Common Co-Occurring Addiction Disorders

Addiction is a difficult problem that affects millions of people all over the world. However, the presence of dual addiction disorders adds another layer of complexity. S

ubstance abuse or addiction frequently occurs in tandem with other mental health disorders, a phenomenon known as common co-occurring addiction disorders (also called dual diagnosis or comorbidity).

This blog will delve deeply into the causes, symptoms, and potential Common Co-Occurring Addiction Disorders treatments.

By combining our in-depth expertise with data from reputable sources, we hope to present readers with information that is both informative and useful. Come along as we explore the nuances of commonly co-occurring addiction disorders and the solutions developed to combat them.

Common Co-Occurring Addiction Disorders

The range of substance abuse and mental health issues known as "common co-occurring disorders" is broad. Combining one of these disorders with another can make life even more difficult for the patient.

Let's look at some common addiction disorders that frequently occur together.

Schizophrenia

Individuals with a schizophrenia diagnosis are at increased risk for developing substance abuse disorders. Half of all people with schizophrenia will struggle with substance abuse at some point. This group's most widely misused substances are weed, alcohol, and cocaine.

Although those who suffer from both schizophrenia and addiction benefit greatly from an integrated treatment strategy, it is important to note that this population typically has a less positive clinical outcome. Specialised interventions that address schizophrenia and substance misuse are required due to the complexity of the link between the two disorders.

Better long-term outcomes and improved quality of life for people with this dual diagnosis are most likely to result from receiving care that addresses all aspects of their condition, not just the symptoms.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal human emotion. Anxiety, nervousness, and concern are all natural human responses to a wide variety of life events and circumstances. A common response to pressure is anxiety. However, being nervous or anxious is different from having a diagnosis of anxiety or an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are characterised by excessive, intrusive, or persistent worry, fear, or panic. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition or mental illness, affecting about 30% of adults at some point in their lives.

Generalised anxiety disorder, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia are all diagnosable anxiety disorders.

Eating Disorders

Addiction and eating disorders often occur simultaneously, necessitating specialised treatment. To reduce hunger and boost confidence, many people turn to drugs like stimulants or diet pills, or even alcohol.

Because of the interconnected nature of these problems, people who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder frequently suffer from excessive self-criticism and preoccupation with their perceived physical flaws.

While young adults are a common demographic for which eating disorders are reported, anyone at any stage of life is at risk. Healing, recovery, and enhanced mental and physical health cannot occur without attending to the intricate relationship between eating disorders and addiction.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a long-term mood condition characterised by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. The cyclical occurrence of manic and depressive episodes characterises bipolar disorder. Keep in mind that bipolar disorder is a chronic illness that will last for the rest of your life.

Substance abuse is a problem that affects at least half of those who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol is a common coping mechanism for people who experience severe mood swings.

Individuals with bipolar disorder, as are those with other mood disorders, are at increased risk for addiction. The prevalence of substance abuse disorders over a lifetime is 60% for those with bipolar I disorder and 48% for those with bipolar II disorder.

As these two disorders exacerbate one another, the outlook worsens for people who struggle with both substance abuse and bipolar.

Trauma/Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Other forms of trauma often accompany substance abuse disorder and addiction for many people. Trauma is the emotional reaction someone has after experiencing a disturbing or threatening event or series of events. Big T Trauma and Little T Trauma are the main divisions used to describe traumatic experiences.

Big T trauma, which is more widely recognized, is the result of something extraordinary or significant, like a car accident, a natural disaster, a sexual assault, or a terrorist attack.

Over time, even if an event or situation isn't immediately life-threatening or terrifying, it can still cause someone to feel helpless and disrupt their ability to cope and regulate their emotions naturally. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an extremely common co-occurring disorder for addicts (PTSD.) A person who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one who, long after the traumatic event or experience has passed, continues to experience intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to it.

Personality Disorders And Mood Disorders

Conditions like OCD and BPD are well-known examples of personality and mood disorders, yet they are just two of many possible manifestations of these problems. The symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD), one of the most common conditions, include impulsive behaviour, extreme mood fluctuations, and profound emotional instability.

Due to their extreme internal turmoil, these people frequently fail to keep relationships with others on a solid emotional footing. Some people with BPD seek temporary relief from their overwhelming emotions through drugs and alcohol.

To effectively aid those coping with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and addiction, it is crucial to grasp the complex interplay between these two conditions fully.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Alcohol is frequently the drug of choice for people with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Alcoholism is a significant problem for people with ASPD; they are 21 times more likely to struggle with alcohol than their non-ASPD peers. Those who already have ASPD and drink alcohol are more likely to become aggressive and violent.

