A co-occurring disorder is an official diagnosis for someone who is struggling with both a mental health disorder and a substance or alcohol use disorder. Those who have a preexisting mental health condition are at increased risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD).
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), over 21.5 million adults in the U.S. have a co-occurring disorder.[1] When considering treatment, it’s critical that each individual disorder is addressed with unique interventions to facilitate the best possible outcome.
Though it is common for both a mental health and substance use disorder to be present at the same time, one doesn’t necessarily cause the other. There are additional factors to consider, including stress, trauma, environmental setting, and more.[2]
However, if both are present, they can exacerbate or agitate each other. If you or someone you love is navigating grief, loss, uncertainty, abuse, a significant transition, or other challenging life events, the level of risk for both mental health issues and substance abuse could increase.
At NUMA Recovery, we acknowledge that each person is different. How and what you experience may be unique from anyone else. However, the research shows that the more common mental health disorders often present with substance use disorders include:[3]
When treating substance use disorder, an underlying struggle with mental health is often uncovered. This positive discovery will help curate more effective treatment plans and greater success in recovery. Some of the more common substances associated with co-occurring disorders include:[4]
They are both critical to the overall health and wellness of the individual. The best approach to treatment for co-occurring disorders is to integrate treatment for both the mental health concern and the substance use disorder (SUD) with unique interventions designed to bring about the best possible outcome.[5] From motivational interventions and rehab to medication and behavioral therapy, there are a number of evidence-based options available.
If you treat only the SUD, it’s possible that the same triggers and risk factors that were present before that may have influenced substance use could return and make lasting recovery increasingly difficult. The opposite is also true. If you treat only the mental health disorder and not the SUD, mental and physical health will continue to decline, increasing the risk of irreversible damage or even fatality.
With multiple levels of care, our specialized treatment programs provide a clear path to recovery and long-term support. Our goal is to facilitate a life-changing outcome and promote a balanced, positive future for you or your loved one.
Therapy is a crucial component of all recovery treatment, but it is even more essential when treating co-occurring disorders. Talk and behavioral therapies will help you identify the harmful thought patterns that lie beneath unhealthy patterns.
During your sessions, you will build coping skills that help you better navigate triggers and difficult life challenges you may face. At NUMA Recovery, our therapy modalities include:
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California License Number: 191284AP
Expiration Date: 01/31/2026
