When people picture "recovery," they often think only about drugs or alcohol. But for a huge share of Americans, substance use and mental-health conditions are deeply connected — and treating one without the other leaves people vulnerable. Understanding that link is one of the most important steps toward lasting healing.
Very. According to SAMHSA's 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health — based on responses from nearly 70,000 people nationwide:
When a person experiences a mental-health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time, it's called a co-occurring disorder (or "dual diagnosis"). These conditions overlap far more often than chance — and each can make the other harder to manage.
There's rarely a single cause, but researchers point to a few overlapping reasons:
Because these conditions feed each other, the most effective approach is integrated care that treats mental health and substance use together — not in separate silos. That can include counseling and therapy (such as DBT, trauma-focused CBT, and person-centered approaches), medication when appropriate, peer support, and — crucially — stable housing and community. Isolation and instability are among the biggest drivers of relapse; connection and a safe place to live are protective.
This is exactly why Empower Next Project's programs address the whole person: funding safe sober-living housing through Empower Next Steps, connecting people to clinical and mental-health support, and reducing the isolation that so often stands between someone and their recovery.
Recovery is possible — and common. Among adults who said they had ever had a mental-health issue, about 66.9% (roughly 45 million people) considered themselves to be in recovery or to have recovered.
You're not alone, and help works. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, mental health, or both, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) any time, or call SAMHSA's free, confidential National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for treatment referrals.
This article is educational and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. If you're concerned about your mental health or substance use, please reach out to a qualified professional or the resources listed above.