Addiction doesn’t exist in isolation. It frequently shares a close bond with other mental health disorders, leading to what professionals refer to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnoses.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 37.9% of people with substance use disorders also have a co-occurring mental illness. This means that 7.7 million adults in the United States have a dual diagnosis.

Mental health disorders can accompany addiction, and it’s possible for a person to suffer from multiple co-occurring disorders. Here, we take a closer look at five of the most common co-occurring mental illnesses: depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and eating disorders.

1. Depression
   Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent and pervasive feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in once enjoyable activities. It goes beyond the typical fluctuations in mood that everyone experiences and can significantly impact a person’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical well-being. Depression can act as both a trigger and an outcome of addiction. Individuals grappling with the weight of sadness and hopelessness that characterizes depression might turn to substances to find solace. Drugs or alcohol might momentarily lift the heavy emotional burden. However, this relief is fleeting, and substance abuse can gradually rewire brain chemistry—making the depressive symptoms even more profound and intractable.
2. Anxiety Disorders
   Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent feelings of anxiety, fear, and worry. These feelings go beyond the normal levels of apprehension and concern that everyone experiences from time to time. For example, people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) experience excessive anxiety about work, relationships, health, and everyday situations. This worry is often difficult to control and can be accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, and irritability. Anxiety disorders frequently intertwine with addiction, creating a challenging cycle that traps individuals in a pattern of self-medication. Initially, substances may provide a brief respite from the overwhelming anxiety that clouds their lives. This sense of relief reinforces the belief that drugs and alcohol are the answer, inadvertently paving the way for a substance use disorder.
3. Bipolar Disorder
   Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is characterized by extreme mood swings that alternate between periods of mania and depression. These mood fluctuations are more intense than the typical ups and downs that most people experience and can profoundly impact an individual’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and daily functioning. Individuals dealing with bipolar disorder are particularly susceptible to the allure of addiction. The highs of manic episodes may propel them towards risky behaviors, including substance abuse, as they seek to amplify their euphoria. Conversely, substances can trigger or exacerbate the severe mood swings intrinsic to bipolar disorder.
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
   Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. While it’s normal to feel distressed after such an event, the impact lingers and intensifies for some individuals, giving rise to a complex set of symptoms that disrupt daily life. Research has shown that trauma can disrupt problem-solving skills. Individuals may turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to ease distress, as they may feel unable to use the healthier coping strategies that previously helped them manage their mental health. Feeling isolated from friends and family can amplify the problem since strong social support networks provide a buffer against stress and emotional turmoil.
5. Eating Disorders
   Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are serious mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy eating behaviors, distorted attitudes toward food, and a preoccupation with body image. Individuals with eating disorders may use their eating habits to cope with emotional distress, self-esteem issues, or a desire for control. Both eating disorders and substance use can activate the brain’s reward pathways, releasing dopamine and contributing to pleasurable sensations. This overlap might make individuals more susceptible to developing addictive behaviors. Peer influences can also be a factor, as social circles and environments that involve eating disorder behaviors often expose individuals to substance use.

How Our Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center Can Help

Recognizing the intertwined nature of addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders is the first step toward lasting recovery. Treating addiction without addressing underlying mental health issues can lead to relapse, while untreated addiction can hinder progress in managing mental health symptoms.

The most effective way to move forward involves treating both conditions simultaneously. Individualized treatment plans are essential, as each person’s co-occurring disorders may present differently. A holistic approach addresses physical, psychological, and social aspects of the individual’s well-being.

At St. Joseph Institute, our addiction specialists and mental health professionals are committed to guiding individuals toward a healthier, more balanced life. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can help you or a loved one build a brighter future.