“Concurrent disorders” refers to the diagnosis of both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition in the same individual. Mental health professionals use terms like co-occurring disorders, dual diagnosis, and comorbidity to describe this.

A key challenge is understanding the relationship between addiction and mental health. Experts debate whether addiction causes mental health issues or vice versa, but studies show a strong link between the two.

Some people use drugs or alcohol to mask mental health symptoms or self-medicate painful emotions. Regardless of which came first, if you or someone you know is struggling with both, consulting professional healthcare can help you get the right concurrent disorder treatment in Toronto.

Examples of Concurrent Disorders

The concurrent disorders describe a combination of various substance addictions and mental health disorders. For example, a person may be diagnosed with a concurrent disorder if they suffer from alcohol addiction and depression.

Another example might be when someone has an opioid use disorder and borderline personality disorder.

Behavioural addictions such as sex, food, and video game addiction can also be part of a concurrent disorder – such as when a person presents with a video game addiction and co-occurring mental illness such as anxiety or depression.

Most Common Concurrent Disorders

Substance use disorder can co-occur with a wide variety of mental health conditions. 

However, studies from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) show five main concurrent disorder groups:

• Substance addiction with anxiety and mood disorders – including panic disorder and depression
• Substance addiction with severe and persistent mental health disorders – including schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
• Substance addiction with eating disorders – including anorexia and bulimia
• Substance addiction with personality disorders – including borderline personality disorder
• Other substance use with mental health disorders – including gambling disorder and sex addiction

The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction

Various studies have shown a strong correlation between exposure to emotional trauma and substance use problems.

Trauma-related disorders, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently occur among people with substance use disorders and vice versa.

In our experience, many clients presenting with addiction issues have endured some form of trauma in their lives; these experiences may include the following:

• Adverse childhood experiences such as abuse or neglect
• The death of a loved one
• Divorce or separation
• Physical or sexual assault

Research indicates that women trauma survivors are more likely to develop mental health and substance use problems than men with similar histories.

Signs and Symptoms of Concurrent Disorders 

Signs and symptoms can vary depending on the substance used, the amount taken, and other factors such as your family history, other health conditions, and genetics. Here are the common signs and symptoms:

• Mood instability: Individuals may experience frequent mood swings, depression, anxiety, or irritability. This can be linked to both mental health conditions and substance use.
• Changes in behaviour: Sudden changes in behaviour, such as increased aggression, withdrawal from social activities, or risky behaviours, can signal the presence of concurrent disorders.
• Cognitive impairments: Difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and confusion may arise due to the combined effects of mental health challenges and substance use.
• Physical health decline: Neglect of personal health, poor hygiene, weight loss or gain, and other physical symptoms can accompany concurrent disorders.
• Substance use as a coping mechanism: Often, individuals with mental health issues might turn to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate, which can further complicate their condition.
• Interference with daily Life: Persistent issues in managing responsibilities at work, school, or home due to mental health symptoms or substance use.

If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you care about, seeking help is crucial. Getting early concurrent disorder treatment in Toronto with the support of healthcare professionals is essential for recovery.

Clinicians must simultaneously treat substance use and mental health issues for individuals to have the best chance at lasting sobriety and wellness.

Risk Factors and Causes

Although no single cause explains it, studies indicate that people with concurrent disorders tend to face more medical, social, and emotional challenges than those with only one condition.

Several risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing both substance use and mental health issues, such as:

• Frequent changes in caregivers during childhood
• Exposure to domestic violence or parental divorce in childhood
• Sexual or physical abuse
• Being abandoned, abused or neglected by your parents or caregivers in early life or receiving inconsistent parenting
• Having one or more parents with a conduct disorder

Those who have been diagnosed with a concurrent disorder may also have other issues that contribute to or worsen their condition, such as:

• A chronic physical disease or illness
• Unemployment and unstable housing conditions
• Family issues or other social challenges
• Social stigma and lack of community support

Diagnosis of Concurrent Disorders

Mental health professionals typically conduct detailed examinations and consultations in concurrent disorder treatment in Toronto to determine a comprehensive diagnosis for those with concurrent disorders.

Because there is no specific group of concurrent disorder symptoms, this can make the process more complicated. 

The following factors need to be taken into account when determining a concurrent disorder diagnosis:

• Substance addiction often hides or conceals symptoms of a mental illness.
• When someone in addiction recovery relapses, it can trigger symptoms of a co-occurring disorder. For example, anxiety or depression symptoms may be exacerbated during relapse.
• Some substances can interfere with the effectiveness of specific mental health medications.
• Excessive drug and alcohol use can cause memory issues. This may mean individuals forget to take their prescribed mental health medication.

A Holistic Approach to Treating Concurrent Disorders

Treating concurrent disorders can be complicated, and no single solution works for everyone in recovery. Therefore, looking at the unique components of each person’s substance use and mental health challenges and where these symptoms originate can be helpful.

An integrated addiction and mental health treatment approach can help healthcare professionals better understand each individual. This approach allows treatment providers to create a personalised treatment plan that suits your unique needs, goals, and preferences.

However, studies show that trauma, mental illness, and substance addiction are firmly linked, allowing clinicians to treat client groups presenting with these issues more comprehensively.

Addiction and Mental Health Treatment in Toronto

Centres for Health and Healing provides a personalised, trauma-informed approach to addiction and mental health issues. Our concurrent disorder treatment in Toronto addresses all the aspects that need to be unpacked to ensure you achieve the best success in your recovery during and after treatment.

Therefore, an effective treatment plan that addresses substance use and mental health problems simultaneously is essential for individuals to recover successfully. Treatment programs that involve a combination of various therapies and techniques are the most effective for those with concurrent disorders. 

Moreover, Individuals with addiction and mental health issues benefit from an integrated treatment approach. Hence, personalised treatment programs provide the most success for clients with concurrent disorders by creating an individualised plan that suits each person’s unique needs, preferences, and treatment goals.

Concurrent Disorders Treatment at Centres for Health and Healing

Centres for Health and Healing provides personalised addiction and mental health treatment to clients in Toronto. In our experience, a tailored, customised approach to treating addiction and mental health issues is the most effective and ensures the best treatment outcomes for each individual. 

Thus, our treatment typically include a combination of the following:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
• Medical detox
• Individual therapy
• Mindfulness therapy
• Trauma treatment
• Family support
• Group therapy

Moreover, our integrated treatment approach provides clients with ongoing support long after they complete their program with us; this includes:

• Aftercare and support to help you stay on track with your recovery
• Relapse prevention 
• Additional support to ensure your basic life needs are met 

Take the First Step Toward Healing with Our Concurrent Disorder Treatment in Toronto

The ultimate goal of concurrent disorder treatment in Toronto is to help you overcome your challenges with addiction and mental health issues. Thus, allowing you to move toward a life of health, happiness, and fulfillment. 

No matter how challenging things may seem, you can create the life you’ve always wanted. Therefore, taking those initial steps and reaching out for support will help you do just that.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health and addiction issues, our friendly, experienced multidisciplinary team is here to help.

Contact Centres for Health and Healing to begin your transformative journey to lasting recovery and wellness.