Mental health and co-occurring disorders

You learned that substance use disorder is a treatable mental health disorder. But did you know that SUD can contribute to, and exist with other mental health disorders? How does this happen?

Brain

Substance use can change the brain’s structure and functioning, making a person more likely to experience a mental health disorder

Mental Health

Having an existing mental health problem can sometimes lead a person to misuse substances as a form of self-medication

DNA

There are similar causes between mental health disorders and SUD, including changes in brain composition, genetics, and early exposure to stress and trauma

More than 1 in 4 adults living with mental health problems also have an SUD.​

SUD occurs more frequently with certain mental health disorders. Hover over or tap the images below to learn more.

A disorder that causes continued feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, worthlessness, or guilt. Often leads to thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts, or self-harm
A disorder that causes continued feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, worthlessness, or guilt. Often leads to thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts, or self-harm
Continued feelings of anxiousness, fear or worry that can interfere with daily activities
Continued feelings of anxiousness, fear or worry that can interfere with daily activities
A disorder that causes a person to have an altered sense of reality. The person may experience delusional thinking, hallucinations, paranoia, and psychotic episodes
A disorder that causes a person to have an altered sense of reality. The person may experience delusional thinking, hallucinations, paranoia, and psychotic episodes
A condition that causes a person to experience patterns of unstable or explosive emotions. Often results in impulsive behavior, self-image issues, and chaotic relationships
A condition that causes a person to experience patterns of unstable or explosive emotions. Often results in impulsive behavior, self-image issues, and chaotic relationships

It is important to note that if someone has an SUD with a co-occurring disorder, both issues must be treated. These treatment methods could include rehabilitation, medications, support groups, and therapy. We will discuss treatment methods for SUD in more detail in the next lesson.

Previous Topic
Back to Lesson
Next Topic