Substance abuse is when you take illegal drugs, or use alcohol, prescription medicine, and other legal substances too much or in the wrong way. Substance abuse treatment can lead to substance use disorder (SUD), which is a treatable mental disorder that affects your brain and behavior, making it more difficult for you to control your use of substances
Mental illness refers to a wide range of conditions that affect your mood, thinking, and behavior. Some common mental illnesses include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Mental illnesses can cause distress and impair your daily functioning.
Substance abuse and mental illness often co-occur, meaning people with one condition may also have the other. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about half of people who experience a mental illness during their lives will likely suffer from a SUD at some point. Similarly, about half of people with a SUD will also experience mental illness at some point.
Why are substance abuse and mental illness so often co-occurring?
There are several possible explanations for this phenomenon, which we will explore in the next section.
Common risk factors for substance abuse and mental illness
One possible reason substance abuse and mental illness co-occur is that they share common risk factors. Risk factors increase the likelihood of a condition. Some risk factors for substance abuse and mental illness include:
- Genetics: Both SUDs and mental illnesses run in families, meaning certain genes may make you more vulnerable to these conditions. However, genes are not destiny, and environmental factors can also influence how genes are expressed.
- Environment: Environmental factors, such as stress, trauma, violence, abuse, neglect, poverty, or exposure to drugs or alcohol, can trigger or worsen both SUDs and mental illnesses. Environmental factors can also cause genetic changes passed down through generations and may contribute to the development of these conditions.
- Development: The brain undergoes during childhood and adolescence, which are critical periods for learning and development. However, these changes also make the brain more sensitive to drugs or alcohol, stress or trauma. Early exposure to these factors can increase the risk of SUDs or mental illnesses later in life.
How do substance abuse and mental illness affect each other?
Another possible reason why substance abuse and mental illness may co-occur is that they affect each other in different ways. Some examples of how this can happen include:
- Mental disorders can contribute to substance use and SUDs: Some people with mental disorders may use drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication, meaning that they try to cope with their symptoms or emotions by using substances. However, this can backfire in several ways. For instance, some drugs may temporarily help with some mental disorders symptoms, but they may worsen over time. For example, alcohol may reduce anxiety or depression in the short term, but increase them in the long term. Additionally, brain changes in people with mental disorders may enhance the rewarding effects of substances. This makes it more likely that they will continue to use them and develop SUD.
- Substance use and SUDs can contribute to other mental disorders: Substance use can also trigger or worsen mental disorders by causing changes in brain structure and function. For example, some drugs can induce psychosis or paranoia in some people. Other drugs can cause mood swings or depression. Furthermore, substance use can interfere with normal brain development in young people, increasing the risk of mental disorders later in life.
How to get help for substance abuse and mental illness
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and mental illness, it is wise to seek help as soon as possible. The good news is that both conditions are treatable, and recovery is possible. Visit this website to learn more.
Talk to someone you trust. You don’t have to deal with this alone. Talking to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, teacher, counselor, or doctor, can help you feel less isolated and more supported. They can also provide you with a different perspective so you can make the best decision for your situation. It can be helpful to talk to someone who isn’t directly involved in the situation. Seeking professional help or counseling can also be beneficial.
You can also find support online by reaching out to online communities or by joining online support groups. It is important to remember that whatever you decide to do, you are not alone and there are people out there that can help.
Treatment options for substance abuse and mental illness
The most effective treatment option for substance abuse and mental illness depends on several factors, such as the type and severity of the conditions. It also depends on the person’s preferences and goals, and resource availability. However, some general principles apply in most cases:
- Integrated treatment: This means that both substance abuse and mental illness are treated at the same time by the same or a coordinated team of professionals. Integrated treatment can help address the underlying causes and consequences of both conditions, as well as prevent relapse and improve recovery outcomes.
- Medication-assisted therapy: This involves using medications to reduce cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or negative effects of substances, as well as to cope with mental illnesses. Some common medications used to treat substance abuse and mental illness include methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, lofexidine, nicotine replacement therapies, antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety drugs(mayoclinic.org)(nida.nih.gov). Medication alone is not enough to treat substance abuse and mental illness. It should be combined with other forms of therapy and support.