Given the strong link between ASPD and alcohol abuse, it is crucial to treat both the disorder and the addiction simultaneously. Individuals with ASPD need individualised interventions that help them work towards positive behavioural changes and sustained sobriety through therapy, behavioural strategies, and support networks.

Behavioural Addiction

Addiction to substances is only one aspect of the problem for many people diagnosed with a substance use disorder or addiction. Behavioural addictions are characterised by a person's inability to abstain from addictive behaviour, despite negative consequences. Many people who have a problem with substance abuse also struggle with compulsive patterns of behaviour that mirror their substance abuse.

Addiction to substances, activities, or rituals (such as gambling, food, sex, technology, video games, shopping, porn, or cosmetic surgery) is one example of behavioural addiction.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Addiction and mental health problems are strongly linked to personality disorders, particularly borderline personality disorder (BPD). Research shows that between 14 and 72 per cent of people with BPD will develop a substance use disorder at some point. Substance abuse is significantly more common in men than in women with BPD.

Abuse of prescription painkillers has also been linked to borderline personality disorder. It is essential to understand and address the complex interplay between BPD and addiction to help people effectively manage their mental health challenges and achieve long-term recovery from substance abuse.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental illness commonly diagnosed in children and young people. Insomnia, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are all symptoms of this disorder. Prescription medications, typically stimulants, are used in the conventional treatment model.

However, it is not unusual to come across young adults who have taken a wrong turn and are abusing prescription drugs in an effort to find solace or pleasure.

In addition, some people try to manage their ADHD symptoms by using alcohol or other substances as a form of self-medication. Besides worsening the underlying condition, these actions are also extremely harmful to one's psychological and physiological well-being.

Healthy coping strategies and positive outcomes for people with ADHD can be encouraged through proper management and support, such as therapy and non-addictive medication alternatives.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Our goal in treating people with a dual diagnosis (mental health and substance abuse disorders co-occurring) is to help them stop abusing substances in a healthy way while also addressing the underlying issues.

All of the above co-occurring disorders are familiar territory for our counsellors.

All of the following methods are available at our outpatient facilities. While each patient's care is tailored to their specific circumstances, they are effective in treating substance abuse, alcoholism, mental illness, and mood disorders.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a proven method of psychotherapy because it helps people recognize the connection between their thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes and the ways they behave.

Recovery from addiction and drug abuse disorders is possible when people are able to alter their thought processes and hence their actions.

Our clients receive high-quality care from licensed mental health professionals in our intensive outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation programmes. These experts guide patients with empathy through CBT, helping them find their unique road to recovery and growth.

One-On-One Counselling

One-on-one sessions with our trained counsellors provide patients with the individualised attention they need to explore the many complex factors that have contributed to their substance abuse.

As part of their efforts to get to the bottom of things, our counsellors may look into alternative treatments for mental health issues in addition to those already in place for physical ailments.

Furthermore, clients acquire useful coping methods adapted to their specific needs, assisting them in navigating the difficulties of symptoms and accompanying tensions typically associated with addiction. With the help of this tailored approach, patients are better able to gain insight, strengthen resilience, and equip themselves for long-term recovery and enhanced well-being.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an option for clients who need additional help overcoming their addiction. Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) aims to help people with mental health disorders cope with their symptoms without turning to alcohol or drugs.

Furthermore, MAT can be helpful in the early stages of recovery by reducing withdrawal symptoms. It is important to note that MAT is not a panacea and should only be used when medical professionals determine it to be so. A person's best chance at a successful and satisfying recovery lies in a treatment programme designed with them in mind.

Support Groups

Many people rely heavily on peer support groups to help them through their recovery from substance abuse and comorbid mental health issues. The members of such a group have a special bond and mutual understanding because they work together as one unit. 

Patients in treatment can feel safe sharing their struggles, successes, and coping mechanisms with peers who have been through or are going through the same things.

A strong sense of community, agency, and encouragement can flourish in peer support groups thanks to the impact of shared experiences and attentive listening. This supportive community fosters resiliency and lays the groundwork for a full and lasting recovery.

Aftercare

Any long-term addiction treatment programme must include aftercare services. After finishing an intensive or general outpatient programme, patients are encouraged to take advantage of available aftercare options. Group therapy sessions once or twice a month and individual sessions every week or two are common components of aftercare plans.

This follow-up care aims to help patients maintain the gains made in the initial treatment phase and reduce the likelihood of a relapse. Aftercare is crucial because it provides patients with ongoing support as they face the challenges of returning to everyday life following treatment.

Conclusion

People who have common co-occurring addiction illnesses use drugs and have mental health problems at the same time. This can make their lives even harder. Schizophrenia, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, and mood disorders are all examples of these conditions.

