Understand the Connection Between Mental Health and Addiction

Mental Health and Addiction

Did you know that individuals who develop substance use disorders (SUD) are also likely to be diagnosed with co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD? The connection between substance use disorders and mental illness has been clearly established in the field of addiction treatment.

The reasons mental health and substance use disorders tend to co-occur fall into three main categories. First, mental health disorders can lead to substance abuse as people attempt to self-medicate their mental and emotional symptoms. Substance abuse can also lead to the development of mental health symptoms or exacerbate a pre-existing mental health disorder. And lastly, mental health disorders and addiction share common risk factors so it’s possible for the two to stem from the same root causes.

Treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, also known as a dual diagnosis, should always address both conditions for the best possible outcome. If a mental health condition goes undiagnosed and untreated, the causes of substance abuse will not be resolved leaving the patient vulnerable to a relapse. Similarly, if a patient with a mental health diagnosis continues to abuse alcohol or drugs the mental health condition is likely to worsen. Treatment for both mental health and substance use disorder requires healing the underlying root causes to be truly effective.

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Facts About Mental Health and Addiction

Co-occurring mental health issues and substance abuse problems are more common than people realize. According to a study published in the Journal of American Medical Association:

37% of alcohol abusers and 53% of those with drug use disorder, also have at least one serious mental illness
About 50% of people with severe mental disorders also have a substance use disorder
Of all people who were diagnosed as mentally ill, 29% also abuse alcohol or drugs.

The Connection Between Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

There are several reasons why substance abuse and mental illness are so closely linked, even though they do not necessarily directly cause one another. The reasons for such a close connection include:

Using drugs and alcohol to self-medicate symptoms of mental health disorders. People can often turn to drug or alcohol abuse to ease the symptoms of an undiagnosed mental health disorder, temporarily change their mood, or for stress management. However, when you self-medicate with alcohol and drugs, they cause side effects and worsen symptoms in the long run.
Underlying risk for mental disorders increases with alcohol and drug abuse. It is difficult to pinpoint mental illness as directly caused by substance abuse because several factors, including genetics and environment, play a role in developing these mental disorders. However, for those who are at increased risk for mental health disorders, abusing drugs and alcohol can push them over the edge. For example, there is evidence that suggests abusing opioid painkillers puts a person at increased risk for depression, and heavy marijuana use can increase the risk for schizophrenia.
Substance abuse and mental health disorders often stem from the same root cause. Traumatic events, poverty, and physical, mental, and sexual abuse all have been linked as the underlying cause of both substance abuse disorders and mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders and PTSD.

Common Co-Occurring Disorders

Several mental health disorders tend to co-occur with substance abuse, but the most common ones are:

Generalized anxiety disorder
Depression, including major depressive disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Eating disorders
Schizophrenia
Personality disorders and mood disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Bipolar disorder

Treating Mental Health and Addiction Together

When a person is diagnosed with substance use disorder and one or more mental health conditions, it is known as a dual diagnosis. For individuals with a dual diagnosis, it is important to find treatment programs with an integrated treatment plan for stopping substance abuse while also treating the underlying mental health issues. Some common substance abuse treatments used in dual diagnosis include cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma therapy, support groups, like alcoholics anonymous and narcotics anonymous, medication-assisted treatment, and other forms of psychotherapy.

Signs of a Dual Diagnosis

Some of the signs to indicate a possible dual diagnosis include:

Drug or alcohol abuse started as a way to overcome feelings of anxiety, fear, sadness, or stress.
A family history of mental illness
Inability to concentrate
Past trauma
Appetite or weight changes
Social withdrawal
Internal anxiety that is only relieved with certain behaviors or rituals
Experiencing delusions or hallucinations
Severe tension or worry
Angry, violent, or reckless behavior
Intense, prolonged feelings of despair, hopelessness, and worthlessness

How to Get Treatment for Mental Health and Addiction Without Losing Your Job

At UnionFirst, we help union members, public employees, and their family members connect with the very best licensed addiction treatment programs and find the right substance abuse treatment program to fit their needs. We can assess your case and help you get the most effective mental health and substance abuse care. Our team will also ensure that your job status is protected while you receive behavioral health services for however long you need. You do not need to go through recovery alone, please give us a call today so we can help show you the road to recovery.