ATTENTION

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for 24/7 free and confidential crisis support. You do not have to be suicidal to call. Access more info and resources on suicide prevention, emotional and mental health support

toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Substance Use and Mental Health Conditions

Substance Use and Mental Health Conditions

Overview

Some people who have substance use disorder also have a mental health condition. Doctors call this a dual diagnosis. You may need to treat both conditions to fully recover.

Mental health conditions that may occur with substance use disorder include:

  • Depression.
  • Anxiety.
  • Bipolar disorder.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Schizophrenia.

Either condition may come first. Substance use disorder may lead to symptoms such as depression or anxiety. Or people with mental health conditions may use substances to:

  • Feel normal and accepted. You may use substances to help you feel like you don't have a mental health condition or aren't different from others.
  • Self-medicate. You may use substances to try to reduce anxiety, depression, or sleep problems.

It's best to treat the mental health condition and substance use disorder at the same time. Treating both conditions gives you a better chance of a full recovery and less chance of returning to substance use.

Credits

Current as of: March 20, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.