What does the term "co-occurring disorders" refer to?

The term "co-occurring disorders" specifically refers to the presence of both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder in an individual. This concept highlights the complexity of treating individuals who struggle with addiction alongside mental health challenges, as both disorders can significantly influence each other.

When addressing co-occurring disorders, it is crucial for treatment approaches to be integrated and comprehensive, as each disorder may exacerbate the symptoms or recovery challenges of the other. Understanding this relationship helps practitioners develop holistic treatment plans that cater to the needs of the whole person rather than treating each disorder in isolation.

The other options do not accurately encompass what co-occurring disorders entail, as they either limit the focus to just one type of condition or introduce unrelated issues, which are not the core of the definition.