After accounting for the effects of demographic factors and other substance dependence disorders, only bipolar disorder and ASPD were related to cocaine dependence severity. The presence of a co-occurring SUD consistently was associated with cocaine dependence severity, although some co-occurring SUDs were associated with increased cocaine dependence severity (e.g., opioids, alcohol) and others were associated with decreased cocaine dependence severity (e.g., marijuana). More specifically study findings suggest that severe psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder or ASPD may be associated with extended periods of heavy cocaine use. Therefore, interventions are needed to prevent extended heavy cocaine use when cocaine dependence co-occurs with serious mental illness or ASPD.
