Dual diagnosis is common among many addicts, which means that they are addicted to a substance and they also have a mental health condition. A few examples of dual diagnosis include being addicted to cocaine or alcohol, as well as being bipolar. Most of these dual diagnoses include being addicted to alcohol as well as having Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive disorder, depression or panic disorder. Many people who have a mental health condition will use an addiction to suppress or treat these symptoms, without seeking proper medication.

Dual diagnosis is the combination of having mental illness and an addiction that occur at the same time. Many people who struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol have an underlying mental health issue that is not being properly medicated