According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), people with substance use disorders (SUDs) are at particular risk for developing one or more primary conditions or chronic diseases. The coexistence of both a mental health disorder along with a SUD is known as a co-occurring disorder.

The most common mental disorders are: anxiety and mood disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, conduct disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

People with mental illness are more likely to experience an SUD than those not affected by a mental illness. According to SAMHSA’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 21.5 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder.

Comorbidity occurs frequently with mental illnesses and SUDs. According to SAMHSA, 21.5 million Americans live with both substance use and mental health disorders, and 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health challenge during their lifetime.

People with co-occurrence may face unique challenges compared to individuals who have a single disorder. They may experience more physical health concerns and treatment options can be more complex. When a psychiatric disorder co-occurs with a SUD, each can vary in severity, and interactions between these two disorders can worsen the course of both.

A co-occurring disorder is common among people in treatment. For recovery to be successful, co-occurring disorders must be treated simultaneously to decrease the risk of relapse. Unfortunately, 52.5% of those with co-occurring conditions received neither mental health care nor substance use treatment. Among adults with co-occurring disorders who did not receive mental health care,52.2% said they could not afford the cost. (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.***)

***This is why MSCL’s aim to promote affordable, or no-cost health care and mental health services is critical to our mission. Our Wellness Program connects residents with both behavioral and physical health services.

National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), 2022, Addiction Often Goes Hand in Hand with other Mental Health Issues