- Behavioral therapies: These are types of psychotherapy that assist people learn how to cope with addiction and mental illness in a healthy way. They can help people change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to their problems. They can also help people develop skills such as problem-solving, stress management, communication, and relapse prevention. Some examples of behavioral therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), contingency management (CM), and family therapy(mayoclinic.org)(healthdirect.gov.au).
- Inpatient treatment:This is a type of treatment where people stay in a specialized drug rehab facility for a period of time, usually ranging from a few days to a few months. and mental health care 24/7, as well as a structured and supportive environment. Inpatient treatment may be suitable for people with severe or complex substance abuse and mental illness. These people are at risk of harming themselves or others, or need detoxification or stabilization.
- Outpatient treatment: This is a type of treatment where people attend regular sessions at a clinic or office, but continue to live at home or in the community. Outpatient treatment provides ongoing medical and mental health care, as well as flexibility and convenience. Outpatient treatment may be suitable for people with mild or moderate substance abuse and mental illness. This is who have completed inpatient treatment, or have stable living conditions and social support.
- Holistic therapies: These therapies address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being. They can complement other forms of treatment and enhance recovery. Some examples of holistic therapies include acupuncture, yoga, meditation, massage, art therapy, music therapy, and animal-assisted therapy.
Tips for self-care and recovery
Recovering from substance abuse and mental illness is not a one-time event, but a lifelong process that requires ongoing care and support. Self-care is an essential part of this process, as it can help you cope with stress, prevent relapse, and improve your well-being. Self-care means taking care of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs in a way that works for you. Here are some tips for self-care in recovery:
- Stay mindful: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or distraction. Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and triggers, and respond to them healthily. You can practice mindfulness by meditating, breathing deeply, doing yoga, or engaging in any activity that makes you focus on the here and now.
- Connect with other recovery people: Addiction, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can make you feel isolated and alone. But you don’t have to struggle through this alone. Connecting with others who understand what you’re experiencing can provide support, encouragement, advice, and hope. You can connect with others by joining a support group, attending a 12-step meeting, finding a sponsor or mentor, or reaching out to a friend or family member who has been in your shoes.
- Find balance in your life: Recovery is not only about avoiding substances or managing symptoms. It’s likewise about achieving meaning and purpose in your life. Finding balance means doing things that make you happy, fulfilled, and productive. It also means setting boundaries and saying no to things that drain your energy or harm your recovery. Some examples of keeping a balance include pursuing your hobbies and interests, setting goals and working toward them. They also include volunteering or helping others, learning various skills or taking classes, or spending time with loved ones.
- Take time to be with yourself: While connecting with others is a necessity, so is spending time with yourself. Time to be with yourself can help you relax, recharge, reflect, and grow. You can spend time with yourself doing something you enjoy. This includes reading a book, listening to music, watching a movie, or taking a nap. You can also use this time to practice self-compassion, which means being kind and gentle with yourself, especially when you’re struggling.
- Set healthy boundaries: Boundaries are the limits you set for yourself and others regarding what you will or won’t do, accept, or tolerate. Setting healthy boundaries can help you protect your recovery, respect your needs and values, and avoid toxic or stressful situations. Some examples of creating healthy boundaries include saying no to things that make you uncomfortable or trigger you; asking for help when you need it; communicating your feelings and expectations clearly; avoiding abusive or unsupportive people; and respecting other people’s boundaries as well.
Conclusion: The importance of seeking support and hope for the future
Substance abuse and mental illness are serious and complex conditions that affect every aspect of your life. However, they are not hopeless or incurable. With the right treatment, support, and self-care, you can overcome your challenges and recover. Recovery is not a linear or easy process, but a journey that involves ups and downs, setbacks and successes. But no matter what stage of recovery you are in, remember that you are not alone, and that there is always hope for the future. You deserve a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. And you can make it happen.
