Mental health conditions frequently co-occur with addiction

Addiction is frequently a symptom of underlying mental health issues rather than an isolated condition. In the United States, approximately 18.4 million adults struggle with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders. Data indicates that about half of all U.S. adults with a serious mental illness also face a substance use disorder.

Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), notes that a critical element in recovery is often overlooked: co-occurring mental health conditions. A significant challenge remains in accessing integrated care, as some communities lack sufficient resources, making it easier to obtain illicit drugs than adequate mental health services.

Common risk factors shared by both addiction and mental illness include trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), genetic vulnerabilities, chronic stress, and a history of family substance misuse. Because these conditions often present together, experts suggest families consider the possibility of underlying mental health concerns when supporting loved ones through addiction.