A co-occurring disorder (also known as a dual diagnosis) is when a person has both a mental health condition and a substance abuse disorder. Traditionally, both disorders were treated separately, but research shows that it is more effective to treat the conditions together. This approach is called integrated treatment.

There are many different types of mental health problems that can co-occur with addiction. Some of the most common include depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. Some people have psychotic disorders, which can be accompanied by alcohol or drug abuse. People with co-occurring disorders are more likely to be at higher risk of suicide than those who have only a mental health disorder or only a substance use disorder.

Co-occurring disorders are more common than one might think. In fact, 29 percent of people diagnosed with a mental illness also have an alcohol or drug problem. It is important that these issues are addressed, as they can cause serious health problems and may affect a person’s ability to function in life. Often, these problems will not get better unless they are addressed.

The good news is that treatment is available for co-occurring disorders. Integrated treatment programs are the best option for treating a combination of mental health problems and substance abuse disorders. These programs provide a comprehensive program that includes individualized therapy, education and medication management.

These programs help to improve a person’s overall quality of life by helping them to develop healthier coping skills, manage their symptoms and overcome their addictions. They also focus on teaching the individual how to deal with triggers that may lead to a relapse of their mental health or addiction symptoms. These coping skills can then be used in the real world to help a person avoid substance use or mental health relapses.

Another benefit of this type of treatment is that it can also improve a person’s quality of life by helping them to function more effectively in family, work and social situations. In addition, integrated treatment can help to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and addiction treatment. This can be a major barrier to getting the help that is needed.

Some of the main barriers to getting co-occurring disorder treatment include fear of what others might think and financial concerns. People who have a mental illness or an addiction are worried about being judged by their peers and afraid that they will lose their jobs. Many people who have a mental health problem do not seek help for fear of what their friends and family will think. Others are concerned that the cost of treatment will be too high and cannot afford to pay for it.

A treatment plan for co-occurring disorders will begin with a neuropsychological evaluation. This will help the treatment team to understand the client’s unique needs, identify areas of strength and potential obstacles to recovery and develop a comprehensive plan of care. Treatment will usually include psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, as well as evidence-based techniques like contingency management and motivational enhancement.