Many people with addiction also have mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. This combination of disorders is known as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis.


It's important to know what to do when you or a loved one is suffering from mental health issues and substance abuse problems. The good news is, there are treatments for both.

Addiction is a mental health disorder
Addiction is a mental health disorder, and mental illness is often a factor in people developing addiction. Research has found that about half of the people who experience addiction also have a mental health issue, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or bipolar disorders.

The link between addiction and mental illness is complicated, but it's clear that people who suffer from these issues are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs. They're also more likely to self-medicate, using these substances to treat symptoms of their mental health conditions.

Moreover, mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression increase the risk for substance use disorders to a large degree. It's not clear why, but people with these conditions may be more susceptible to the brain changes that lead to addiction.

It is a disease
Addiction is a chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics and an individual's life experiences. It is a serious, often debilitating illness that can be treated and managed with proper treatment and supportive care.

Addicts may not always see their substance use as a problem and may even deny it to themselves or their families. These denials can be difficult to break and are a common sign that a person's substance use is becoming out of control.

Despite what some people think, addiction is not a choice. It is a disease of the brain, like heart disease and diabetes.

It is treatable
Addiction is a chronic disease that requires treatment and ongoing monitoring and support. Recovery involves addressing the mental, physical and social aspects of substance use disorder in a holistic way.

Unlike many other mental health disorders, addiction is treatable. Treatment is individualized and tailored to meet each person’s specific needs.

People who have a mental illness and are suffering from drug addiction can be treated in a variety of ways, including group therapies, individual therapy, medications and psychosocial support systems. Relapse prevention is also important, as is continued aftercare and monitoring.

Addiction is a chronic brain disease that changes the structure and function of the nerve cells in the brain. It affects how you think, feel and act, and how you interact with others.

It is preventable
Addiction can be a serious problem, but it is preventable. Prevention addresses the root causes behind drug use, protects our families and young people, and stops addiction before it begins.

A key part of prevention is raising awareness about the dangers of drugs. This helps reduce the stigma around drug abuse, which in turn will encourage people to talk about it more and seek help if they need it.

Another way to prevent addiction is to treat it when it starts. Treatment aims to address the physical changes in the brain and reduce cravings.

The onset of addiction can be caused by several factors, including biology, genetics, mental health problems and family history. The best prevention strategies address all of these factors in an integrated manner. Moreover, they take into account that the development of mental illness is most likely to occur in childhood and adolescence. In fact, more than 75% of lifetime mental disorders start in early adolescence or youth.