Updated January 2023
What exactly is a concurrent disorder?
The term "concurrent" means to happen at the same time. The word "disorder" refers to a problem or illness that affects a person's body and/or mind.
Put these terms together, and you have "concurrent disorder"—a term health care professionals use to describe individuals suffering from both a mental illness and a substance abuse problem simultaneously.
Did you know that the latest data shows that 282,000 Canadian adults suffer from a concurrent disorder?
Awareness of the considerable overlap of mental health and addiction issues has sharpened the focus on concurrent disorders in our country.
If you work in a community-serving position, such as law enforcement, education, or health care, a deeper understanding of concurrent disorders can significantly improve the way you support and interact with those afflicted.
In this post, we take a look at common combinations of mental health and addiction disorders, typical symptoms, and other related factors that influence community mental health.