Treating Clients with Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues

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Family members and friends of people who are having issues with drugs and alcohol may wonder how their loved one ever went down the road to a substance use disorder. Often, people “self-medicate” with alcohol and drugs to alleviate the pain of emotional trauma, depression or other psychological disorders. In the end, substance abuse can compound psychological issues; the reverse can also be true.

About half of people with mental illness abuse alcohol or other substances. —National Alliance on Mental Health Issues (NAMI)

This is why it’s important to identify and address what are called co-occurring disorders as we treat substance use disorders.

Determining underlying psychological issues

Whether or not a person is using drugs or alcohol, mental health issues may be difficult to diagnose. Factors that hinder accurate diagnosis of mental health issues include:

  • Overlap of symptoms common to both psychiatric issues and substance use
  • Overlap of symptoms common to multiple mental health issues
  • Social stigma inhibits self-reporting of psychiatric symptoms and discourages patients from seeking help
  • Diagnosis requires ongoing cooperation between psychologists and patients
  • No biological markers or tests to aid in diagnosing mental disorders
  • Financial barriers to adequate mental health care
  • Fear that psychiatric diagnosis will affect job security

Integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders

Approximately 7.9 million adults in the United States had co-occurring disorders in 2014, according to a study by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA). Treatment for co-occurring disorders may include:

  • Evaluation by a qualified and skilled psychiatrist
  • Detoxification
  • Dialectal behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
  • Possible prescription medication
  • Group therapy for peer support specific to identified mental health disorders
  • Family counseling
  • 12-Step recovery and mutual aid programs for client and family (Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Alateen, Narcotics Anonymous)
  • 12-Step programs that address clients with co-occurring mental health and addiction issues (Double Trouble in Recovery)

Recovery from co-occurring disorders is a lifelong commitment. Prescribing medications for mental disorders isn’t an exact science, and clients must be willing and able to communicate their experiences and feelings to help psychiatrists find the right combination of medications to treat disorders.

Likewise, as a client continues on the path of managing both addiction and mental health disorders, peer support, and skilled therapy will aid them in navigating emotions that are common to recovery in both aspects of co-occurring disorders.

When a patient self-medicates to relieve the pain of trauma or mental illness, that underlying psychological condition needs to be prioritized at the same level as the addiction.

Compassionate treatment for the individual client

Every addiction treatment professional is aware that no single template suits every client in their program. When drug or alcohol use exists in conjunction with underlying mental health issues, or when substance use precipitates depression, anxiety, paranoia, or compulsive behavior, the treatment professional is presented with the challenge of identifying and addressing the true source of behavioral and addiction symptoms.

Compassion can be a key to unlocking different aspects of co-occurring disorders, no matter which predates the other. Drug abuse ultimately causes psychological pain and damage, and the very real agony of psychological disorders leads many to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs.

While we still have a lot to learn about the human brain, training our addiction recovery professionals to be aware of the potential for underlying mental disorders is a huge step in developing treatment plans that will only increase the odds of long-term success for those seeking a path to recovery.

Located in Edina, Minnesota, Club Recovery is an Outpatient treatment for Alcohol, Drugs and Gambling Addiction. Call (952) 926-2526 to learn more or to schedule a professional assessment. As a leading alcohol, drug and gambling abuse and addiction treatment center serving the Minneapolis metro area, we will provide information, insight, and value to help you begin your journey to recovery.


Disclaimer: All content on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute for clinical treatment or advice. If you, a friend, or a family member is struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues please call our main office at 952-926-2526. For emergencies, go to your nearest emergency room and/or dial 911.