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A co-occurring disorder is also known as a dual diagnosis. It refers to when a person has both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.1
Someone suffering from depression may turn to alcohol or drugs as a form of self-medication. However, this inadvertently leads to substance abuse.
On the other hand, substance abuse can also trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions. This creates a complex, cyclic relationship between mental health and substance abuse.
The coexistence of mental health and substance abuse in co-occurring disorders presents unique challenges for diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of mental health disorders can often overlap with signs of substance abuse.
Additionally, substance abuse can obscure the symptoms of mental health disorders. The effects of substance abuse can also mask mental health symptoms.
The co-occurrence of mental health and substance abuse disorders requires integrated treatment. This refers to approaches that address both issues simultaneously.
One of the most common reasons people with mental health issues may resort to substance use is to self-medicate. They may use drugs or alcohol to cope with their mental health disorder symptoms.
This includes disorders like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. However, this self-medication can quickly become dependence and eventually substance abuse.
Substance abuse can worsen existing mental health conditions. For instance, alcohol can intensify symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Similarly, stimulant drugs can heighten symptoms of anxiety and paranoia. Substances may initially alleviate symptoms but eventually may lead to increased severity and frequency of these symptoms.
Prolonged substance abuse can lead to the development of mental health disorders. For example, long-term alcohol abuse can lead to significant changes in the brain.
This can increase the risk of developing major depressive disorder or anxiety disorders. This shows how substance abuse can directly impact mental health.
Certain mental health disorders increase the likelihood of substance abuse. For instance, people with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of developing substance abuse problems.
This suggests certain mental health conditions can predispose an individual to substance abuse.
Understanding this overlap can help in early detection and intervention. Ultimately, it prevents the spiral of co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues.
The presence of a substance abuse problem can create a significant obstacle to the recovery of an individual with a mental health disorder.
Substance abuse can interfere with the effectiveness of treatment for mental health disorders. It can also decrease medication adherence.
Depression and substance abuse often co-occur. People may use substances as a form of self-medication to alleviate feelings of sadness.
They may also resort to self-medication to relieve hopelessness or fatigue associated with depression. However, substances like alcohol can intensify depressive symptoms.
This includes disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. People with these disorders may misuse substances in an attempt to control their symptoms.
However, substances like caffeine, alcohol, and illicit drugs can increase feelings of anxiety and lead to panic attacks. They worsen the cycle of mental health and substance abuse.
People with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings. Their moods often fluctuate between intense highs (mania) and lows (depression). Both phases can lead to substance misuse.
The depressive episodes often lead to self-medication. Manic phases are often characterized by risky behaviors, including excessive substance use. This intertwines mental health and substance abuse in a way that complicates the management of bipolar disorder.
People with PTSD may turn to substances to cope with symptoms. This includes symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. This form of self-medication, however, can exacerbate PTSD symptoms.
There’s a significant correlation between schizophrenia and substance abuse. This is particularly true with nicotine and cannabis. Substance misuse can worsen schizophrenia symptoms and hinder treatment outcomes.
Individuals with ADHD may be more likely to misuse substances. This is often in an attempt to manage symptoms like restlessness or difficulty concentrating. However, many substances can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Those with personality disorders, especially borderline and antisocial personality disorders, have a higher risk of substance abuse. This relationship is likely due to the impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors often associated with these disorders.
Specific genes or combinations of genes may increase an individual’s susceptibility to mental health and substance use disorders.3
Substances can alter the brain’s structure and function. This may predispose an individual to mental health issues. Similarly, changes in brain chemistry due to a mental health condition can lead to substance abuse.
Various psychological factors can contribute to the link between mental health and substance abuse. For example, people with mental health disorders might use substances as a coping or escape mechanism.
Conversely, the use of substances can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety, which can worsen mental health conditions.
Elements in a person’s environment can also contribute to developing mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously. These factors include exposure to trauma, high-stress levels, or early exposure to substance use.
For example, people who have experienced trauma may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This will make them turn to substances as a form of coping, tying the spheres of mental health and substance abuse together.
Early onset of mental health disorders or substance use can influence the development of the other. For instance, adolescents who use substances are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders later in life, and vice versa.
