Many people diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD) also suffer from a co-occurring mental or behavioral condition. This is known as a dual diagnosis. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 45% of people with addiction have a co-occurring mental health disorder.

Common risk factors, including genetics, stress, and trauma, contribute to both substance abuse disorders and mental health disorders. At our facility, we treat co-occurring disorders at the same time.

Someone with co-occurring disorders is constantly vulnerable to both addiction relapse and worsening of mental health. For example, someone may take drugs to feel a temporary relief from a mental disorder. This form of self-medication is extremely dangerous. Continuous and frequent alcohol or drug use have a detrimental effect on the mind, and a mental health disorder may develop if this condition is not treated. For true healing to occur, both substance abuse and mental health disorders must be treated together.