Double Trouble

The term double trouble refers to a condition that includes dual or multiple diagnoses when one or more diagnoses is for a substance use disorder and one or more diagnoses is for a mental disorder. The term co-occurring disorder is used predominantly to describe this condition to further clarify the fact that a disorder of each category (substance use disorder and mental disorder) must not only be present but is also independent of the other. Also known as "coexisting" disorders, double trouble exists when a substance use disorder and mental disorder occur simultaneously, and although they are considered independent of each other, they can have significant influence on each other with regard to illness progression, treatment, and recovery.