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Substance Use and Mental Health Conditions
Overview
Some people who have substance use disorder also have a mental health condition. Doctors call this a dual diagnosis. You may need to treat both conditions to fully recover.
Mental health conditions that may occur with substance use disorder include:
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
- Bipolar disorder.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Schizophrenia.
Either condition may come first. Substance use disorder may lead to symptoms such as depression or anxiety. Or people with mental health conditions may use substances to:
- Feel normal and accepted. You may use substances to help you feel like you don't have a mental health condition or aren't different from others.
- Self-medicate. You may use substances to try to reduce anxiety, depression, or sleep problems.
It's best to treat the mental health condition and substance use disorder at the same time. Treating both conditions gives you a better chance of a full recovery and less chance of returning to substance use.
Related Information
Credits
Current as of: March 20, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: March 20, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
