Co-occurring disorders are a common diagnosis for veterans and first responders in Massachusetts. For example, a veteran or a first responder will have experienced a traumatic incident or physical pain and could end being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and prescribed opioids to treat physical pain. The long-term use of pain medication will lead to addiction and physical and psychological dependency on drugs. Co-occurring disorders can be effectively treated at one of the many different inpatient or outpatient drug rehabilitation programs in Massachusetts. Anyone struggling with a co-occurring disorder within the state should reach out to local drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs for help. Most services in Massachusetts, both private and state-funded will offer extensive mental health services and addiction treatment programs for individuals and their families. It can be difficult to struggle with a mental illness and an addiction, and many people diagnosed with a mental illness will turn to drugs to cope with the problem.
