Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, refer to the condition where an individual has both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder simultaneously. When it comes to alcoholism, several mental health disorders commonly occur alongside it, exacerbating both the alcohol abuse and the psychological condition, and often creating a cycle that can be difficult to break without appropriate treatment that addresses both issues. Here are some of the most common co-occurring disorders with alcoholism:

1. Depression: Many individuals with alcoholism also suffer from depression. Alcohol can temporarily relieve feelings of sadness or loneliness, but heavy drinking often leads to worsened depressive symptoms over time.
2. Anxiety Disorders: These include general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. People may use alcohol as a way to cope with anxiety, but chronic drinking can lead to increased anxiety levels, particularly during periods of withdrawal.
3. Bipolar Disorder: Alcohol misuse is a common problem in those with bipolar disorder, with people often drinking during manic episodes as a form of self-medication or during depressive episodes to alleviate the symptoms. 4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Individuals who have experienced traumatic events may turn to alcohol to numb their emotional pain or to cope with flashbacks and nightmares. However, alcohol often worsens the symptoms of PTSD in the long term.
4. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Individuals with BPD may use alcohol to deal with emotional instability, impulsivity, and the fear of abandonment that are characteristic of the disorder, though it typically exacerbates these issues.
5. Schizophrenia: Although less common, some people with schizophrenia might use alcohol to self-medicate the distressing symptoms of their disorder, such as hallucinations or delusions. However, alcohol use can interfere with medications and worsen symptoms.
6. **Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)**: Individuals with ADHD may use alcohol to calm their impulsivity and hyperactivity. Alcohol use in ADHD patients can result in increased impulsivity and poor decision-making.
7. Eating Disorders: Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder can sometimes co-occur with alcohol abuse. Alcohol may be used to suppress appetite or to cope with emotional distress related to body image issues. The treatment of co-occurring disorders with alcoholism typically requires an integrated approach that addresses both the substance use and the mental health disorder concurrently. This can improve treatment outcomes by helping to manage symptoms comprehensively. Ideal treatment settings are those that can provide a multidisciplinary team approach including medical care, psychiatric support, counseling, and aftercare planning.