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Individuals with both mental illness and substance use issues are commonly recognized as facing dual diagnosis, a term used when a person has co-occurring disorders. This population often experiences complex interrelated challenges where the presence of substance use disorders can exacerbate mental health conditions, and vice versa. The interactions between these disorders can significantly impact treatment outcomes and the individual's daily functioning.

For instance, a person with depression may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism, which can lead to increased severity of depressive symptoms. Conversely, unresolved mental health issues can drive individuals toward substance use as a misguided strategy for relief. Addressing both the mental health disorder and the substance use disorder simultaneously is critical for effective treatment and recovery.

Other populations mentioned do not typically highlight the specific combination of both mental illness and substance use issues in the same way. High-achieving students may face different types of stress that could lead to mental health concerns but do not necessarily indicate substance use disorders specifically. Professionals in high-stress jobs may deal with stress-related health issues, yet their experience does not inherently include substance use issues tied to mental health concerns. People with exclusive physical disabilities may experience mental health challenges, but without the substance-related dimension, they do not fall under the dual diagnosis definition. Therefore, individuals with