Psychiatric Illness Co-occurring with a Substance Use Problem

The combination of an SUD and a psychiatric disorder is called dual or co-occurring disorders (CODs). Rates of SUDs are especially high among individuals with antisocial or borderline personality disorders, bipolar illness, and schizophrenia. Having one disorder raises the risk of having the other. Psychiatric illness can affect how quickly a substance problem develops and response to treatment. It can also affect relapse to substance use. The effects of alcohol or other drugs can cause or worsen psychiatric symptoms. Suggestions are given for handling psychiatric emergencies, including suicide threats. An overview of the treatment options for patients with dual disorders is given.