The stigma associated with mental health disorders can lead to substance abuse as a form of self-medication.
Similarly, societal norms and cultural practices that encourage substance use can contribute to developing or exacerbating mental health disorders.
In some cases, mental health disorders and substance use disorders may occur together without one necessarily causing the other. This co-occurrence, or comorbidity, can be due to overlapping symptoms or the presence of shared risk factors.
This approach considers mental health and substance abuse disorders together rather than separate issues.
It involves a team of healthcare professionals who work collaboratively to develop and implement a comprehensive treatment plan. This can include therapy, medication, support groups, and social and vocational training.
MAT combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders. It can be helpful for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders.
The medications can help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and normalize brain functions. The therapy component addresses mental health issues.4
CBT helps individuals understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This type of therapy can teach coping skills to manage symptoms of mental health disorders and tools to resist substance use.
DBT is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy. It is particularly effective for people with severe personality disorders.
Examples include borderline personality disorder and substance abuse problems. It teaches mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills.
MI is a counseling method that helps people resolve ambivalent feelings to find the internal motivation to change their behavior.
It’s often used to treat substance abuse. It can be combined with other therapies to treat co-occurring mental health disorders.
CM uses positive reinforcement to encourage sobriety and treatment adherence. Patients receive rewards or incentives for reaching treatment goals.
Examples of goals include maintaining sobriety for a certain period or attending therapy sessions.
This approach aims to guide people toward engagement in 12-step programs. This includes programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
These programs provide a supportive community for recovery and coping strategies for substance use and mental health symptoms.
Family involvement can be crucial for individuals dealing with co-occurring disorders. Family therapy educates the family about the disorders and teaches impactful communication skills between family members. Having a strong family support system is beneficial for long-term recovery.
Holistic strategies like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and art therapy can supplement traditional treatments.
They can help people manage stress and express emotions. They can also help them improve mindfulness and enhance overall mental well-being.
In severe cases, residential or inpatient treatment might be necessary. These programs offer a structured, supportive environment. Here, individuals can focus on recovery without the distractions or triggers of daily life.
Each individual’s journey with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders is unique. Therefore, treatment plans should be tailored to meet each individual’s needs.
It should take into account the following:
At Iris Healing, we understand how challenging co-occurring mental health and substance abuse conditions are. We offer patient-first holistic therapies designed to address dual diagnosis.
At Iris Healing, we recognize that different evidence-based therapies benefit healing. Our comprehensive staff provides various therapies, including CBT, DBT, and somatic therapy, to help patients understand the root of their co-occurring disorders.
By changing negative thought patterns, individuals can learn essential coping skills to help them live healthy lifestyles.
Our facility also offers nutritional therapy and family therapy sessions. We understand the importance of proper nutrition and the positive impact of a strong support system in recovery.
As a part of our program, we also provide the necessary education for individuals to learn more about their disorders. This information can help patients understand their conditions and how to maintain their well-being.
Iris Healing provides a compassionate environment for individuals to explore holistic activities like yoga, meditation, and sound bath healing. We will also include an extensive aftercare plan for each patient to prevent relapse. Our team teaches proactive approaches to ensure sobriety after treatment.
Contact us today to learn more about our unique approach to mental health and substance abuse.
We’re here to help you lead the happy, healthy, and fulfilling life you deserve.
Iris Healing® strives to be diligent and prompt in updating the information available on our website. Please note, however, that our treatment modalities and protocols are subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date details regarding our treatment offerings or other protocols, please contact us: (844)663-4747
At Iris Healing®, we offer a free and confidential verification of benefits with no commitment required. For our in-network insurance partners, Iris Healing® accepts PPO, EPO, and HMO plans. For out-of-network insurance, we accept most PPO policies. We are happy to answer any questions you have related to insurance coverage for mental health and addiction treatment.
Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services.
Iris Healing Center
Certification: 190056AP
Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
Iris Healing Retreat
License Number: 190943AP
Expiration Date: 1/31/2025
Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services.
Iris Healing Center
Certification: 190056AP
Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
Iris Healing Retreat
License Number: 190943AP
Expiration Date: 1/31/2025
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