When a mental health disorder occurs at the same time as a substance use disorder, it is referred to as a co-occurring disorder. Individuals with co-occurring disorders have one or more mental health disorders and one or more substance use disorders at the same time, which can have a significant impact on their lives.
Mental health disorders may vary in severity and might include:
– Anxiety
– Depression
– Bipolar disorder
– Schizophrenia
– PTSD
– ADD
– Borderline personality disorder
Substance use disorders may include:
– Alcohol abuse
– Use of illegal drugs such as marijuana, methamphetamine, or heroin
– Abuse of prescription medicines