Addiction and mental health are deeply connected, often influencing and exacerbating one another. When someone struggles with both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health condition, it’s known as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Unfortunately, many people remain unaware that their substance use may be linked to underlying mental health struggles, leading to a cycle that can be difficult to break without proper treatment.
Whether you or a loved one is navigating addiction and mental health challenges, recognizing the connection between the two can be the first step toward recovery.
The Link Between Addiction and Mental Health
Substance use and mental health disorders often go hand in hand, but why does this happen? In some cases, people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate untreated mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. In other cases, chronic substance use can contribute to or worsen mental health issues, altering brain chemistry and making it even harder to cope with daily life.
According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health:
- 20.4 million adults (aged 18+) had both a mental illness and a SUD.
- Young adults aged 18-25 had the highest rates of co-occurring mental illness and SUD (14.1%) compared to other age groups.
- Depressive disorders were the most common mental health conditions among those with SUD.
- Anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia were also frequently reported as co-occurring conditions.
A few key reasons addiction and mental health disorders frequently co-exist include:
- Self-medication: Alcohol or drugs may temporarily relieve anxiety, depression, or emotional pain, but over time, they worsen these symptoms.
- Brain Chemistry: Both mental health disorders and addiction impact brain function, sometimes making it difficult to distinguish between the two.
- Shared Risk Factors: Genetics, trauma, stress, and environmental influences can contribute to both substance use and mental health struggles.
- Delayed Diagnosis: Many people with mental health disorders go undiagnosed for years, during which they may develop a substance use disorder to cope with their symptoms.
Common Signs of a Co-occurring Disorder
Since addiction and mental health conditions can mirror each other, it’s important to be aware of the signs that indicate both might be at play. Some warning signs of a co-occurring disorder include:
1. Using Substances to Cope with Emotions
Many people with co-occurring disorders rely on alcohol or drugs to numb emotions, alleviate stress, or manage symptoms of anxiety or depression. If substance use is consistently being used as an escape or as a way to “feel normal,” it could indicate an underlying mental health condition.
2. Worsening Mental Health Symptoms
Substance use can make pre-existing mental health conditions worse. Someone struggling with depression may feel even more hopeless after drinking, or an individual with anxiety may experience increased panic attacks due to stimulant use. If mental health symptoms intensify rather than improve with substance use, it’s a red flag.
3. Mood Swings and Behavioral Changes
Drastic mood swings, increased irritability, or unpredictable behavior can be signs of both addiction and a mental health disorder. This might include periods of extreme euphoria followed by deep lows, aggression, or withdrawal from social activities and loved ones.
4. Neglecting Responsibilities and Relationships
A co-occurring disorder often impacts daily life, making it difficult to maintain responsibilities at work, school, or home. Missing deadlines, skipping important events, or neglecting hygiene and personal care can be signs that both addiction and mental health struggles are affecting daily functioning.
5. Withdrawal Symptoms and Increased Tolerance
If stopping substance use leads to withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, paranoia, irritability, or depression, it could suggest dependence as well as an underlying mental health condition. Additionally, needing to consume more of a substance over time to achieve the same effect is a warning sign of addiction.
6. Past Trauma or Unresolved Emotional Pain
Many people with co-occurring disorders have a history of trauma, whether it’s childhood abuse, neglect, violence, or other distressing experiences. Trauma can fuel both addiction and mental health conditions, making it essential to address underlying emotional pain in treatment.
Why an Integrated Treatment Approach Matters
Treating addiction and mental health as separate issues often leads to incomplete recovery. Since both conditions influence each other, an integrated approach to treatment is crucial. This means addressing substance use and mental health simultaneously through:
- Therapy and Counseling: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care can help individuals develop coping skills and address both conditions.
- Medication Management: In some cases, medications for depression, anxiety, or mood stabilization may be beneficial alongside addiction treatment.
- Support Groups: Programs like Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) and specialized group therapy provide a sense of community and shared understanding.
- Holistic Approaches: Mindfulness, meditation, nutrition, and exercise can support overall mental health and reduce reliance on substances.
Get Help for a Co-occurring Disorder at Riverside Recovery
If you suspect that you or a loved one is dealing with both addiction and mental health struggles, seeking professional help is essential. Dual-diagnosis treatment programs are designed to address both conditions together, increasing the likelihood of long-term recovery and stability.
At Riverside Recovery, we specialize in comprehensive care for individuals facing co-occurring disorders. Our evidence-based treatment programs provide the support, structure, and therapy needed to heal both addiction and mental health challenges at the same time. Whether you need detox, residential care, or outpatient support, we’re here to help.
Breaking free from addiction and reclaiming mental health is possible. If you’re ready to take the next step toward recovery, contact Riverside Recovery today to learn more about our dual diagnosis programs and personalized treatment options.