The Science of Addiction
When a person is struggling with addiction, they may also have co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders refer to the presence of two or more disorders, such as addiction and mental illness, in the same person. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2018, 9.2 million adults experienced both a mental illness and a substance use disorder in the past year.
Co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat addiction. For example, a person with depression and addiction may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate and alleviate symptoms of depression. This can make it harder for the person to quit using drugs or alcohol.
It is important for treatment providers to identify co-occurring disorders in people with addiction. Treatment for both addiction and the co-occurring disorder is more effective than treating only one disorder. This is known as integrated treatment.
Integrated treatment involves addressing both addiction and the co-occurring disorder at the same time using a combination of therapies. This may include medication, behavioral therapy, and support groups. Integrated treatment can improve a person's chances of achieving and maintaining recovery from addiction.
For example, a person with addiction and depression may receive cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address both disorders. CBT is a type of therapy that helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It has been shown to be effective in treating both addiction and depression.
Overall, co-occurring disorders are common in people with addiction, and it is important to identify and treat both disorders to improve outcomes for the individual.
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