What Causes Co-Occurring Disorders?

Many people who struggle with addiction have underlying mental health disorders. This may include conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. When both mental health disorders and addiction occur at the same time, they are known as co-occurring disorders. Addiction treatment combined with mental health disorder treatment can offer solutions for you. At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we’re happy to work closely with you to ensure treatment is possible.

What Causes Co-Occurring Disorders?

There are many reasons co-occurring disorders can occur. Either condition can come first. For example, some people with addiction develop mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety as a result of their drug use. It is also common for people who have a mental health disorder to use drugs or alcohol as coping mechanisms. This may help to minimize symptoms for a short period of time. With consistent use, it can lead to addiction. 

How Do You Know You Have Co-Occurring Disorders?

It can be difficult to diagnosis co-occurring disorders. Sometimes, people do not know what is occurring. That’s why a formal diagnosis is so important. Having professionals provide a full assessment can help to answer all of your questions. Some common signs of co-occurring disorders include:

  • Using drugs to deal with work, home, or social stress
  • Struggling to balance day-to-day life with drug or alcohol use
  • Feeling the need to use drugs or alcohol all of the time
  • Feeling anxious, depressed, or unsettled when you don’t use
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms and cravings when you stop using 
  • Trying but being unable to stop using
  • Suicidal thoughts

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms of addiction or have a mental health disorder, reach out to a trusted team of professionals who can help you. Mental health conditions can include post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or others. 

What Can Addiction Treatment Do to Help You?

If you are struggling with addiction, it’s critical to work through treatment for co-occurring disorders at the same time that you’re receiving addiction therapy. If both conditions are not treated simultaneously, it is less likely that the treatment for either will be sufficient. 

Treating co-occurring disorders is easier when you have a good therapist who understands your struggles. This may include the use of medications. Some people also benefit from medications to help them deal with the withdrawal symptoms when not using drugs or alcohol. It is a combination of these treatments, along with talk therapy, that can provide exceptional help to you.

How to Get Started with Mental Health and Addiction Treatment

Our team is here to help you. When you reach out to us, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive exam and assessment. This allows us to determine what type of therapy is right for your needs. We can then work with you to create a treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Keep in mind that we offer comprehensive care. That includes sober homes that can help you to get healthy with the support you need. Learn more about our treatment programs: