Defining Co-Occurring Conditions
Updated on 02/19/24 Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC Co-occurring disorders refer to the presence of both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. Mental health disorders can be a contributing factor to the development of substance use disorders. Risk factors for developing these disorders overlap, including environmental and genetic factors. Effective […]
Managing a Co-occurring Disorder in Recovery
Managing a Co-occurring Disorder in Recovery Content reviewed by Karen Rubenstein, LMFT, Chief Clinical Officer at Cliffside Malibu In recovery, a co-occurring disorder is defined as being diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder alongside one or more mental health disorders. These are often difficult to navigate as it is common for one to exacerbate the other while […]
The Relationship Between Mental Health and Addiction
When you have both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder, this is called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Dealing with SUD is not easy and can become more complex when managing a mental health disorder. In a co-occurring disorder, both mental health and drug or alcohol-related use each have unique […]
What Should I Treat First, Depression or My Addiction?
Depression and Addiction Throughout life, everyone has bad days and low moments. We all get into a “funk” or have times when we feel the blues. While this is a normal part of life and reaction to stress or traumatic events, depression is an entirely different thing. According to the American Psychiatry Associaton, Depression is […]
PTSD and Trauma Leading to Addiction
PTSD and Trauma Leading to Addiction If you feel that your PTSD and addiction are connected, you’re probably right—and you’re certainly not alone. According to Time, between 50–66% of people with PTSD also struggle with addiction. Additionally, about half of those seeking treatment for substance use disorders also suffer from PTSD, as reported by MentalHelp. […]
Co-Occurring Mental Health and Addiction
What Is a Co-Occurring Disorder? Updated on 05/20/24 The coexistence of both a mental health disorder and a substance abuse use disorder is referred to as a co-occurring disorder. Any combination of mental health and addiction can be referred to as having a co-occuring disorder. The combinations can be seemingly endless, and can even include […]