People develop alcohol use disorder (AUD) for various reasons, with mental health problems being a common cause. Mental health issues can worsen substance abuse problems. When facing both mental health issues and alcohol abuse, dual diagnosis treatment is recommended. Dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders, is when someone has both an addiction and mental health challenges simultaneously.Some common mental health disorders dual diagnosis treatment can help with are:DepressionAnxietyBipolar disordersPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Dual diagnosis is complex because both substance use disorder and mental health problems can make achieving sobriety harder. For instance, alcohol abuse can worsen depression and vice versa. That’s why professional alcohol treatment is key for a future without addiction and stability.