A Crash-Course in Discovering Co-Occurring Disorders
Paul drinks a lot. He’s also sad a lot of the time. But until today, Paul hadn’t really put those two things together.
Now, sitting across from his doctor, he’s hit with a surprising diagnosis. Apparently, Paul is struggling with both depression and an alcohol use disorder. It’s what the doc calls a “co-occurring disorder.” And it requires a “dual-diagnosis” – acknowledgment and treatment of both issues.
Paul’s head is spinning with questions. He’s never heard of co-occurring disorders before, and he’s not sure exactly what that means for his future. Over the next hour, he learns the basics of this diagnosis and how to move forward with treatment.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Paul discovers that this term simply means two things are going on at the same time (co = more than one; occurring = happening). Paul is suffering from both an addiction and a mental health challenge.
And he’s not alone. As of 2018, SAMHSA reported that 9.2 million adults in the U.S. had a co-occurring disorder.
For Paul, his co-occurring disorder consists of major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder. But this dual diagnosis can include “any combination of two or more substance use disorders and mental disorders.”
Some of the most common mental disorders that are co-occurring include anxiety, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
The Chicken or the Egg?
As Paul considers his dual-diagnosis, he starts to wonder which one came first. Did he start drinking because he was feeling depressed, or did his drinking lead to depression?
Before he gets too caught up in this circular thinking, his doctor points out something very important: it can happen either way. And while it can be helpful to figure out which one occurred first, that shouldn’t be the main focus.
The most crucial thing isn’t to know which caused which, but to develop a plan that manages both disorders.
Treatment Options for Co-Occurring Disorders
At first, Paul feels like he’s just been hit with a double-punch. But he soon realizes the dual-diagnosis is a good thing. Now, he and his doctor can develop a treatment plan that really helps, since it will include support for both his mental and physical needs.
Like the millions of others who are struggling with co-occurring disorders, Paul needs a comprehensive treatment plan – a plan that helps him break his physical and psychological dependence on the substance and learn how to manage his mental health. This is referred to as integrated treatment. It integrates (coordinates) interventions for mental health and substance abuse, rather than try to treat each disorder separately.
Common co-occurring treatment options include:
- Detox drug treatment: Cleansing the body of substances and managing withdrawal symptoms during this process
- Medication management: Prescribing addiction medications to manage substance abuse
- Dialectical behavioral therapy: Teaches the patient to be aware of the situation and their emotional state and to develop skills to control emotions and behaviors
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Talk therapy that helps the patient learn how to challenge thought patterns and cope with challenges
- Inpatient drug/alcohol treatment: Patients stay in a treatment center to get support and overcome an addiction
- Counseling – individualized counseling sessions with a therapist to work through mental and emotional challenges
Moving Forward With a Co-Occurring Disorders
Paul’s situation is far from unique. Researchers have discovered that 50 percent of people who struggle with a substance abuse disorder also experience a co-occurring mental disorder. The reverse is also true. (If you have a mental disorder, there’s a 50% chance you’ll experience a substance use disorder at some point.)
Can you relate? If you have received a dual-diagnosis, it can feel overwhelming. But keep in mind the diagnosis is a step in the right direction. Now you can get treatment that targets both disorders and is tailored to your specific challenges.
If you or someone you love is experiencing a substance use disorder, help is available. Call 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) today to speak with a treatment specialist.
