Common Co-Occurring Disorders

If you are diagnosed with a mental health disorder and addiction at the same time, this is referred to as co-occurring disorders. It is also commonly called dual disorders or comorbidity.

What does Co-Occurring Disorder mean?

A co-occurring disorder occurs when an individual is diagnosed with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time.

Mental health conditions and substance use disorders often overlap, with a particularly high rate of co-occurrence. When a co-occurring disorder is formally identified, it is referred to as a dual diagnosis or comorbidity.

What are Common Co-Occurring Disorders?

Certain mental health conditions are more likely to occur alongside substance use disorders. Individuals experiencing affective disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and panic disorder, often face challenges with drug or alcohol dependency. According to the National Survey of Health and Wellbeing, at least 35% of Australians living with affective or anxiety disorders also experience substance use issues.

Those living with more severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, are even more vulnerable to developing a substance use disorder, highlighting the importance of integrated treatment approaches for co-occurring disorders.

Alcohol & Depression/ Alcohol & Panic disorder

Alcohol abuse and dependence frequently co-occur with depression and panic disorder. Many individuals use alcohol to numb emotional pain or calm anxiety, and in the absence of professional support, it can quickly become a relied-upon coping mechanism. As the most widely used drug in Australia, alcohol often becomes a self-prescribed solution with serious long-term consequences, particular in the absence of professional treatment and support.

Cocaine & Depression

Cocaine use is often linked with major depressive disorder. Its short-term effects, such as increased energy and enhanced self-esteem, can feel like a temporary escape from depressive symptoms. However, these effects wear off quickly, and continued use can exacerbate depression, potentially triggering a cycle of escalating cocaine use.

Ice (Crystal Methamphetamine) & Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia and methamphetamine (ice) addiction often co-occur, and their symptoms can be difficult to distinguish. Individuals may display erratic behaviours, severe mood swings, and a distorted perception of reality including hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Excessive ice use can induce symptoms similar to schizophrenia, while pre-existing schizophrenic episodes can intensify dramatically when combined with methamphetamine abuse.

Poly-Drug Use & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Poly-drug use involves the consumption of multiple substances without a clear preference. Individuals with PTSD may experience a wide range of symptoms, including panic attacks, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, depression, and paranoia. In an attempt to self-medicate, they may turn to various substances, with alcohol, cannabis, and opioids being common choices.

What are Treatments for Co-Occurring Disorders?

Co-occurring disorders, also referred to as dual diagnosis, are best addressed through an integrated approach treats both mental health conditions and substance use disorders simultaneously, rather than focusing on just one aspect.

Successful treatment involves a thorough understanding of how each disorder influences the other and identifying which condition may have contributed to the onset of the other. With comprehensive, tailored therapy, individuals with co-occurring disorders can achieve lasting recovery, rebuild their lives, and regain a sense of wellbeing and purpose.