What Are Concurrent Disorders?
Concurrent disorders, also known as co-occurring disorders, refer to the presence of both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder in the same individual. This means a person is dealing with two health challenges at once—each of which can affect and complicate the other.
Common examples include:
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Depression and alcohol use
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Anxiety disorders and stimulant misuse
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PTSD and opioid dependence
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Bipolar disorder and cannabis use
These combinations are not rare. Research shows that most people with a substance use disorder also have a mental health disorder.
Why Do Concurrent Disorders Happen?
Mental health and addiction are deeply connected. Sometimes, people use substances to cope with symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, or other disorders—a behavior called self-medication. In other cases, substance use may trigger or worsen underlying mental health symptoms.
Other factors that contribute include:
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Genetics
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Brain chemistry
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Chronic stress or trauma
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Environmental and social pressures
Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment
Because symptoms often overlap, concurrent disorders can be challenging to diagnose. For example, is someone anxious because they’re withdrawing or taking a substance, or is it a pre-existing anxiety disorder?
Traditional treatment methods that focus on only one issue at a time often fall short of providing comprehensive care. That’s why integrated care—addressing both mental health and addiction together—is essential.
How Journey Healthcare Can Help
At Journey Healthcare, we specialize in treating the whole person, not just the diagnosis. Our integrated team of psychiatrists, therapists, and addiction specialists works together to:
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Appropriately assess and diagnose concurrent disorders
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Provide individualized treatment plans
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Offer therapy, medication management, and relapse prevention strategies
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Support long-term recovery and mental wellness
We meet clients where they are—without judgment—and walk alongside them on their journey to healing.
Final Thoughts
Though living with concurrent disorders can be extremely challenging, you’re not alone, and help is available. The path to recovery starts with understanding what you’re facing and finding compassionate, evidence-based support. Healing starts now.
Do you need support for yourself or a loved one?
📞 Contact Journey Healthcare today or start your intake online:
👉 Request care now online.
