What Is the Relationship Between Mental Illness and Substance Use?
When we’re struggling with our mental health, it’s unfortunately common to turn to attempts to self-medicate our feelings and problems with drugs or alcohol. It’s also true that people who frequently use alcohol or drugs can be at a much higher risk of developing problems with mental health conditions or difficulties. That’s why the answer is a two-way street if you’re wondering about this big question: What is the relationship between mental illness and substance use? The link between substance abuse and mental health is complex, with one fueling the other in many people. That’s why an addiction treatment program will often go far beyond the substance abuse itself and also help people deal with the underlying or co-occurring mental health struggles they’re facing that can make addiction worse and continue an unhealthy, dangerous cycle of use.
Across Florida, WhiteSands Treatment operates a network of inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol rehab facilities that offer a comprehensive range of treatment programs, including medically assisted detox, group, and individual counseling, life skills courses, and medical and pharmaceutical support. Our team of experts knows that overcoming addiction also often requires addressing and treating mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). That’s why we offer dual diagnosis treatment programs that can deal with both conditions simultaneously, helping our patients be truly ready to embrace their new lives of long-lasting recovery and be mentally well to enjoy their accomplishments. Let’s explore the ties between substance use and mental illness and how the best drug and alcohol rehabs, like WhiteSands Treatment, can help you or your loved one address both struggles at the same time.
Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
Substance use disorder, commonly referred to in non-clinical terms as addiction, is a mental health disorder marked by a person’s inability to stop using drugs, substances, medications, or alcohol. Still, many people who are struggling with addiction also have other mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders, depression, or bipolar disorder. When this is the case, the person is said to have a co-occurring disorder – meaning they have both a substance use disorder and some other kind of mental health condition. That’s why it’s key to work on improving mental health during addiction recovery while receiving professional treatment.
The National Institute on Mental Health says the connection between the two is multifaceted. For example, genetic and environmental factors can make someone more at risk of having an addiction problem or struggling with a mental health disorder. In addition, people who develop a mental health disorder might decide to turn to drugs or alcohol as a self-medication option, trying to numb their pain or difficult feelings with substances. Doing this, however, can cause brain changes that will actually make symptoms worse or quickly lead to a crippling addiction. When someone has co-occurring disorders, they will require what is known as dual diagnosis treatment to have the best recovery from addiction. This means they’ll be treated for both the addiction and their mental health condition at the same time.
The Impact of Mental Illness on Substance Abuse Risk
If you’re still wondering about the big question of this blog – What is the relationship between mental illness and substance abuse – you’re not alone. Experts have long studied how these two conditions tie into and fuel each other, and the results are clear: One complicates the other. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more than one in four adults who suffer from a serious mental health problem also struggle with substance use. Some mental health problems are more frequently marked by co-occurring addiction struggles, including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and schizophrenia.
The connection between the two can also make it difficult to notice when someone has an addiction problem because substance use disorder symptoms include many behavioral changes that can seem like mental health conditions, such as:
- Poor performance at school or work.
- Getting into trouble, such as fights or doing illegal things.
- Sleep or appetite changes.
- Mood swings and personality changes.
How Substance Use Can Exacerbate Mental Health Conditions
When considering the links between mental illness and substance use, it’s essential to know why they so often occur with each other and how using drugs or alcohol can cause worsening mental health. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says using drugs or alcohol can actually change parts of the brain that are also affected by certain mental conditions, including schizophrenia, anxiety, and the ability to control mood or impulses. Using cocaine, for example, can worsen bipolar disorder and cause this mental health disorder to progress. Marijuana can cause an earlier onset of psychosis among people who are at high risk of psychotic disorders due to their genetics and worsen symptoms in those who have conditions like schizophrenia.
Treatment Options for Individuals with Co-Occurring Disorders
Mental illness and substance use often go hand in hand, and that’s why treating addiction often requires a comprehensive approach, including dual diagnosis treatment, to address both at the same time. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says the research indicates the importance of integrated treatment that addresses co-occurring disorders at the same time and people who get dual diagnosis treatment tend to have better outcomes in their health than those who only treat the addiction or mental illness individually.
So, what does dual diagnosis treatment entail? Most often, patients in this kind of program can expect intensive therapy, including individual and group counseling, to examine their thoughts and behaviors and learn new, healthier ways of handling stress, anxiety, and bad feelings. Medication is also a common course of treatment, such as antidepressants for people with depression, anti-anxiety medication, or mood stabilizers. Dual diagnosis treatment will often begin with a short but critical period of medical detox to help the patient get off of drugs or alcohol, followed by inpatient or outpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs to truly address the mental and physical aspects of addiction and mental health struggles.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says dual diagnosis treatment, also known as integrated treatment, can greatly improve the outcome and quality of life for people who are struggling with co-occurring disorders.
Address the Relationship Between Mental Illness and Substance Use at WhiteSands
So, what is the relationship between mental illness and substance use? It’s a two-way street, with one often accompanying the other and both able to fuel and complicate each other. However, a dual diagnosis of a mental health condition and a substance use disorder can be treated. Help is available at top drug and alcohol rehab facilities like WhiteSands Treatment. Our experts know that addressing addiction requires also dealing with mental health struggles like bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety, or depression. That’s why dual diagnosis treatment is a main focus of our staff of experts. Together, we can help you deal with mental health difficulties and addiction and learn what it takes to live a better, healthier life. Get started today by calling us at 877-855-3470.
External Sources
- National Institute on Mental Health – Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders
- National Institute on Drug Abuse – Co-Occurring Disorders and Health Conditions
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Mental Health and Substance Use Co-Occurring Disorders
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Screening and Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
