Mental illness and addiction to drugs or alcohol are more common than you might think. Experts from the National Institute on Drug Abuse have found that nearly half of those who report substance abuse problems also have a mental health condition co-occurring with their addiction. It’s common for those with certain mental illnesses to use drugs and alcohol to cope with their symptoms, which slowly leads to dependency and addiction.
On the other end are those who develop mental health conditions due to substance abuse or increase the severity of conditions they may not be aware of. Comorbidity of mental illness and addiction requires specialty treatment from a team of experienced recovery experts due to the complicated relationship between the two.
What often begins as an attempt to manage emotional pain or stress can quickly spiral into a cycle that’s hard to break. Mental illness increases the risk of substance use, and repeated use can further destabilize mental health. This creates a loop where the symptoms of one condition exacerbate the other, making both harder to treat unless addressed simultaneously. That’s why dual diagnosis treatment is essential — it helps patients understand the connection between their mental health and substance use, and how to manage both. Typically, the most common mental health conditions that are met with substance abuse are those that impact emotional regulation, including:
Depression and Anxiety
Depression is one of the more difficult mental conditions to diagnose, as many of those who suffer from it aren’t aware of the symptoms that come with it. When depression causes you to lose all energy and motivation, it’s easy to turn to drugs such as stimulants to force yourself to go to work or school. Some individuals will instead turn to alcohol to suppress their intrusive thoughts, leading to alcohol use disorder.
Over time, substance use interferes with how the brain processes dopamine, serotonin, and other chemicals that regulate mood and motivation. When someone turns to drugs or alcohol to feel better, the brain eventually adjusts by producing less of those chemicals naturally. This rewiring effect causes a person to need more of the substance just to feel “normal,” reinforcing the cycle of addiction. For individuals already dealing with depression or anxiety, this process can worsen existing symptoms and make recovery even more difficult without professional support.
Anxiety also comes with intrusive thoughts and an inability to complete tasks, albeit with a more stressful energy. Anxiety disorders are much more common and can be broken down into multiple categories based on the symptoms and source of the anxiety, such as social situations or trauma. Two major disorders that fall under the depressive and anxiety categories are bipolar disorder and PTSD, respectively.
ADHD or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Research into ADHD’s relation to developing substance abuse disorders (SUD) has found that up to 35% of adults who suffer from SUD also struggle with the condition. One of the biggest contributors to this high prevalence is the increased risk-taking associated with ADHD. This leads to individuals seeking out a coping mechanism for their symptoms and quickly agreeing to try illicit drugs with little concern for the consequences.
Symptoms of ADHD that individuals may seek to mask include:
- Racing thoughts
- Insomnia
- Low energy and moods due to trouble regulating emotions
- Lack of enjoyment
While these numbers have been a cause for concern for decades, modern medication for ADHD has made it much easier for those who need help to do so under the discretion of a doctor and a valid prescription.
Stress and Addiction
Stress is another factor that strongly influences the link between mental illness and addiction. High-stress situations such as financial instability, family conflict, work pressure, or past trauma can trigger or worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In many cases, individuals may turn to substances like alcohol, cannabis, or stimulants to cope. While these may offer momentary relief, they often lead to dependency and can make the original stressors feel even more overwhelming once the effects wear off. Learning to manage stress in healthy ways is a key part of long-term recovery.
Personality Disorders
Among the various mental illnesses linked to addiction, personality disorders stand out due to their complex nature. Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is especially common in addiction treatment settings, followed closely by borderline personality disorder (BPD). In fact, research shows that up to 78% of individuals with BPD also experience a substance use disorder at some point. These disorders often involve intense emotions, impulsive decision-making, and difficulty maintaining stable relationships — all of which can drive someone toward substance use as a way to self-soothe or gain a sense of control. Without proper treatment, this can lead to heavier use and deeper isolation. Dual diagnosis treatment tailored to the unique challenges of personality disorders can help individuals regain emotional balance and build long-term recovery strategies.
Get Help With Co-occurring Disorders at ARC
Effective treatment for co-occurring disorders includes both evidence-based therapies and, in some cases, medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely used to help individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns that drive both substance use and mental health symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which is especially useful for individuals with personality disorders, teaches emotional regulation and stress management. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may also be used to treat opioid or alcohol dependence while addressing underlying mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. At America’s Rehab Campuses, every treatment plan is customized to meet the individual needs of each guest, ensuring that both the mental health condition and addiction are treated with compassion and care.
America’s Rehab Campus has helped thousands of guests overcome both addiction and their struggles with mental illness symptoms through individualized treatment plans and a team of compassionate recovery specialists. To learn more about our treatment options, insurance coverage, or for general questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to ARC for a quick consultation.
