Written by Karen Tang, General Member
As this month’s theme at the YCRH is on Mental Health and Well-being, I wanted to dedicate a specific blog to concurrent disorders.
What are concurrent disorders?
“Concurrent disorders” are used to describe concerns with both addiction (typically substance-related) and mental health challenges, occurring at the same time. Other terms typically used include “dual disorders” and “co-occurring disorders”.
Some examples of concurrent disorder may include an individual with an anxiety disorder who also uses marijuana excessively to the point that it is impacting their daily life (i.e., cannabis use disorder); another person may have a psychotic disorder and uses cocaine regularly.
The addiction and mental health problems can co-occur in different ways. For example, they may be active at the same time or at different times (such as in the past or present), and the symptoms can vary in intensity and duration over time.
What are some causes and risk factors of concurrent disorders?
Substance use and mental health challenges can impact each other in various ways.
Substance use may exacerbate mental health symptoms (and vice versa). Substances may mask or hide the symptoms of mental health
Individuals may be turning to substances to cope with their mental health challenges
Sometimes, using substances may render mental health medications less effective
Using substances may lead to forgetfulness in taking medications
When an individual is struggling with one problem, it can active the symptoms of the other problem
What does treatment look like?
Individuals with a concurrent disorder can have more complex needs than if they have one conditions. As such, generally speaking, the best evidence-based treatment approach is to try and address both problems at the same time, in a coordinated manner, although sometimes this may include prioritizing the most impairing disorder first. For example, if an individual is heavily drinking alcohol to cope with their social anxiety, then it may make more sense to treat the social anxiety first as that appears to be the primary concern and alcohol is a way of managing their anxiety. Treatment would of course depend on the severity of the challenges as well as the type of disorder, however, treatment may include psychological (e.g., therapy) and biological (e.g., medications) or a combination of both.
How do I help someone struggling with concurrent disorders?
1. Educate yourself! You can try and learn as much as you can about the causes, symptoms, and treatment.
2. Acknowledge and accept your own feelings, especially if this is a close loved one. You may have conflicting feelings—this is normal especially if you are in the role of the caregiver (to a child, significant other, etc).
3. Encourage your loved one to follow the treatment plan. If your loved one is willing, it may be helpful to encourage them to regularly attend their treatment sessions. Or if they feel that treatment is not working for them, encourage them to speak to a member of their treatment team, or help them find alternative treatment options (e.g., get a second opinion). Advocate for your loved one’s if you are in a situation that is warranted (e.g., if you are a parent to a minor) or ask them how you can best support them!
4. Learn the signs of self-harm or suicide. Seek help immediately. If someone is in crisis or are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Additionally, Canada now has a nation-wide Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24/7 by calling or texting 9-8-8. They offer support that is bilingual, trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, and is available to anyone in Canada. More resources are linked below, including provincial/territorial resources.
5. Plan how to avoid a crisis. It can be helpful to actively plan out ways to address a crisis or deterioration of symptoms, given that recovery is often a non-linear journey.
6. Recognize that concurrent disorders are an illness. Empathy and compassion truly go a long way!
Resources and further reading:
Learn more about Concurrent Disorders: https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/concurrent-disorders and https://www.camh.ca/-/media/health-info-files/guides-and-publications/concurrent-disorders-guide-en.pdf
Mental health resources and where to get help: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html