Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, refer to the presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder simultaneously. For individuals with alcoholism, several co-occurring disorders are commonly observed, reflecting the complex interplay between alcohol use and mental health. Here are some of the most common co-occurring disorders with alcoholism:

1. Depressive Disorders: Including major depressive disorder and dysthymia. Individuals with depression may use alcohol as a way to self-medicate their depressive symptoms.
2. Anxiety Disorders: Such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Anxiety can often lead to drinking alcohol for its calming effects, which can spiral into dependency.
3. **Bipolar Disorder**: Alcohol use is common in individuals with bipolar disorder, particularly during manic phases, where the inhibition is lowered, and during depressive phases, where alcohol might be used to self-soothe.
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Individuals with PTSD might use alcohol to cope with trauma- related symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, and severe anxiety.
5. Personality Disorders: Particularly borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder, often have high rates of co-occurrence with alcoholism. The instability of moods and impulsivity typical in these disorders can exacerbate substance use.
6. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Adults and adolescents with undiagnosed or untreated ADHD may use alcohol to manage their symptoms, which can lead to dependence.
7. Schizophrenia: Although less common, there is a significant overlap between alcohol use and schizophrenia. Alcohol may be used to self-medicate against the disorder's psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions.
8. Eating Disorders: Particularly bulimia nervosa, may co-occur with alcoholism. The use of alcohol can sometimes be a means of control or a way to compensate for feelings of guilt associated with eating behaviors. Addressing co-occurring disorders involves an integrated treatment approach that considers both the mental health disorder and the substance use disorder. This typically involves a combination of medications, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and support groups, tailored to address both issues simultaneously for better outcomes.