Concurrent health disorders (dual disorders) are when mental health and substance abuse issues coexist at the same time. Concurrent disorders cover a vast combination of pairings, such as having an alcohol dependency combined with major depressive episodes.
At the Metamorphosis Centre for Change, we can help people with dual disorders find the concurrent disorder treatment they need.
What comes first?
Some think mental disorders develop from a prolonged history of substance abuse. Many substances are known to alter the brain’s neuroreceptors in many different ways depending on the substance. They have watched their loved one’s health deteriorate the more they engage in substance abuse and see it as the trigger for mental illness.
Others view mental illness as a catalyst for substance abuse. This reaction is commonly seen in those who turn to alcohol, smoking, or other substances for relief or to numb the pain. In these cases, substance abuse provides a coping mechanism for issues the person would rather not directly deal with.
Some have both substance abuse issues and mental illness active simultaneously. They can also have them active at different times—past or present—with varying symptoms and intensities.
So, who is correct? The answer is they all can be. It is difficult to answer this question definitively since it varies among individuals, and we may never truly know which problem presented itself first. Therefore, it is helpful to consider them as independent issues that interact with each other.
The Symptoms of Concurrent Disorders
There isn’t one symptom grouping that encompasses every combination. Typical combinations of dual disorders are categorized into five main groupings:
- Substance abuse and eating disorders (bulimia and anorexia nervosa)
- Substance abuse and mood/anxiety disorders (panic disorder/depression)
- Substance abuse and personality disorders (anger, aggression, impulsivity disorders, or borderline personality disorder)
- Substance abuse and persistent/severe mental health issues (bipolar or schizophrenia)
- Other substance abuse and mental health disorders (sexual disorders and gambling)
To understand which concurrent disorder treatment works best, we must examine the issue to determine its severity and how it affects other symptoms.
Severity
Some people have severe challenges with a concurrent disorder that impairs daily functioning. While some may experience milder substance abuse and mental health issues, the impact can still be challenging.
Successful treatments will depend on the severity of functioning.
How Each Issue Affects the Other
A concurrent disorder can affect the other issue in the following ways:
- Substance abuse can hide or mimic mental health issues.
- Mental health issues can worsen with substance abuse.
- Sometimes, substance abuse relieves the symptoms of a mental health disorder.
- Substance abuse can cause people to forget their medication or make it less effective.
- Relapses can trigger the other issue.
Those with concurrent disorders have additional social, medical, and emotional challenges than if it were simply one existing condition. It may cause treatment to be more prolonged and can pose extra challenges.
How common is a dual disorder?
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction reports that over 50% of people seeking addiction treatment have a mental illness. They also cite that 15%–20% of people seeking mental health treatment have an existing addiction.
Those experiencing a concurrent disorder are the most complex cases, since they can experience recurring crises and relapses.
When does a concurrent disorder begin?
Concurrent disorders can start at any age, from childhood to the senior years. When challenges occur at an early age and are severe, recovery can take longer. The individual may require more support and may have to work harder to overcome their situation.
Conversely, if the issue is caught early in a person’s life and treated, they have a better and quicker outcome.
What is the cause of concurrent disorders?
Concurrent disorders don’t have a simple cause. However, some reasons may include the following:
- People with mental health issues may turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. While risky, it can help individuals temporarily forget their issues or temporarily relieve symptoms (through self-medicating).
- Substance abuse can mimic mental health symptoms like anxiety, depression, hallucinations, etc. This type of cause is called substance-induced mental health issues.
- Substance abuse can negatively impact people’s lives and relationships. It can cause relationship breakdowns and job loss. Mental health challenges may occur indirectly from substance abuse.
- Biological factors or other common factors can trigger a concurrent disorder. Severe emotional events and physical trauma can also be a trigger.
Concurrent Disorder Treatment and Diagnosis
The best success comes when both substance abuse and mental health are addressed simultaneously through a coordinated effort. The type of treatment depends on the severity and type of issues the person faces.
Proper treatment may include psychosocial analysis (group/individual therapy), psychotherapy, neurotherapy, experiential therapy, biological therapy (prescriptions), mind/body integrative therapy, or a combination.
While overall treatment must consider both aspects (substance abuse and mental health), in some cases, it is best to treat one issue first. An example may be those with an alcohol dependency and mood disorder. Sometimes, the alcohol issue is the first to receive treatment and then the mood disorder is addressed. There are a multitude of biological and mental health reasons for this.
Patients with severe concurrent disorders may require integrated treatments. These are ways of ensuring the treatment delivery is coordinated, comprehensive, and smooth for the client. It ensures they receive assistance with a concurrent disorder and other aspects of life like employment and housing.
Ongoing support in life areas helps those affected by:
- Ensuring their basic needs are met.
- Maintaining treatment success.
- Preventing a relapse.
Integrated treatments are more successful if the patient has a trusting, stable, and long-term relationship with a facilitator. This person is a healthcare professional (therapist or case manager). Although one individual is responsible for overseeing treatment, the patient may also have a team of professionals like social workers, psychiatrists, or addiction therapists.
If the concurrent disorder treatment spans several different locations, two or more professionals may coordinate it by keeping in contact with the individual’s progress.
Contact Metamorphosis Centre for Change for Concurrent Disorder Treatment
Our individualized plan can successfully provide concurrent disorder treatment. Plans are created shortly after arrival and centre on the person’s needs. They encompass the person’s entire life—not just the addiction and diagnosis. We closely monitor our clients’ progress and provide real-time adjustments based on their needs.
To discuss treatment options, contact the Metamorphosis Centre for Change at 1-888-616-1678 or complete our online form, and we will contact you immediately.
