It’s important to treat addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously. People with mental health disorders may self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, but those substances tend to exacerbate mental health disorder symptoms. This makes it crucial to address both.
However, we didn’t always know this. For much of the history of addiction and mental health treatment, the two were treated separately. In the late 1970’s, several studies found a link between depression and substance use disorders.[1] The term “dual diagnosis” came about in the 1980’s.[2]
In the 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s, research was conducted about how common it is for addiction to appear alongside other mental health disorders.[3] The term co-occurring disorders was coined more recently, in part to clarify that a person can have more than two mental health and substance use disorder diagnoses. Sometimes the phrase is used in place of “dual diagnosis,” and sometimes the two are used interchangeably.
Over the last few decades, research has shown that treating co-occurring disorders together is most effective. For example, a 2001 study found that among 3,524 adults with suicidal ideation, 23% attempted suicide the year before attending addiction treatment; only 4% did so in the year following substance use disorder treatment.[4]
TruHealing Centers understands the importance of treating both. We offer treatment for addiction and mental health disorders in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—treat the whole person, including any condition that affects their everyday life. To learn more, call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64201
[2] https://ps.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ps.51.9.1126
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64201
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64201