Understanding the Term: What term co-occurring disorders replaces the term?
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4 min read
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 21.5 million adults experienced both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder in 2022. The modern, preferred term for this is 'co-occurring disorders', which specifically replaces the outdated and often misleading phrase 'dual diagnosis'. The move towards this more accurate terminology reflects a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between mental illness and substance use.