What is Concurrent Psychiatric Disorder?
Concurrent Disorder refers to a condition involving both a drug problem and another psychiatric disorder. One who is addicted to opiate drugs and who also has a history of Major Depression would be said to have Concurrent Disorder.

How common is Concurrent Disorder?
Concurrent Disorder is very common. One-third or more of those with drug addiction will suffer with another psychiatric disorder at some time in their life.

“ The first time I used was at a party. It was the first time I felt comfortable with other people. I lost my fear, laughed and enjoyed myself.

From then on I used at any party or social occasion. I told myself it was just a little - and just to help me enjoy myself with other people, without anxiety.

It eventually got out of control. I had to use more and more - and always seemed to want it. The anxiety was horrible when I could not use. And when I tried to stop, I couldn’t.”

One-quarter to one-third of those with psychiatric disorder also have a problem with drug abuse or addiction. It is not uncommon for addiction to develop in a person who self treats a psychiatric disorder with intoxicating drugs.