A person under the influence of a substance may sometimes behave in a manner that resembles psychiatric illnesses like bipolar disorder or psychosis. During withdrawal, hallucinations and delusions can further reinforce this appearance. Many individuals struggling with addiction have been misdiagnosed as manic depressive, bipolar, psychotic, or schizophrenic and have been prescribed psychiatric medications. Due to the nature of addiction, some end up consuming these medications alongside their substance of choice, eventually becoming dependent on them as well.
A young client of ours, a poly-drug user, had been admitted to multiple rehab centres against his will. He was always under the influence when admitted, and his withdrawal symptoms would persist for one to two months. During this time, psychiatrists and psychologists misdiagnosed him as psychotic. He was prescribed psychiatric medication, which he also misused to get high. Eventually, as his behavioural symptoms subsided, it became evident that he had been experiencing extended withdrawal rather than a psychiatric disorder. Today, he lives a sober and happy life.
Once the effects of a substance wear off, a person with addiction often regains normalcy. In contrast, someone with a true mental illness continues to experience symptoms even after withdrawal is complete.
We had another client who was addicted to a particular psychiatric medication. During treatment, as the medication was tapered off, the client began exhibiting bizarre behaviour and psychotic symptoms. It was later revealed that he had been suffering from psychosis for years but had been self-medicating instead of seeking appropriate psychiatric treatment. This scenario is not uncommon.
However, the reality remains that psychiatric illnesses can co-occur with substance addiction. In some cases, a person may already have a pre-existing mental health condition, while in others, substance use induces or exacerbates psychiatric symptoms that only become apparent after withdrawal.
Individuals struggling with debilitating anxiety, clinical depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, or other psychiatric conditions may turn to substances as a coping mechanism. At the same time, prolonged substance use can alter brain chemistry, triggering dormant psychiatric conditions or worsening existing ones. This cycle, known as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis, requires a holistic approach to healing.
For many, the challenge is not just overcoming addiction but also addressing the emotional pain that led to it. True recovery occurs when both are treated together—nurturing the mind and body in unison.
Why Do Mental Health and Addiction Coexist?
Co-occurring disorders do not happen randomly; they arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors:
- Biological: Genetics and brain chemistry play a role. Individuals predisposed to psychiatric conditions may be more vulnerable to addiction.
- Psychological: Trauma, unresolved grief, and chronic stress can drive individuals to seek temporary relief through substances.
- Social: Environmental factors and upbringing influence behaviours—difficult relationships, societal pressures, and a lack of support can increase the risk.
Some of the most common mental health conditions that co-occur with addiction include:
- Anxiety disorders (panic disorder, OCD, PTSD)
- Clinical depression and mood disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
Without addressing these root causes, overcoming addiction is like treating a symptom without healing the underlying condition.
The Vicious Cycle: How One Fuels the Other
Mental health struggles and addiction often feed into each other, making it harder to break free:
- Over time, substance use alters brain function, increasing dependency and intensifying mental health symptoms.
- As mental health deteriorates, the urge to self-medicate strengthens, perpetuating the cycle.
This cycle can feel relentless, but recognizing the connection is the first step toward breaking it.
Breaking Free: Why Treating Both is Essential
Traditional approaches often treat addiction and mental health as separate issues. Many individuals complete detox or rehab only to relapse because their emotional struggles remain unaddressed. Similarly, psychiatric treatments may focus solely on symptoms without addressing substance use.
An integrated approach—one that heals both the mind and body—is the most effective path to recovery. This includes:
- Therapy that addresses both addiction and mental health
- Mindfulness and emotional healing techniques
- A supportive, stigma-free environment that fosters self-acceptance
Treating dual diagnosis requires professionals trained in both addiction and psychiatric treatment. Meditation has been shown to enhance awareness of addictive thought patterns. One-on-one counselling and group therapy also play crucial roles in recovery.
Self-help groups specifically for dual diagnosis can provide additional support. Those with co-occurring disorders often require longer stays in rehabilitation facilities equipped to address both addiction and psychiatric conditions.
The Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT) model is an evidence-based approach that improves the quality of life for individuals with co-occurring severe mental illness and substance use disorders. This model integrates addiction treatment with psychiatric care within the same organization, provided by the same team of specialists.
Additionally, caregivers and family members may require co-dependency counseling to support their loved ones effectively.
How Anatta’s Approach Helps with Co-Occurring Disorders
At Anatta, healing is personal. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, we offer individualized, one-on-one care that addresses the unique emotional and psychological needs of each individual.
- A Non-Judgmental Space: Healing begins with feeling safe. Anatta provides a compassionate environment where individuals can confront their struggles without fear or shame.
- Holistic Recovery: Beyond detox, our approach includes awareness techniques, meditation, therapy, and lifestyle modifications to support long-term healing.
- Privacy and Exclusivity: For those who value discretion, Anatta ensures complete confidentiality in a luxurious, comfortable setting.
Recovery is not just about quitting substances—it is about reclaiming peace of mind.
Steps Toward a Sustainable Recovery
Overcoming co-occurring disorders takes time, patience, and the right support. Key steps include:
- Acknowledgment – Recognizing the problem without guilt or self-blame.
- Seeking the Right Help – Choosing an approach that treats both mental health and addiction together.
- Building Healthy Coping Mechanisms – Practicing appropriate meditative therapy and emotional regulation.
- Creating a Support System – Surrounding oneself with people who encourage healing.
- Embracing a New Lifestyle – Adopting habits that nurture both the mind and body.
Healing is not a straight path, but every step forward matters.
Conclusion: There Is Always a Way Forward
If you or a loved one is struggling with both addiction and mental health challenges, know that you are not alone. Recovery is possible—not through willpower alone, but through the right guidance, support, and holistic care.
At Anatta, we believe in healing beyond addiction. Through compassionate, private, and personalized care, we help individuals rediscover themselves—free from the burdens of substance use and emotional distress. The journey may seem overwhelming, but the first step is always the most powerful.
Your healing begins the moment you choose it. And whenever you are ready, the support is here.
Dual diagnosis requires patience, compassion, and expertise—but with the right help, a fulfilling life free from addiction is within reach.