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Co-occurring conditions or dual diagnoses refers to any person of any age who has any combination of any mental health issue AND any substance use issue, including trauma, gambling and nicotine dependence, whether or not they have already been diagnosed.

Check out these questions young adults posed to Ken Minkoff, M.D., a national expert on co-occurring conditions, and his responses. This section addresses dealing with peer pressure, accessing services and supports to address co-occurring conditions, supporting a family member or friend with co-occurring conditions and much more.

Navigating this Topic:

When we talk about dual diagnosis, what does that mean?

How often do young adults living with a mental health condition experience a co-occurring substance use disorder? How does a co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder impact the lives of young adults?

Does alcoholism or drug abuse trigger a mental health condition and/or does a mental health condition trigger alcoholism or drug abuse?

What steps can I take if I have a mental health condition and am concerned that my drug or alcohol use is getting out of control? Should I avoid drugs and/or alcohol altogether?

What are effective approaches to treating a young adult with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions? What are the key factors that make these approaches effective? Where can I go to find more information and materials on the most effective approaches in treating co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions?

How can I know whether a health care provider is using an effective approach to treatment? Where can I find health care providers who are trained in these approaches? What questions should I be asking about the treatment I am receiving to ensure it is effective?

In the co-occurring field, is there a focus on peer support and recovery focused services? What role do psychosocial interventions play? What recovery-based models exist and are emerging?

What can I do to help support friends or family members who are using and abusing alcohol and/or drugs? What can I do to support compliance with services and supports?

Young adult lives tend to revolve around social drinking and substance use. What practical suggestions do you have for those dealing with the social pressures of drinking and drugs?

How should cultural competence and cultural sensitivity factor into the effective approaches used to treat co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions?