Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnoses, refer to the presence of both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health condition in the same person. This combination is much more common than most people realize. More than half of those with a substance use disorder will also experience a mental illness at some point in their lives, and vice versa.

It sounds radical, but what if substance use isn’t a disorder but a survival strategy for coping with trauma, poverty, or pain? The real issue isn’t in the brain or body but what’s happened to and around them. Recovery doesn’t require another diagnosis, but rather understanding, support, and meeting people where they are. Are we ready to have that conversation?

Did my Depression isolate me, or did my unrealized Autism isolate me and lead to worsening Depression?