When someone struggles with alcohol addiction, it is almost always inextricably connected to another battle: a battle for the mind. Often referred to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis, alcoholism and co-occurring disorders are in at least 50% of cases, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), like two sides of the same coin
Why are co-occurring disorders so common? Simply put: Physical health and mental health are intricately connected. Chemical imbalances, which occur when the body and brain become alcohol dependent or addicted, exacerbate mood swings, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. The pervasive nature of these conditions can often lead you to self-medicate.