The Overlap Between Mental Health and Addictions
If you or a loved one are caught in a cycle of destructive behaviors and emotional distress, you may wonder: Is this a mental health disorder? Or is this addiction? Over time, the lines blur, making it hard to pinpoint when things started or how to change course.
This overlap is common and can feel overwhelming. When substance use fuels emotional struggles—and vice versa—it creates a cycle that’s hard to break. If today feels manageable, but you fear the next downward spiral, know this: You’re not alone.
The Importance of an Accurate Diagnosis
You deserve clarity. Understanding whether you’re dealing with a mental health disorder, addiction, or both is crucial for long-term recovery. But the answer isn’t always simple. Many people struggle with:
A mental health disorder alone (such as depression or anxiety)
A substance use disorder alone
A co-occurring disorder (both conditions at the same time)
This overlap, known as co-occurring disorders, requires specialized treatment that addresses both conditions together.
How Mental Health and Addiction Connect
To untangle their relationship, let’s define each:
Mental health disorders – Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder affect thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Addiction (Substance Use Disorder) – A pattern of compulsive substance use despite its negative effects.
Though not everyone with a mental health disorder develops an addiction, addiction is always classified as a mental health disorder because it alters cognition, behavior, and brain function.
What is a Co-Occurring Disorder?
A co-occurring disorder (or dual diagnosis) means experiencing both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder simultaneously. This combination intensifies symptoms, making each disorder harder to manage.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2018):
7.7 million adults in the U.S. have co-occurring disorders.
Of the 20.3 million with substance use disorders, 37.9% also have a mental illness.
Of the 42.1 million with a mental illness, 18.2% also struggle with substance use.
Because symptoms overlap, it’s difficult to determine which came first. That’s why treating both conditions simultaneously is essential for successful recovery.
Commonly Misused Substances in Co-Occurring Disorders
Many people with co-occurring disorders struggle with:
Alcohol
Opioids
Stimulants
Tobacco
Marijuana
Hallucinogens
Prescription drugs
Am I Drinking/Using Because of Addiction or Mental Health?
Do you ever ask yourself:
Why don’t I feel like myself?
Why can’t I stop using, even when I want to?
Am I self-medicating for anxiety, depression, PTSD, or trauma?
Am I using substances just to cope with daily life?
Understanding why you turn to substances can help determine whether you’re dealing with addiction, a mental health disorder, or both.
The Path to an Accurate Diagnosis
Your journey to healing starts with a professional assessment. A trained mental health expert can:
✅ Validate your experiences
✅ Determine an accurate diagnosis
✅ Create an effective treatment plan
Seeking help can feel intimidating, but you are more than your struggles. An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward hope, recovery, and reclaiming your future.
Why Integrated Treatment is Essential
Since mental health and addiction fuel each other, both must be treated together to prevent relapse and achieve lasting recovery. Treatment can help you:
Understand the connection between substance use and mental health
Develop coping strategies that don’t rely on substances
Break free from self-destructive patterns
You Have the Power to Change Your Path
Recovery isn’t a solo journey. Once you choose treatment, you’ll never have to walk this path alone. By understanding the intersection of mental health and addiction, you can take control and build a future filled with stability, clarity, and hope.
