Approximately 4 million people with drug problems also have mental illness problems. This means that about 30% of those with a drug or drug and alcohol problem also suffer from a serious mental illness including personality disorders, major depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.  [SAHMSA, 2002]

If you’re concerned about a loved one, here’s what you can do:

1. Consider whether there may be another underlying problem, such as mental illness.

2. If the answer is yes, it is critical that any form of treatment addresses both issues at the same time. Treating one problem and not the other cannot achieve health.

3. Find help or treatment that has experience with treating both the addiction and the mental health disorder.

4. People with co-occurring disorders may be more prone to relapse. Even after treatment has ended, continuing management of both disorders is necessary to maintain health.