Co-Occurring Disorders: Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
When a person has a mental health disorder (such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD) and a substance use disorder (SUD), it’s known as a comorbidity or co-occurring disorders.1,2 If you or a loved one are struggling with co-occurring disorders, you may already understand the challenges associated with both conditions.
Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders
It’s important to note that only a trained professional can diagnose someone with either a mental health disorder or any type of SUD. However, knowing the criteria for SUDs may help identify the need to seek help for substance misuse.
Types of Co-Occurring Disorders
Any mental health disorder can occur with a SUD, but the most commonly occurring disorders include:2,5
- Anxiety disorders (particularly generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder).
- Depressive disorders (particularly major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder).
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Bipolar disorder.
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
- Personality disorders (particularly borderline personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder).
Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
Treating both disorders concurrently in an integrated treatment approach is the standard of care for treating co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health disorders.2 In several studies, the integrated treatment approach consistently resulted in better outcomes than treating each disorder separately.8
Many of the approaches used in the treatment of co-occurring disorders involve some form of behavioral therapy or psychotherapy, along with strategies like education and employment skills to improve overall functioning and keep people motivated to stay in treatment.2
Find Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment Near Me
Finding integrated treatment for co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health disorders may be foundational to the rest of your recovery. Many people can benefit from a reputable treatment program that addresses both conditions at the same time and customizes care to address specific individual needs.2
American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers evidence-based treatment programs across the country that specialize in treating co-occurring conditions. If you or your loved one are struggling with co-occurring disorders, call our caring admissions navigators at to learn about our facilities, how to pay with insurance, and what types of treatment may be right for you.
