Key Takeaways:
- Addiction and mental illness often occur together, with nearly half of people diagnosed with a mental health disorder also experiencing substance abuse or addiction.
- This overlap is known as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis, where both conditions must be treated simultaneously for effective recovery.
- Why do mental illness and addiction coexist? Shared risk factors—such as genetics, trauma, and psychological stress—can increase vulnerability to both conditions.
- Many individuals self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional pain, which can worsen symptoms and lead to dependence.
- Dual diagnosis treatment offers integrated care that addresses both mental health and substance use, improving long-term stability and overall well-being.
It is very common for someone with a mental health illness to also have a substance use disorder (SUD), or for those with a SUD to also have a mental health disorder. In fact, nearly half of those who have been diagnosed with a mental health illness also have issues with drug abuse or alcohol use disorder or addiction. More often than not, mental health treatment includes addressing substance misuse.
When two mental health issues present together like this, it’s called a co-occurring disorder. Co-occurring disorders may also be known as dual diagnoses or comorbidities, depending on the source, but all effectively mean the same thing. It’s imperative that both issues are addressed so that the person can learn how to effectively manage both conditions in order to lead a safe and fulfilling life.
Self-Medicating to Cope
Living with mental health disorders can feel unrelenting and merciless. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or any other form of mental distress, the burden can be consuming. Normal coping skills, like exercise and being around loved ones, doesn’t seem to help. Sometimes finding relief can feel like an absolute necessity. It’s not uncommon to turn to drug use—alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or other mind-altering substances—hoping for a temporary escape, even if it’s just for a little while.
The problem is, while a few glasses of wine, an opioid pain pill, or something else might offer some temporary relief, that’s all it is—temporary. Once the effects wear off, you’re often left feeling even worse than before, and that can lead you right back to reaching for the same thing to cope. This is the tricky cycle of self-medicating, and it can quickly spiral into chemical dependence. What once felt like a craving becomes necessary for functioning.
Signs of SUD
Everyone behaves a little bit differently when they are under the influence of substances, but if you are worried about yourself or a loved one, some signs of substance use disorder include but are not limited to:
- Feeling the need to use the substance regularly, daily, or multiple times a day
- Unable to focus on other priorities – constantly thinking about using the substance
- Needing more and more of the same substance to acquire the same effects
- Continuing to use the substance, despite problems that it may be causing in work, school, or relationships
- Promising yourself over and over that you won’t use the substance again, but you always do
- Your decision-making skills seem to diminish; you make bad decisions or have trouble making decisions at all
There is no shame in asking for help, and the sooner the better. Addiction is a progressive disease; it continues to worsen even when you’re not using your substance of choice. If you or one of your family members are struggling, please reach out for help as soon as possible. Most treatment programs are equipped to deal with serious mental illness as well as SUD.
It’s important to remember that while mental distress can drive people to use substances, and substance use can certainly make mental health problems worse, they don’t necessarily cause each other. Many people with mental health issues don’t turn to mood-altering substances to cope, and not everyone with a substance use disorder has another mental health condition.
Risk Factors for Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder
While the relationship between mental illness and substance use disorder is not fully understood, the two conditions occur together quite often, hence the name co-occurring. One of the reasons for this is that both conditions share many of the same risk factors, including:
- Genetics: Those with a family history of mental illness or SUD are more likely to develop these disorders as well
- Trauma: Violence, exposure to war, injury, abuse, or a tragic loss can lead to PTSD and other mental disorders and SUD
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’S): Abuse, neglect, abandonment or a lack of loving relationships are common with many mental health disorders
- Psychological Stressors: Losing a job or loved one, divorce, financial insecurity or a tough move can be factors in substance abuse and mental distress
This is not an exhaustive list, nor are they guarantees that someone is going to start struggling with their mental health and/or substance abuse.
It is generally good practice to take care of your health, mentally and physically, on a consistent basis. Consistent hea;th care, including eating well, good sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy relationships with others will make you stronger, and more aware of signs and symptoms if you do begin to struggle. If you start feeling persistently sad, or suddenly lose interest in activities that used to give you joy, reach out to a health care provider as soon as possible. Things don’t have to get terrible before they start getting better.
If you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable reaching out to someone you know, try a local helpline or crisis lifeline; they can get you a referral, or suggest local support groups to get you started.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment at New Leaf Detox and Treatment
New Leaf Detox and Treatment is a residential treatment program that provides evidence-based therapies and treatments to offer compassionate care for those wishing to recover from a mental health disorder and addiction. They provide a safe, secure, and structured environment with access to psychiatric professionals as well as addiction specialists.
New Leaf treats a number of co-occurring disorders, some of the more common ones being:
Depression
Depression affects millions of people all over the world. It does not discriminate against age, sex, or social status, and is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders. It is understandable to look for solace in alcohol or other drugs, but alcohol in particular is a depressant. The relief it provides becomes more fleeting as time goes on, and more alcohol is necessary to get those same temporary feelings of euphoria. This in turn leads to a worsening of the depression, and the spiral continues.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are another mental health issue that makes you feel like a little temporary substance relief is a good idea. Alcohol is one of them, but many people turn to anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines for relief. More people each year are using these types of medications for relief of anxiety, to relax or sleep, not realizing the ramifications of long-term use and the dangers of developing a dependence.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that leads to fluctuating states of mania and depression; “high highs” and “low lows”. Unfortunately, misusing substances in order to combat the highs and lows ( stimulants for the lows, depressants for the highs) can lead to further chemical unbalances, exacerbating not only the symptoms of bipolar symptoms, but increasing the chances of SUD as well. Withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines can be particularly dangerous, so seek out a health professional if you are concerned.
Differences Between Standard Addiction Treatment and Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
In traditional addiction treatment, the primary focus is on the substance use disorder itself. This often involves detox, individual and group therapy, and participation in programs like AA or NA. However, co-occurring mental health conditions—such as depression or PTSD—are often not addressed or even diagnosed.
Dual diagnosis treatment takes a more comprehensive approach. It’s used when a person has both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition. Sometimes the mental health issue has already been diagnosed; other times, part of the treatment involves identifying what might be contributing to the addiction.
A key first step in dual diagnosis care is understanding how the mental health condition and addiction interact. It’s also important to assess the severity of each issue on its own and try to determine which one developed first.
Explore Dual Diagnosis Treatment at New Leaf
At New Leaf Detox and Treatment, we specialize in dual-diagnosis care, providing support for those facing both substance use and mental health challenges. Our team of experienced psychiatric professionals and addiction specialists use evidence-based approaches to guide you through recovery.
We believe that everyone deserves a life that’s healthy, fulfilling, and full of possibility. Whether you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, mental health issues, or both, we offer personalized treatment plans designed to meet your unique needs.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Healing is possible—and we’re here to help. Your well-being matters.
