Is Addiction a Mental Disorder?

What’s the correct classification for addiction? Is it a mental disorder or a behavioral health condition?

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Is Addiction a Mental Disorder?

Let’s get right to the point here: Is addiction a mental disorder? Yes, it is – but it can also be categorized in a number of other ways, including:

• Mental illness 
• Behavioral health disorder 
• Co-occurring disorder 
• Dual diagnosis

At first glance, it can be difficult to understand why addiction can be included in so many different categories. Hopefully, all will become clear (or at least a lot less confusing) as you read through the next two sections. 

Mental Health vs. Behavioral Health

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) includes several entries for substance use disorders, which is the clinical term for addictions. Since “Mental Disorders” is right there in the title of this reference book, that gives us a clear answer to the question, is addiction a mental disorder?

Why, then, is addiction also often described as a behavioral health disorder?

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), mental illnesses are “health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, or behavior (or a combination of these).” 

This definition is broad enough to include a wide range of conditions. For example, the DSM-5 contains information on 297 separate mental disorders.

Mental disorders that share certain characteristics are often grouped into sub-categories, such as:

• Mood disorders – Conditions whose primary impact involves a person’s emotional state
• Personality disorders – Conditions that involve abnormal behaviors and inner experiences
• Psychotic disorders – Conditions that impair a person’s ability to perceive their environment and interact with others  

Behavioral health disorders are a category of mental illnesses that cause recurrent, compulsive actions or habits. Conditions that are commonly included in the behavioral health category include:

• Substance use disorders (addictions)
• Eating disorders
• Compulsive gambling
• Sex/love addiction

Co-Occurring Disorders vs. Dual Diagnosis

It is not uncommon for a person to have more than one mental disorder at the same time. For example, anxiety disorders are often accompanied by depression. ADHD is often accompanied by anxiety. And people who have schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or PTSD often also have addictions.

When a person has two or more mental disorders, they are commonly referred to as co-occurring disorders or comorbid conditions. Thus a person might be described as having social anxiety disorder and co-occurring major depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder with co-occurring alcohol use disorder. 

When one of the two conditions is an addiction, clinicians sometimes use the term dual diagnosis. The person with bipolar disorder and co-occurring alcoholism would also fit into the dual diagnosis category.

Just like behavioral health disorders are specific types of mental illnesses, dual diagnosis is a specific type of co-occurring disorders.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Addiction?

Addictions can affect different people in different ways. But everyone who develops a substance use disorder will meet some of the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5, and will likely exhibit certain warning signs.

Diagnostic Criteria

The DSM-5 includes 11 criteria for most types of addiction:

1. Having powerful cravings for the substance
2. Frequently using the substance in a greater amount or for longer than intended
3. Spending a substantial amount of time acquiring and using the substance, as well as recovering from its effects
4. Having a repeated desire and/or multiple failed attempts to stop using the substance
5. Continuing to use the substance even after incurring physical or psychological damage that was caused or worsened by prior use
6. Continuing to use the substance even after having personal or social problems that were caused or worsened by prior use
7. Repeatedly using the substance in circumstances that are clearly hazardous, such as by combining it with other drugs or driving while under its influence
8. Failing to meet personal, academic, or work-related responsibilities due to substance use
9. Reducing or ending your participation in important activities due to your substance use
10. Developing tolerance, which requires you to use more of the substance to achieve the desired effects
11. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when abruptly curtailing your substance use

You only need to meet two of these criteria to be diagnosed with a mild substance use disorder. Four or five criteria is the threshold for a moderate substance use disorder, while anyone who meets six or more would be diagnosed with a serious substance use disorder.

Warning Signs

In addition to meeting the clinical criteria in the previous section, people who develop addictions to alcohol and other drugs often exhibit warning signs such as:

• Dramatic shifts in mood, attitude, and energy
• Uncharacteristic outbursts of anger or aggression
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Lying or being otherwise deceptive about how they’ve been spending their time or who they’ve been associating with
• Having unexplained financial problems
• Changes in appetite, eating habits, and weight
• Downturn in performance at work or in school
• Trying to buy, borrow, or steal medications that were prescribed to someone else
• Apparent neglect of their appearance and personal hygiene

If someone in your life has been displaying these types of signs, or if their behaviors line up with any of the diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5, they should consult with their doctor or schedule an assessment at a reputable mental health provider in the area.

Completing a thorough evaluation and receiving an accurate diagnosis can be vital steps toward effective treatment and successful recovery.

How Can I Find the Right Addiction Treatment Center?

There is no perfect course of treatment for someone who has an addiction. What’s most important is taking the time to review your options and identify the center whose services and overall approach align with your unique history and needs.

When you’re speaking to a representative of an addiction treatment center that you’re considering, the following types of questions can help you determine if it’s the right place for you:

• What levels of care and types of treatment does your center offer?
• How will you determine which programs and services are right for me?
• What are the qualifications of the people who will be providing my care?
• Does your programming include treatment for co-occurring mental health concerns?
• Do you offer family therapy or other types of family support services?
• How long will I need to stay in treatment?
• Do you provide discharge planning or aftercare support?
• What happens if I relapse after I complete treatment?
• Can I tour your facility, either in person or online?
• Does your center accept my insurance?

Learn More About Addiction Treatment in Atlanta

North Atlanta Behavioral Health provides personalized outpatient treatment for adults who have substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. 

Programming options at our addiction rehab in Atlanta include a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and an outpatient program.

For help determining which program is right for you, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.