Schizophrenia is a common illness that makes people more likely to have problems with drugs or alcohol. About half of all people have problems with drugs or alcohol at some point in their lives. Even though integrated treatment methods can help, this group of people usually has a worse clinical outcome.

Anxiety disorders are a normal human feeling that can be shown by worrying, being scared, or feeling panicked too much. Bipolar disorder is a long-term mood disease that causes big changes in energy, activity, and mood. At least half of people with bipolar disorder use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate, and this is a popular way to deal with their severe mood swings.

PTSD is another common problem that addicts often have at the same time. People with PTSD continue to have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings about traumatic events.

These problems show up as personality disorders and mood illnesses, like OCD and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). To help people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and addiction, it is important to understand how these two diseases interact with each other.

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a big problem for people with alcoholism. People with alcoholism are 21 times more likely to have ASPD than their friends who do not have alcoholism. It is important to treat both the illness and the addiction at the same time. Individualised interventions can help people make changes in their behaviour and stay sober.

Another part of substance use disorder or addiction is behavioural addiction, which is characterised by compulsive patterns of behaviour that look like drug abuse. Borderline personality disorder (BPD), which is more common in men than in women, is linked to drug and mental health problems. Understanding how BPD and addiction work together is important for successful treatment and long-term recovery from drug abuse.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a brain disorder that is often found in children and teens. In the traditional form of treatment, prescription drugs like stimulants are used, but some people treat themselves with alcohol or other drugs.

People with ADHD can learn healthy ways to deal with problems and have good results with the right care and support, like therapy and non-addictive medication alternatives.

Dual diagnosis treatment tries to help people stop using drugs in a healthy way while also dealing with the problems that led to their drug use. Outpatient centres use different methods, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling one-on-one, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), peer support groups, and aftercare services.

These methods help people figure out the complicated things that led to their drug use, come up with ways to deal with problems, and keep a strong sense of community and control.

Content Summary

• Addiction is a pervasive global problem affecting millions worldwide.
• Dual addiction disorders add complexity to the issue.
• Co-occurring addiction disorders involve substance abuse and mental health issues.
• This phenomenon is also known as dual diagnosis or comorbidity.
• The blog delves deep into causes, symptoms, and treatments.
• Reputable sources provide data for informative content.
• Schizophrenia increases the risk of substance abuse.
• Weed, alcohol, and cocaine are commonly misused substances.
• Integrated treatment helps those with both schizophrenia and addiction.
• Anxiety is a natural human emotion, but disorders are different.
• Anxiety disorders affect around 30% of adults globally.
• Various diagnosable anxiety disorders exist, including phobias and panic disorders.
• Eating disorders and addiction often co-occur, requiring specialised treatment.
• Body dysmorphia can lead to excessive self-criticism and addiction.
• Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood shifts and substance abuse.
• Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol is common in bipolar disorder.
• Trauma often accompanies substance abuse and addiction.
• PTSD is a co-occurring disorder for many addicts.
• Personality and mood disorders, like BPD, are interconnected.
• BPD sufferers often seek relief through drugs and alcohol.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is linked to alcohol abuse.
• Individuals with ASPD need combined treatment for both conditions.
• Behavioural addiction involves compulsive behaviours despite consequences.
• Substance abuse often accompanies behavioural addictions.
• BPD is strongly connected to addiction and mental health issues.
• ADHD is diagnosed in children and young people.
• Prescription drug abuse can stem from ADHD self-medication.
• Proper management of ADHD includes therapy and support.
• Dual diagnosis treatment aims to address substance abuse and mental health.
• Counsellors help individuals navigate co-occurring disorders.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps alter thought processes.
• One-on-one counselling addresses complex factors of substance abuse.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) supports addiction recovery.
• Support groups offer peer assistance in recovery.
• Peer support groups foster a sense of community.
• Aftercare is vital for maintaining gains from treatment.
• Group therapy and individual sessions are common aftercare components.
• Aftercare reduces the likelihood of relapse.
• ADHD's symptoms include insomnia and impulsivity.
• Stimulant medications are commonly used to treat ADHD.
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) often leads to substance abuse.
• Peer support groups offer mutual understanding and encouragement.
• Recovery from addiction and mental health issues requires tailored treatment.
• Individuals with schizophrenia often misuse alcohol, weed, and cocaine.
• Anxiety disorders affect up to 30% of adults globally.
• Body dysmorphic disorder and addiction are interconnected issues.
• Bipolar disorder's extreme mood shifts can lead to self-medication.
• Trauma and PTSD often co-occur with substance abuse.
• Behavioural addiction involves compulsive behaviours despite consequences.
• Dual diagnosis treatment targets both substance abuse and mental health issues.