The numbers do not lie.Mental illnessandaddictionoften overlap.
Yet, only 7 percent of these individuals get treatment for both conditions.
And nearly 60 percent receive no treatment at all.
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While neither condition actually causes the other, they do often exist together.
What’s more, one condition can exacerbate the symptoms of the other.
To better understand how comorbidity is possible, it helps to recognize that both arechronic brain disorders.
This, in turn, causes the brain to function differently than before.
It is not as simple as stopping the drug use or alcohol condition.
Many times, this is simply not possible.
While the link is complex, some mental health issues increase the risk factors for substance abuse.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Another common factor between mental health issues and addiction is the age at which the symptoms appear.
During the teen years, people are still developing, maturing, and growing.
As a result, significant changes in the brain occur during adolescence.
For instance, teenagers are more prone to take risks and act impulsively.
These behaviors, while common among teens, can influence the risk of addiction and other mental disorders.
Finally, people who are physically or emotionally traumatized are at a much higher risk of substance use disorders.
This connection is particularly concerning for veterans returning to the country.
Some studies suggest that half of all veterans diagnosed with PTSD also have a co-occurring substance abuse problem.
Why It Is Difficult to Diagnose Both Conditions
Co-occurring disorders are sometimes difficult to diagnose.
One reason is that the symptoms are often complex and can vary in severity.
Sometimes this happens because the symptoms are so similar or overlap.
Another reason for not diagnosing both conditions might include inadequate training or screening.
Achieving lasting sobriety is increasingly difficult for them.
Treatment When Comorbidity Exists
Research suggests that co-occurring conditions need to be treated at the same time.
With integrated treatment, doctors andcounselorscan address and treat both disorders at the same time.
This, in turn, often lowers treatment costs and creates better outcomes for patients.
For this reason, maintaining sobriety may be very difficult for them.
When this occurs, their chance of recovery increases.
But there needs to be increased awareness of comorbidity for this to occur.
Too many times, one of the conditions goes undiagnosed and untreated.
