The link between substance abuse and mental health
When you have both a substance abuse problem and a mental health issue such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety, it is called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Dealing with substance abuse, alcoholism, or drug addiction is never easy, and it’s even more difficult when you’re also struggling with mental health problems.
In co-occurring disorders, both the mental health issue and the drug or alcohol addiction have their own unique symptoms that may get in the way of your ability to function at work or school, maintain a stable home life, handle life's difficulties, and relate to others. To make the situation more complicated, the co-occurring disorders also affect each other. When a mental health problem goes untreated, the substance abuse problem usually gets worse. And when alcohol or drug abuse increases, mental health problems usually increase too.
Co-occurring substance abuse problems and mental health issues are more common than many people realize. According to reports published in the Journal of the American Medical Association:
Roughly 50 percent of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse.
37 percent of alcohol abusers and 53 percent of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness.
Of all people diagnosed as mentally ill, 29 percent abuse alcohol or drugs.
While substance abuse problems and mental health issues don't get better when they're ignored—in fact, they are likely to get much worse—it's important to know that you don't have to feel this way. There are things you can do to conquer your demons, repair your relationships, and get on the road to recovery. With the right support at Hartwell Counselling, Ltd, you can overcome a co-occurring disorder, reclaim your sense of self, and get your life back on track.
Recognizing a co-occurring disorder
It can be difficult to identify a dual diagnosis. It takes time to tease out what might be a mental health disorder and what might be a drug or alcohol problem. The signs and symptoms also vary depending upon both the mental health problem and the type of substance being abused, whether it’s alcohol, recreational drugs, or prescription medications. For example, the signs of depression and marijuana abuse could look very different from the signs of schizophrenia and alcohol abuse. However, there are some general warning signs that you may have a co-occurring disorder:
Do you use alcohol or drugs to cope with unpleasant memories or feelings, to control pain or the intensity of your moods, to face situations that frighten you, or to stay focused on tasks?
Have you noticed a relationship between your substance use and your mental health? For example, do you get depressed when you drink? Or drink when you’re feeling anxious or plagued by unpleasant memories?
Has someone in your family grappled with either a mental disorder or alcohol or drug abuse?
Do you feel depressed, anxious, or otherwise out of balance even when you’re sober?
Have you previously been treated for either your addiction or your mental health problem? Did the substance abuse treatment fail because of complications from your mental health issue or vice versa?
If you answered yes to any of these questions please consder reaching out to Hartwell Counselling, Ltd for support. We help you manage your mental health symptoms and your addiction. You do not have to suffer alone.
Signs and symptoms of substance abuse
Abused substances include prescription medications (such as opioid painkillers, ADHD medications, and sedatives), recreational or street drugs (such as marijuana, methamphetamines, and cocaine), and alcohol (beer, wine, and liquor). A substance abuse problem is not defined by what drug you use or the type of alcohol you drink, though. Rather, it comes down to the effects your drug or alcohol use has on your life and relationships. In short, if your drinking or drug use is causing problems in your life, you have a substance abuse problem.
To help you spot the signs of a substance abuse problem, answering the following questions may help. The more “yes” answers you provide, the more likely your drinking or drug use has become a problem.
Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?
Do you need to use more and more drugs or alcohol to attain the same effects on your mood or outlook?
Have you tried to cut back, but couldn't?
Do you lie about how much or how often you drink or use drugs?
Are you going through prescription medication at a faster-than-expected rate?
Have your friends or family members expressed concern about your alcohol or drug use?
Do you ever feel bad, guilty, or ashamed about your drinking or drug use?
Have you done or said things while drunk or high that you later regretted?
Has your alcohol or drug use caused problems at work, school, or in your relationships?
Has your alcohol or drug use gotten you into trouble with the law?
