What’s a Co-Occurring Disorder?
A co-occurring disorder refers to the presence of both a mental health issue and a substance use disorder occurring simultaneously in a patient. The dual diagnosis requires an integrated and comprehensive approach to address the complex interaction between these conditions, ensuring appropriate treatment to achieve optimal recovery and well-being.
Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, are a common and serious condition affecting millions of Americans. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 9 million people in the United States suffer from co-occurring disorders.
Co-occurring disorders often go hand-in-hand with one disorder exacerbating the other. It is more complex to treat co-occuring disorders. It’s critical to seek professional help from reputable addiction treatment centers.
Mental Health Disorders and Substance Use
- Co-occurring disorders refer to the co-existence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.
- Patients with a mental disorder are twice as likely to develop a substance addiction and vice versa
- Risk factors for these co-occuring conditions include mental illness, family history, substance abuse, lack of treatment and trauma.
- Left untreated, the dual diagnosis can lead to higher risks of suicide, hospitalization, social isolation, violence, victimization, incarceration and drug overdose.
Understanding co-occurring disorders is crucial as these disorders are complex and cyclical. These disorders involve the co-existence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, which together can exacerbate symptoms of each other.
Combined, they can lead to higher risks of suicide, hospitalization, social isolation, violence, victimization, incarceration and drug overdose.
Treating a dual diagnosis can be complicated
Co-occurring disorders are common among people with mental illness or addiction disorders. For instance, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder,and mood disorders often occur in conjunction with substance use disorders.
The consequences of untreated co-occurring disorders can be severe. The interaction between these conditions impacts the course of illness and increases the risk for negative outcomes.
Dual diagnosis treatment offers an integrated approach that addresses both the mental health disorder and the substance use disorder simultaneously. Treatment options may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, individual therapy or a combination.
Risk factors for developing co-occurring disorders
Development of co-occurring disorders, or the coexistence of a mental health disorder and substance use disorder, can be influenced by various risk factors.
- Biological risk factors: Genetics and changes in brain chemistry due to substance use can increase the likelihood of developing these conditions.
- Social risk factors: Chronic stress, trauma, peer drug use, access to drugs or alcohol, family factors, and cultural acceptance of substance abuse may also play a role in their onset.
- Psychological factors: Childhood abuse or neglect can create unresolved trauma and chemical imbalances in the brain.
- Environmental factors. Poverty, food insecurity and social isolation can lead people to do drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. An accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of co-occurring disorders since each disorder affects different areas of the brain.
Integrated treatments for co-occurring disorders
An integrated treatment approach considers both biological and environmental risk factors. Integrated treatment involves personalized care plans that combine medication, behavioral therapy and counseling. Part of the integrated process is helping patients managing their physical health issues, housing concerns, transportation, employment challenges and areas that impact overall well-being.
An integrated treatment approach that considers both biological and environmental risk factors is necessary for successful outcomes.
Strategies for treating co-occurring disorders may include:
- Concurrent treatment: Addressing both substance abuse and mental health issues simultaneously in order to promote long-term recovery.
- Individualized care: Customizing treatment plans based on each patient’s unique needs.
- Collaboration: Involving a team of healthcare professionals from different disciplines that provide care.
- Ongoing support: Providing continued support after completing initial treatments in order to help prevent relapse or recurrence of symptoms.
Several mental health conditions are among the most common disorders your therapist may see in addition to substance use: anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, psychosis, ADHD, personality disorders and schizophrenia. Living with both untreated illnesses, untreated, can exacerbate severe psychiatric symptoms.
By addressing both co-occurring disorders simultaneously through integrated treatment programs, individuals have a better chance of achieving long-term recovery from their mental health condition and substance use disorder.
Horizon Health Behavioral Health Solutions
Horizon Health partners with hospitals and other behavioral healthcare facilities. We provide effective staffing solutions, clinical resources, community education and regulatory compliance. Call 800-727-2407 or complete the online interest form to learn more about Horizon Health’s Behavioral Health Services.
