Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
Co-occurring disorders occur when someone experiences both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder at the same time.1 To address the complex nature of co-occurring disorders, many treatment programs offer a range of integrated services to manage both conditions.
Mental health and substance use are often connected. Some people struggle with both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder (SUD) at the same time, sometimes called co-occurring disorders.1 Co-occurring disorders involve having at least one mental health disorder in addition to SUD, at the same time. For example, an individual diagnosed with an opioid use disorder (OUD) may also be diagnosed with depression.1 According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 17 million people aged 18 or older reported having a co-occurring disorder.2
To address the complex nature of co-occurring disorders, many treatment programs offer a range of integrated services to manage both SUD and any concurrent mental health issues simultaneously.1 It’s important to treat both disorders at the same time so one doesn’t go left untreated, leaving the individual with a higher relapse potential.1 Through professional treatment for co-occurring disorders, the successful management of both SUD and any co-occurring mental health disorders can help promote your recovery.
SUD and Mental Health Disorders
- Addiction and Anxiety Disorder Treatment
- Addiction and Depression Treatment
- Addiction and PTSD Treatment
- Addiction and Bipolar Disorder Treatment
- Addiction and ADHD Treatment
Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
- Drug Detox
- Inpatient Treatment
- Outpatient Treatment
- Sober Living Homes
- Aftercare
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
A co-occurring disorder is marked by the coexistence of a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder at the same time or in succession.1 Research suggests around half of people with SUD will also experience a co-occurring mental health disorder, or vice versa.3 Though SUD can occur with mental illness, it’s important to note that this does not always mean that one causes the other.4
Historically, co-occurring disorders have been called dual diagnosis or comorbidity. Co-occurring disorders is the preferred term when referring to the existence of both an SUD and a mental health disorder.
AAC works with most insurance providers. Our navigators will assist you in verifying your specific insurance policy during the drug and alcohol addiction treatment admissions process. We can guide you through what your coverage looks like at no cost, and everything is completely confidential. Get started in advance by checking your insurance for treatment coverage using our free online tool
The Relationship Between SUD & Mental Health
Genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the development of SUD, a mental health disorder, or the co-occurrence of both. Sometimes, a mental health disorder can lead to SUD development, or vice versa. One explanation involves an individual using alcohol or drugs to cope with the signs and symptoms of depression. This may develop into a co-occurring SUD.12 SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders may also be more prevalent among certain populations. For instance, 60% of adolescents in community-based treatment centers for SUD have also been diagnosed with a co-occurring mental health disorder. Both disorders can influence and impact each other, and there may even be additional conditions that influence one or both disorders, including environmental factors (e.g., homelessness).1
Diagnosing Co-Occurring Disorders
We’re ready to help you live a life free from addiction. Our qualified, compassionate staff are ready to help answer your questions about rehab and help you find a suitable rehab with unique specialty treatment programs. Reach out to us and start your new life today.
AAC works with most insurance providers. Our navigators will assist you in verifying your specific insurance policy during the drug and alcohol addiction treatment admissions process. We can guide you through what your coverage looks like at no cost, and everything is completely confidential. Get started in advance by checking your insurance for treatment coverage using our free online tool
How to Treat Co-Occurring Disorders
According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), treating both SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders at the same time is more effective than treating them separately.17 Co-occurring disorder treatment can take place in various settings depending on the severity of a person’s condition and the level of care they need.1 Recovery looks different for everyone, but treatment usually includes a combination of medication and behavioral therapies.
AAC works with most insurance providers. Our navigators will assist you in verifying your specific insurance policy during the drug and alcohol addiction treatment admissions process. We can guide you through what your coverage looks like at no cost, and everything is completely confidential. Get started in advance by checking your insurance for treatment coverage using our free online tool
Finding a Co-Occurring Treatment Center
Other considerations may include whether traveling out of state for treatment is a viable option. For some people, leaving home for treatment may remove them from negative environments and triggers that may be contributing to their problems. Seeking co-occurring disorder treatment programs out-of-state opens more possibilities for finding specialized treatment for co-occurring disorders. To determine the best option for you, you may consider factors such as access to social and emotional support systems, treatment needs and goals, and rehab costs. Our rehab directory lets you easily search for a treatment center near you.
American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of co-occurring disorder treatment, with top-rated facilities throughout the U.S. Our accredited treatment facilities provide evidence-based co-occurring treatment in a range of settings to meet the diverse needs of our patients. AAC facilities include:
- Greenhouse Treatment Center: Located in Grand Prairie, Texas, Greenhouse offers individualized treatment plans and several levels of care in a luxurious setting with high-end amenities.
- Laguna Treatment Center: Located in Laguna Beach, California, this rehab facility provides drug and alcohol treatment in a secure, supportive environment.
- Oxford Treatment Center: Located in Etta, Mississippi, Oxford Treatment Center is a drug and alcohol rehab facility that provides high-quality addiction treatment in a natural, serene environment
- River Oaks Treatment Center: River Oaks Treatment Center is in Riverview, Florida, and provides drug and alcohol addiction treatment including detox, inpatient and outpatient therapy, and a dedicated mental health program.
- AdCare Rhode Island: With a variety of locations in the state, AdCare Rhode Island offers high-quality addiction treatment in a secure environment.
- Desert Hope Treatment Center: Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, Desert Hope Treatment Center provides individualized rehabilitation treatment.
- Recovery First Treatment Center: Located in Hollywood, Florida, Recovery First Treatment Center is a leading alcohol and drug rehabilitation center offering high-quality addiction treatment.
Does Insurance Cover Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment?
Yes, thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), treatment for mental health disorders, including substance use disorder (SUD), is considered an essential benefit that insurance providers must cover.18 This means, your insurance may be able to cover some or all your co-occurring disorder rehab treatment. However, coverage may vary depending on your needs and insurance plan. To find out if your policy covers co-occurring disorders, verify your insurance by filling out the form below or contact an admissions navigator for free at
Check to see if your insurance is in-network Coming
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Substance Use Disorder Treatment for People With Co-Occurring Disorders. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 42. SAMHSA Publication No. PEP20-02-01-004. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP20-07-01-001, NSDUH Series H-55). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Comorbidity: Substance Use Disorders and Other Mental Illnesses DrugFacts.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2018). Depression.
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5®). American Psychiatric Publishing.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Anxiety Disorders.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Why is there comorbidity between substance use disorders and mental illnesses?
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Bipolar disorder.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Part 1: The Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report: What are some approaches to diagnosis?
- Flynn, P.M., & Brown, B.S. (2008). Co-occurring disorders in substance abuse treatment: Issues and prospects. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 34(1), 36-47.
- Kelly, T.M., & Daley, D.C. (2013). Integrated treatment of substance use and psychiatric disorders. Social Work in Public Health, 28(3-4), 388-406.
- Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance Abuse.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). What are the treatments for comorbid substance use disorder and mental health conditions?
- HealthCare.gov. (n.d.). Mental health & substance abuse coverage.
