What are Co-Occurring Disorders?
People with substance use disorders (SUDs) are at particular risk for developing one or more primary conditions or chronic diseases. The coexistence of both a mental illness and SUD is known as a co-occurring disorder, and is common among people in treatment.
People with mental illness are more likely to experience an SUD than those not affected by a mental illness. According to SAMHSA’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 21.5 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder.
It is important to note that combining medications used for SUD with anxiety treatment medications can have serious adverse effects. Common benzodiazepines include Xanax, Valium, Klonopin among others.
Co-occurring disorders may include any combination of two or more SUDs and mental disorders identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5-TR). No specific combinations of mental and substance use disorders are defined uniquely as co-occurring disorders.
Learn more about mental health and substance use disorders.
The most common mental disorders:
The most common mental disorders:
- Anxiety and mood disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Conduct disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Patients being treated for mental disorders often misuse the following types of substances:
Patients being treated for mental disorders often misuse the following types of substances:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Opioids
- Stimulants
- Marijuana
- Hallucinogens
- Prescription drugs
Retrieved from: https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders