Category: Addiction

Many individuals who struggle with addiction are also experiencing a mental health condition at the same time. This is known as co-occurring disorders, sometimes referred to as dual diagnosis. Examples include: • depression and alcohol use• anxiety and stimulant misuse• trauma and opioid addiction Substances are often used as a way to cope with emotional pain. Someone experiencing trauma may use alcohol to numb intrusive memories. Someone experiencing anxiety may misuse substances to calm overwhelming worry. While substances may temporarily reduce emotional distress, they often create additional problems over time, including: • increased emotional instability• difficulty managing relationships• impaired decision-making•…