Which psychological condition is often associated with substance use disorder?

The most accurate response highlights that both depression and anxiety are psychological conditions frequently linked with substance use disorder. This comorbidity occurs for various reasons, including the use of substances as a form of self-medication to alleviate the symptoms of these mental health conditions.

Individuals suffering from depression may turn to substances to escape feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or social isolation. Similarly, anxiety disorders often lead individuals to seek relief via substances as a way to calm their nerves or avoid triggering situations. The cyclical nature of these relationships can exacerbate both the psychological condition and the substance use disorder, creating a compounded challenge for treatment.

While schizophrenia can also have associations with substance use, the relationship is often more complex, as individuals with schizophrenia may use substances due to specific symptoms or to cope with their condition, but it is not as universally prevalent as the connection between substance use and the affective symptoms of depression and anxiety. Thus, focusing on both depression and anxiety offers a clearer understanding of the common psychological comorbidities associated with substance use disorders.