14 Early Warning Signs of Concurrent Disorders: What to Look For

Concurrent disorders is a term that refers to the co-occurring presence of addiction and mental health problems. It covers a wide range of combinations of problems, such as: bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence, schizophrenia and nicotine use disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and a cannabis problem, and borderline personality disorder with opioid use disorder.

Concurrent disorders are sometimes referred to as: 

  • Dual disorders
  • Dual diagnosis (however, in Ontario, this terminology is typically used to describe a person with an intellectual disability and a mental health problem) 
  • Co-occurring substance use and mental health problems

Understanding the nuanced signs of a concurrent disorder in oneself or in a loved one is an important first step in addressing the problem holistically and compassionately.

Understanding the Complexity of Concurrent Disorders

Co-occurring substance use and mental health problems can present in a variety of ways. They may be active simultaneously or at different times, in the present or the past, with symptoms that may change in form or intensity with time.

People typically ask whether the mental health problem or the substance use problem developed first. However, this is a hard question to answer. More frequently, it is better to think of them as two independent problems that interact and influence one another.

Warning Signs of a Concurrent Disorder

Over 15% of people with a substance use disorder have a co-occurring mental health problem. If you suspect that you or a loved one might be dealing with a co-occuring substance use and mental health problem, reflect on your or their patterns of behaviour and emotions, and look for these fourteen warning signs:

  1. Dependence on substances for psychological relief: Relying on alcohol or other drugs to manage overwhelming emotions like anger, anxiety, or hopelessness or to feel “normal” may signify an underlying mental health problem intertwined with an addiction.
  2. Struggles with abstinence: Repeated efforts to quit using a substance that is accompanied by symptoms of restlessness, irritability, or despair can create a cycle that feels impossible to break.
  3. Social isolation or changes in interpersonal relationships: A noticeable withdrawal from loved ones or a shift towards relationships that are centred on substance use may indicate deeper problems.
  4. Unpredictable mood swings: Experiencing dramatic emotional highs that are followed by profound lows may indicate a mental health problem that is exacerbated by substance use.
  5. Attention difficulties and sleep problems: Poor concentration, racing thoughts, hypersomnia, or insomnia are common symptoms in both mental health and substance use disorders.
  6. Increased impulsivity and engagement with risky behaviours: Getting into fights, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, overspending money, stealing, or having unprotected sex can be signs of underlying issues.
  7. Neglecting responsibilities: Struggling to perform everyday tasks, like maintaining a job, managing household chores, or attending school, can be indicative of a concurrent disorder.
  8. Physical health problems: Frequent illnesses, unexplained injuries, or chronic pain can sometimes be linked to substance use or mental health problems.
  9. Financial issues: Loss of work productivity or spending excessive amounts of money on substances may be a red flag of an underlying mental health and substance use problem.
  10. Legal issues: Frequent encounters with law enforcement or engaging in illegal behaviours like driving under the influence, burglary, or theft can be indicators of deeper mental health and substance use problems. 
  11. Changes in appearance: Neglecting personal hygiene or significant changes in one’s weight may signify a comorbid disorder.
  12. Memory problems: Experiencing frequent lapses in one’s memory or blackouts can be related to both substance use and mental health conditions.
  13. Chronic feelings of shame and guilt: Persistent feelings of guilt or shame about your emotions, behaviours, or substance use is often a sign of deeper mental health and substance use issues.
  14. Physical withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing adverse bodily and emotional effects like irritability, nausea, hot and cold flashes, decreased appetite, or shaking when not using substances can be a sign of a substance use disorder and underlying mental health problem.

Why an Accurate Diagnosis of a Concurrent Disorder Is Essential

Screening and assessment are critical components of accurately diagnosing a comorbid mental health and substance use disorder and helping people get on the right path to treatment.

Often, treating only one element of an individual’s problem ends in terrible consequences. For example, only treating a patient’s substance use without addressing underlying post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health symptoms can result in relapse and ongoing challenges.

The Cycle of Untreated Disorders

If your mental health or substance use problems are left untreated, this can reinforce a damaging, vicious cycle. For instance, while substance use may temporarily alleviate symptoms of bipolar disorder or an anxiety disorder, it will often exacerbate these conditions over time. This untreated mental health condition can drive individuals toward increasingly harmful levels of substance use to further cope with their emotional difficulties.

This cycle can lead to significant, negative consequences, including legal troubles, loss of child custody or family ties, financial instability, job loss, and a reduced overall quality of life. This makes it critical to identify and treat both disorders simultaneously to break this pattern and foster long-term recovery.

Treatment Strategies for Co-occurring Disorders 

Effective treatment for co-occurring disorders requires an integrated approach that addresses substance use and mental health problems together. This often will combine medical and therapeutic interventions with supportive services and relapse prevention strategies that are tailored to each individual.

Key Components

  • A comprehensive assessment: This involves a thorough evaluation of mental health history and substance use patterns to develop a personalized treatment plan.
  • Medical and therapeutic interventions: Evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps individuals recognize and change negative thinking and behaviour patterns, or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which encourages people to embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than feeling guilty for having them, are often central to the process.

    Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often incorporated to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and address mental health symptoms with medications like mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or antipsychotics.
  • Supportive services: Art and music therapy, meditation, yoga, peer support, and animal therapy help foster emotional healing, reduce isolation, and build a sense of community. Such methods are sometimes part of a residential treatment program.
  • Relapse prevention planning: This approach develops strategies to identify triggers and cues, manage stress, and reduce relapse risks to support prolonged recovery.

Steps to Take if You Suspect a Concurrent Disorder

If you think that you or a loved one is experiencing a co-occurring disorder, the Metamorphosis Centre for Change provides holistic concurrent disorder treatment plans integrated with the four strategies mentioned above.

Our approach integrates traditional therapies like CBT and ACT with experiential therapies designed to enhance mind and body wellness. These include yoga, tai chi, horse therapy, music therapy, meditation, and art therapy. Together, these treatments for concurrent disorders promote greater self-awareness, focus, and overall well-being.

In addition to these approaches, we offer a variety of mind-body integrative therapies such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, acupuncture, massage, and outdoor adventure therapy. These options provide a holistic approach to healing by addressing both the mental and physical aspects of addiction and mental health issues.

Contact the Metamorphosis Centre for Change for Expert Concurrent Disorder Treatment 

The Metamorphosis Centre for Change shines as a beacon of hope for those navigating the complex interplay of mental health and substance use challenges. Through a holistic, patient-first approach, our dedicated addiction treatment centre creates personalized programs that lay the foundation for lasting recovery and lifelong success.

If you’re ready to learn more about why the Metamorphosis Centre for Change can be the best decision for yourself or a loved one, or are seeking answers to any questions that you have about our concurrent disorder treatment programs, please reach out to us at 1-888-616-1678 or through this form.

RECENT POSTS

Mental Health & Addiction Treatment

Have questions About getting The right Help you need?

Back