A co-occurring disorder is defined as having both a mental disease and a drug use problem. While the word is most usually used to refer to the combination of drug use and mental problems, it may also apply to other condition combinations, such as a mental disorder and an intellectual impairment.
When a drug use illness and a mental disorder co-occur, their severity may differ, and the severity of both may alter over time. Individuals with a mix of diseases may have more severe medical and mental health issues and may require longer periods of therapy than those with a single disorder.
People who use drugs or alcohol are at a higher risk of acquiring one or more main illnesses or chronic diseases. A co-occurring condition is the cohabitation of mental disease and a drug use problem, which is frequent among patients receiving medication-assisted therapy (MAT).
People who have a mental illness are more prone to develop a drug use problem than those who do not have a mental disease. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted by SAMHSA, roughly 9.2 million individuals in the United States have a co-occurring condition.
It is critical to highlight that taking MAT drugs with anxiety therapy meds might have major side effects. Among the most common benzodiazepines are Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin.
What are the Most Common Co-Occurring Disorders?
Bipolar Disorder
Individuals suffering from bipolar illness are especially vulnerable to drug and alcohol misuse and addiction. This mental disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, which produces uncontrollable, intense episodes of sadness and mania in the person. Many people who have bipolar illness self-medicate in try to minimize the intensity of their episodes, which eventually leads to an increase in episodes and serious addiction.
Eating Disorder
Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are widespread among those who need addiction therapy. To suppress hunger and boost confidence, people frequently utilize medicines such as stimulants or diet pills, as well as alcohol. These issues frequently coexist with body dysmorphic disorder, a condition in which a person is overly critical of their own appearance and obsesses over perceived imperfections in their own body.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder characterized by hallucinations, psychosis, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Many schizophrenics lose the ability to discriminate between reality and fiction, and it is not unusual for persons suffering from this disease to seek solace in drugs or alcohol.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arises after a person witnesses events that create great stress and, in some circumstances, are potentially fatal. Violent crimes, war, and vehicle accidents are a few instances. Individuals suffering from PTSD frequently have flashbacks and night terrors. Some of these people opt to treat their symptoms with alcohol or drugs, which can upset their sleep and emotional balance even more.
Seeking Treatment for a Co-Occurring Disorder
Substance use disorders, independent of common co-occurring illnesses, necessitate expert therapy. However, for some people, outpatient addiction treatment is not the best option. If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction or requires dual-diagnosis therapy, it’s best to start by speaking with a mental health care practitioner who can direct you to the appropriate treatment alternatives.
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