What is a common co-occurring disorder with substance use disorder?

Substance use disorders frequently co-occur with mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. This relationship is significant due to the way these disorders can interact with and exacerbate one another. Individuals with mood disorders may use substances as a means of self-medication to help cope with their emotional distress or mood fluctuations. Conversely, substance use can lead to or worsen mood instability, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.

Mood disorders display notable symptoms such as persistent feelings of sadness or extreme mood swings, which can be particularly compelling factors in driving individuals toward substance use as a form of relief or escape. This interplay highlights the importance of comprehensive treatment approaches that address both mood disorders and substance use disorders simultaneously to achieve better outcomes for patients.

While personality disorders, eating disorders, and autism spectrum disorder can also co-occur with substance use disorders, the connection between mood disorders and substance use is characterized by particularly high prevalence and significant clinical implications, making it the most common among the listed options.