmental factors, such as significant stress, trauma, or other adverse experiences can cause genetic changes and may contribute to the development of SUDs or mental health symptoms.
- Self-medicating mental health symptoms through the use of substances is common, especially where symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD are present.
- Changes to the brain of people with mental health disorders may enhance the rewarding effects of substances, making it more likely the person will continue to use substances.
Either disorder – mental health or substance use – can occur first and treatment for both is crucial to achieving long-term recovery.
HOW PREVALENT ARE CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS?
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Among adults aged 18 or older in 2023, 35% of adults aged 18 and over in the U.S. who have another mental disorder also has a substance use disorder.
The study also found:
- 32.8% (or 84.5 million people) had either AMI (any mental illness) or an SUD in the past year.
- 21.0% (or 54.1 million people) had either SMI (serious mental illness) or an SUD in the past year
- 23.0% of adults aged 18 or older (or 59.2 million people) received any of the various types of mental health treatment in the past year.
The National Institute of Mental Health has found that “about half of individuals who experience a SUD during their lives will also experience a co-occurring mental disorder and vice versa”.
WHAT DOES TREATMENT FOR CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS LOOK LIKE?
The best treatment for co-occurring disorders is an integrated program where both mental health and substance use symptoms are treated simultaneously. People with co-occurring disorders are best served through Santé Center for Healing’s integrated treatment, where the medical and clinical teams address mental and substance use disorders at the same time with better outcomes. Santé treats co-occurring disorders in conjunction with other issues an individual may be facing, including substance abuse, problematic sexual behaviors and disordered eating.
Individuals with mental health disorders are more likely to experience substance use or addiction than those without a mental health disorder. And they can be harder to diagnose due to complexity of symptoms and how symptoms influence each other. Correct diagnosis is imperative to ensure appropriate and effective treatment planning and implementation. Failure to treat dual diagnosis and comorbid disorders jeopardizes a client’s chance of recovery. The risk of relapse increases when people receive treatment for one disorder while the other disorder remains untreated. An initial assessment by Santé’s clinical staff can help determine the best course of action and healing for an individual.
When a mental health problem goes untreated, the substance abuse problem can be exacerbated. When substance use and abuse increases, mental health problems usually increase, too.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SEEKING TREATMENT FOR CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS?
Co-occurring treatment helps individuals improve coping skills, build trust, and offer support and validation of one’s experiences. Oftentimes substance use begins as a form of self-medication for mental health symptoms. Co-occurring or dual-diagnosis treatment can help break the cycle of self-medicating symptoms.
Considering treatment is one of the bravest, most courageous, but also overwhelming decisions you can make. Seeking treatment in a safe and supportive environment can provide the protected space needed to learn to cope with thoughts, feelings, and any co-occurring issues that may undermine your ability to remain in long-term recovery.
WHERE CAN I GET TREATMENT FOR CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS?
You may be feeling uncertain about what you need and what the best next steps are for your healing journey. We’re here to help. To increase the likelihood of long-term recovery, Santé’s clinical team uses an integrated model where substance abuse recovery and co-occurring disorders are treated simultaneously. Treatment includes a variety of clinical tools like individual therapy, group therapy, neurofeedback, EMDR, experiential therapy, equine therapy, expressive arts, physical fitness, and more! We’re also specially equipped to provide trauma informed care for our patients who are suffering from the effects of trauma.
WHAT DOES LONG-TERM RECOVERY LOOK LIKE?
At Santé Center for Healing, recovery from co-occurring disorders is a long game. We want you to have a plan that’s uniquely crafted to your needs after treatment. Recovery from the effects of substance use and mental health takes time – incremental change, day by day.
Your clinical team may recommend ongoing support post-treatment that may include group therapy, individual therapy, medication management, and/or peer support meetings. Additionally, to help you stay on track, upon discharge from Santé alumni are automatically enrolled in Santé’s “Open Road” program where you’ll have access to support, activities, and more to help you along your path.
Graphic by: @kjpargeter on Freepik
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