According to recent epidemiological studies, as many as 50% of individuals with mental health diagnosis also suffer from co-occurring substance abuse disorders. While substance dependence and withdrawal can actually be the cause of psychiatric symptoms, such as paranoia, hallucinations, delusions and panic attacks, many psychiatric conditions are pre-existing and are exacerbated, or even quieted momentarily, through self-medication by substance use.
It is not uncommon to see substance dependence in individuals diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorders, dysthymia, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder. Often, substances are used as a means of self-medication, to quiet many disturbing symptoms and to regulate emotions, and there is a synergistic effect that takes place where both disorders exacerbate one another.
Addiction can occur across many mental illnesses and difficulty in treatment arises when both disorders are not treated simultaneously. Many individuals who are treated for substance dependence alone have psychiatric symptoms that are still present once he/she is in recovery, making abstinence difficult to sustain. Integrated, dual diagnosis treatment programs are gaining popularity and address both psychiatric disorders, promoting abstinence while teaching behavior modification and prescribing psychiatric medications when necessary.
Even with the best integrative care, co-occurring disorders can be incredibly difficult to treat. Recovery from psychiatric conditions is often impeded by substance use and the propensity toward denial is high. Finding a treatment center that knows how to assess and treat both disorders can make the possibility of long-term sobriety and recovery a reality.
