Mental health issues and substance use disorder (SUD) often occur together, which creates challenges for those impacted and their treatment. A 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that 35% of adults over the age of 18, or approximately 21.5 million people, in the U.S. who have a mental health issue also have SUD. Known as co-occurring conditions or dual diagnoses, these conditions fuel one another when left untreated, and progress is most successful when they are treated simultaneously. Understanding the connection between mental health issues and SUD is critical to reducing stigma, encouraging individuals to seek the support they need, and working toward recovery.
Did You Know?
Mental Health Conditions Most Likely to Co-Occur with Substance Use Disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
- Eating disorders
Why Mental Health Issues and Substance Use Disorder Co-Occur
Although these issues often co-occur, one doesn’t cause the other. Research suggests several reasons why these conditions present together.
- Substance use disorder and mental health issues share common risk factors such as genetic predisposition and environmental stressors like childhood trauma or abuse.
- Individuals with mental health issues may misuse drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. Some substances may help ease symptoms for a short period of time, but with continued use, symptoms may become more intense.
- Substance use may trigger changes in the brain circuitry, which can negatively affect existing mental health disorders. Cocaine use, for example, can worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder, and cannabis use is linked to an earlier onset of psychosis in people with genetic risk factors for psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
Triggers for Substance Use Disorder in People with Mental Health Issues
- Lack of access to mental health care: The 2023 State of Mental Health in America survey reveals that 55% of adults with mental health issues have not received any treatment. A recent report notes that more than 50% of the U.S. population lives in areas that are designated Mental Health Professional Shortage areas.
- Social isolation and loneliness: Both physical and mental health issues are linked to loneliness, making individuals experiencing social isolation more vulnerable to substance use.
- Stigma and discrimination: People with mental health issues in America are often perceived as dangerous or violent, which perpetuates stigma and discrimination, leading individuals to feelings of helplessness and futility.
- Poor coping skills: Individuals may lack coping skills or turn to strategies such as denial or withdrawal from society, which can worsen the problems.
- Environment and exposure to substance use: A family history of substance use or an environment where substance use is normalized increases the risk that someone will develop SUD. This is especially true for youth.
The Importance of Support and Avoiding Isolation
For people with a dual diagnosis of mental health and substance use disorder, support from family and community plays a critical role in the recovery process. A strong support system provides emotional encouragement, reduces loneliness, and keeps individuals engaged and motivated to work on recovery, resulting in better treatment outcomes.
A 2023 advisory from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recognizes the benefits of evidence-based digital therapeutics as a cost-effective way to improve access to care, client engagement, and health outcomes for individuals with mental health issues and substance use disorder.
Further, the Department of Health and Human Services emphasized the importance of connecting Americans to care in its 2022 HHS Roadmap for Behavioral Health Integration. In the report, HHS discussed the need for behavioral health support to be easily accessible to all, including those who may live in rural or remote areas without mental health care services. Even in regions with available care options, digital solutions provide additional support for the risk moments between treatments, meetings, or other services.
Bridging the Gap: Digital Solutions for Dual Diagnosis Support
Addressing dual diagnoses requires innovative approaches that foster seamless connections between individuals, healthcare providers, and support systems. Digital solutions play a pivotal role in bridging these gaps by offering a connected experience that aligns with the overall treatment and support ecosystem. By integrating various aspects of care—ranging from screenings and referrals to ongoing support—these platforms enhance coordination and engagement at every stage of the treatment and recovery journey.
Through intuitive digital tools, healthcare organizations can improve communication among providers, ensure timely access to essential services, and empower individuals to take an active role in their recovery. This cohesive approach not only strengthens the effectiveness of interventions but also cultivates a supportive environment that promotes lasting outcomes for those facing the dual challenges of mental health issues and substance use disorders.
ePrevention enhances primary and secondary prevention activities by automating the screening process to effectively identify at-risk individuals. By leveraging data-driven methodologies, ePrevention delivers “smart” digital interventions tailored to the specific needs of those identified. This proactive approach ensures that potential issues are addressed early, facilitating timely connections to care and support services. Through targeted interventions, ePrevention empowers individuals to navigate their health challenges, promoting overall well-being and mitigating complications associated with dual diagnoses.
eIntervention optimizes care coordination through a closed-loop referral system that effectively connects individuals to essential services for substance use disorders, mental health needs, and social determinants of health. This functionality is particularly vital for those with dual diagnoses, as it facilitates crucial linkages to care that address the complex interplay of these conditions. By ensuring that individuals receive the comprehensive support they require, eIntervention enhances communication among providers and reduces barriers to access. This seamless integration of services allows for timely interventions, ultimately improving outcomes for those navigating the multifaceted challenges of dual diagnoses.
Additionally, our recovery support suite, eRecovery, enhances engagement, treatment retention, and overall recovery outcomes for individuals dealing with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. This suite includes:
- Connections: This evidence-based app provides peer-assisted digital recovery support, fostering a sense of community and accountability.
- Companion: This app offers vital support resources for family members and caregivers, assisting them as they navigate the recovery process alongside their loved ones.
- Rewards Engine: Automates and streamlines the delivery of contingency management, incentivizing positive behaviors and reinforcing treatment adherence.
By integrating these solutions, we create a connected experience that not only identifies and addresses the unique risks faced by individuals with dual diagnoses but also fosters ongoing support throughout their recovery journey. This holistic approach is essential for empowering individuals to achieve lasting recovery and improving overall health outcomes.
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder: A Common But Treatable Connection
For the millions of Americans affected by mental health issues and substance use disorder, treating both conditions simultaneously is more likely to lead to better outcomes. When addressed together, it reduces the possibility that the two conditions will continue to cycle with untreated symptoms from one condition exacerbating the other. It is vital for organizations, treatment facilities, and agencies that treat and support individuals with SUD to offer strong solutions and innovative digital tools that can effectively address the complexity of substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions. Providing access to digital support resources for both conditions means help is available wherever and whenever someone needs it. Innovative digital therapeutics are an effective way to help clients with a dual diagnosis get into recovery, improve adherence to treatment plans, and move forward on a path to a positive, fulfilling future.
