Co-Occurring Disorders

A person who has alcohol or drug problems and emotional/psychiatric problems is said to have co-occurring disorders. To recover fully, the person needs treatment for both problems.

What Kind of Mental or Emotional Problems are Seen in People with Co-occurring Disorders?
The following psychiatric problems are commonly found in persons with co-occurring disorders:

• Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
• Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias.
• Other psychiatric disorders , such as schizophrenia and personality disorders

How Can a Physician Tell Whether the Person's Primary Problem is Substance Abuse or an Emotional Disorder?

At the initial examination, it may be difficult to tell. Since many symptoms of substance abuse mimic or mask other psychiatric conditions, the person must go through withdrawal from alcohol and/or other drugs before the physician can accurately assess whether there is a psychiatric problem also.

If a Person Does Have Both an Alcohol/Drug Problem and an Emotional Problem, Which Should Be Treated First?

Both problems should be treated simultaneously. For any substance abuser, however, the first step in treatment must be detoxification -- a short period of time during which the body is allowed to cleanse itself of alcohol or drugs. Some persons with co-existing psychiatric problems will need mental health evaluation and treatment to get through detoxification. 

What Does Treatment Involve?

Treatment for a psychiatric problem depends upon the diagnosis. For most disorders, individual and group therapy as well as medications are recommended. Expressive therapies and education about the particular psychiatric condition are often useful adjuncts. A support group of other people who are recovering from the same condition may also prove highly beneficial.