Co-Occurring Disorders

Mental Health and Substance Use Co-Occurring Disorders

Mental health problems and substance use disorders sometimes occur together. This is because:

Certain substances can cause people with an addiction to experience one or more symptoms of a mental health problem
Mental health problems can sometimes lead to alcohol or drug use, as some people with a mental health problem may misuse these substances as a form of self-medication
Mental health and substance use disorders share some underlying causes, including changes in brain composition, genetic vulnerabilities, and early exposure to stress or trauma

More than one in four adults living with serious mental health problems also has a substance use problem. Read more on the SAMHSA website

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Co-Occurring Disorder Articles

Close-up of a pensive woman with curly hair in a denim jacket, resting her head on her hand against a dark blurred background.

The Hidden Mental Health Cost Black Women Carry: Anxiety, Depression, Substance Use, and the Pressure to Stay Strong

Jennifer Thomas examines the hidden mental health cost of always having to appear strong. For many Black women, chronic racial stress, vigilance, perfectionistic coping, anxiety, depression, grief, and substance use can remain invisible behind high achievement. Good therapy begins by naming the context, not pathologizing survival.

Jennifer Thomas

Two suitcases at an airport baggage carousel, tagged SUD and ADHD, with a calm, clinical feel.

Why ADHD and Substance Use Disorders Often Travel Together — and What We Can Do About It

ADHD and substance use disorders often travel together, and Dr. Lauren Grawert explains why that overlap is not simply a coincidence. Drawing on genetic, clinical, and treatment research, she describes shared risk, the dangers of untreated ADHD, and the importance of coordinated care. The article also challenges the idea that ADHD treatment should wait until substance use is fully in remission, offering a more integrated path for better recovery and functional outcomes.