How To Recognize The Signs of Co-Occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnoses, are conditions where someone simultaneously experiences mental health and substance abuse disorders. It is an incredibly complex diagnosis, as symptoms often overlap, influence or even mask one another. For example, it may not be obvious at a first glance that someone uses substances to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or, vice versa, that continued substance use led to the development of mental health challenges.

The unfortunate consequence of this difficult diagnosis is that those experiencing a co-occurring disorder are often unable to receive the care they need. Research has long shown that treating only one condition and not the other in a dual diagnosis often leads to relapse and poor life outcomes, while integrated treatment yields better results. This makes the ability to identify and treat co-occurring disorders of vital importance.

With such a complex condition, however, recognizing the nuanced and subtle signs of co-occurring disorders can be challenging. Fortunately, there are a few factors that can aid one in determining whether you or a loved one may be dealing with a co-occurring disorder.

What Is a Co-Occurring Disorder?

As mentioned, co-occurring disorders are complex conditions where a person struggles with both mental health and substance use challenges. The causes of co-occurring disorders vary. Sometimes the mental health issue develops before the substance use one, while in other cases it is the substance abuse that brings on mental health challenges. Either way, the key factor here is that the mental health and substance use issues are interconnected.

Due to the interplay between these challenges, treatment must take an integrated approach. This means that both the mental health challenge and substance use disorder must be treated at the same time. If not simultaneously addressed, patients are more likely to relapse or revert to negative behaviors.

This, unfortunately, makes sense. Let’s return to our first example about the person struggling with both a co-occurring disorder involving PTSD and substance use. If they receive treatment for their substance use but their PTSD is not addressed, what is likely to happen next? The person will continue to struggle with symptoms of PTSD and either return to self-medicating or engage in other damaging behaviors.

Only by addressing both the mental health and substance use challenge can long-term health and well-being be achieved.

Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders Statistics

Despite there being more awareness on co-occurring disorders than ever before, those dealing with it still face many challenges and barriers.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 8.4% (or 21.5 million people) struggled with both a mental illness and a substance use disorder in 2022.

Despite this, only an estimated 17% received treatment for both their substance use and mental health disorder. Worse, 2 in 5 adults (or 40.9%) did not receive any type of treatment.

What Are The Signs of a Co-Occurring Disorder?

Clearly, there is a discrepancy between co-occurring disorder diagnosis and treatment provided. This may partially be as a result of the challenges in identifying this disorder. Common signs of a co-occurring disorder include:

Behavioral and physical signs

• Social withdrawal
• Decline in work/school performance
• Engagement in risky behaviors
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Weight fluctuations
• Neglect of personal hygiene

Psychological signs

• Mood swings, such as sudden bouts of anger or sadness
• Increased irritability
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Confusion or inability to concentrate

Signs may also include symptoms specific to certain mental health disorders, such as manic episodes of bipolar disorder or the intense fear and avoidance characteristic of certain anxiety disorders.

Substance abuse signs

• Noticeable increase in drug or alcohol use
• Developing a tolerance for substances
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
• Continued substance use despite negative consequences

Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment

If you believe that you or a loved one is dealing with a co-occurring disorder, it’s time to look into professional treatment options.

As previously mentioned, treating co-occurring disorders requires a comprehensive and holistic approach, addressing both the mental health disorder and substance abuse issue simultaneously.

Beneficial treatment options include:

Integrated treatment

Integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders is often considered the most effective treatment approach. This method “’integrates” both psychiatric treatment for mental health disorders with substance abuse treatment, providing a cohesive plan that addresses all aspects of the patient’s health.

This often involves using different forms of therapeutic approaches and is personalized to meet the unique mental health and behavioral needs of the patient.

Those receiving integrated treatment often report better outcomes than those receiving non-integrated treatment.

Medication and therapy

Medication and therapy are often used together to treat those with co-occurring disorders.

Medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms of mental health disorders or to help patients medically detox from substances.

Therapy, instead, can help patients develop coping strategies to address underlying issues contributing to their mental health or substance abuse conditions.

Support groups and rehabilitation programs

It’s important to remember that you are not alone.

Support groups and rehabilitation programs often play an integral part of treatment, showing those with a co-occurring disorder that they are not alone and that recovery is possible.

These groups offer peer support and structured recovery programs that promote long-term sobriety and mental health stability.

Barriers to Treatment and How to Overcome Them

While recovery is possible, there are still many barriers preventing those who need it from accessing the care they need.

Stigma, lack of resources and difficulty finding appropriate treatment programs all contribute to making access to co-occurring disorder treatment more difficult.

To overcome these barriers, we must continue to raise awareness, educate the public and advocate for funding increases for dual diagnosis programs. Key to this is the ability to identify the signs of co-occurring disorders, so as to ensure that those who need it have a clear understanding of their condition and the type of help available.

Early intervention can drastically improve the prognosis for those with co-occurring disorders. By spotting the signs early and seeking appropriate treatment, one can avoid the escalation of harmful behaviors and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

A Place For Hope and Healing

If you or someone you know is displaying signs of a co-occurring disorder, it’s important to seek help from professionals who specialize in dual diagnosis treatment as soon as possible. With the right support and treatment, recovery is possible.

Hartgrove Hospital is a behavioral health hospital located in Chicago, Illinois. Some of our programs include our inpatient and outpatient services as well as our trauma program and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). 

To schedule a no-cost assessment or for more information, please call 773-572-7900.

If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, CALL 988 or get to the nearest emergency room.

For physical health emergencies, CALL 911 or get to the nearest emergency room.

 

Hartgrove Hospital

Hartgrove Hospital is a Modern Behavioral Health Hospital that specializes in personalized treatment for adults, adolescents and children. We pride ourselves on delivering quality care provided by our compassionate and thoughtful staff. Our mission is to restore the emotional well-being of our patients, while giving them the proper resources for their future.

Some of our programs include our inpatient and outpatient services. As well as our trauma and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). These programs are offered with an all-encompassing psychiatric healthcare service that is both effective and efficient. Located in Chicago, IL, our facility has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

To schedule a no-cost assessment or for more information, please call 773-572-7900 .