A study has shown that people with mental illness use substances significantly more than the general population. They drink alcohol about 20% more, use cocaine 27% more, and smoke cigarettes a staggering 86% more. These numbers show that substance use and mental health are deeply intertwined.
Mental health issues and substance use disorders each have their distinct symptoms. One does not necessarily cause the other. However, in many ways, they also influence and amplify each other leading to a cycle where both problems worsen.
Long-term substance use is likely to affect mental health. In some cases, substance misuse can lead to long-term mental health problems.
Mental health effects of substance use may include:
It may not always be the case, but yes, mental health problems can cause substance misuse. Some people may turn to substances to cope with stress or deal with feelings of sadness or anxiety. Substance use is often a means of temporary escape for them.
Mental health problems not only can lead to substance use but also make it tough to stop once started. This can create a cycle where mental health worsens due to substance use, leading to more use as a way to cope and feel better. When this happens, it’s important to seek help in breaking the cycle and creating healthier coping mechanisms.
Dual diagnosis involves two conditions that occur simultaneously. In the mental health field, dual diagnosis is when an individual has a mental health disorder and substance use disorder at the same time. It is more widespread than you’d think. In the US, 21.5 million adults aged 18 or older have co-occurring mental illness and SUD. Moreover, 60% of adolescents in community-based SUD treatment programs also have another mental health disorder.
Symptoms from mental health disorder and substance use disorder can manifest simultaneously which can make treatment more complex. The best treatment centers, including Positive Sobriety Institute, understand this. Instead of treating each disorder separately, experts have come up with a dual diagnosis treatment plan to address all contributing factors. This creates a strong foundation for a successful and long-term recovery.
Dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have differences, especially in mental health discussions.
Dual diagnosis is almost exclusively used to refer to cases involving one mental health disorder occurring simultaneously with one substance use disorder.
Co-occurring disorders, on the other hand, refer to two or more mental health issues occurring with SUD.
Common dual diagnoses include alcohol use disorder (AUD) and major depressive disorder (MDD); post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and opioid use disorder (OUD); attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and SUD.
Common co-occurring disorders include bipolar disorder, AUD, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD); marijuana use disorder (MUD), AUD, and MDD; AUD, OUD, PTSD, and ADHD.
Dual diagnosis often leads to worse symptoms for both mental health and substance use issues. This can negatively affect quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being.
The impact of co-occurring disorders is more severe since there are multiple conditions involved. In some instances, the more complex mental health issues must be addressed by specialists before the SUD symptoms can be dealt with.
In both cases, a thorough assessment is needed to create the best treatment plan. SUD recovery is usually integrated with mental health care. This is to ensure that all issues are properly addressed. At Positive Sobriety Institute, dual diagnosis treatment plans can include psychotherapy, medications, holistic therapy, support groups and a comprehensive aftercare plan, ensuring that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
Substance use can change someone’s personality by making them more irritable, impulsive, or withdrawn. It can also affect judgment and decision-making, making them behave differently than they would when sober.
Yes, drugs can cause depression. They can alter your brain’s chemistry, leading to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low energy. It’s like they add to the feelings of sadness or low mood you might already have.
No, drugs themselves do not cause schizophrenia. However, drug use can sometimes trigger symptoms in people who are already predisposed to schizophrenia due to genetic or other factors. It’s more about triggering what’s already there than causing it from scratch.
Substance use disorder can’t be fully cured, but is treatable and can be managed. With the right treatment and support, people can recover and lead fulfilling lives. It’s an ongoing journey that involves staying committed to a healthier lifestyle.
If an individual has a mental health disorder, substance use can worsen its symptoms or even trigger new symptoms. Substance use can also interact with medications leading to delayed recovery from the mental health issue. Treating both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder at the same time can be very challenging. The earlier you seek help, the sooner you can hit the road to recovery.
Positive Sobriety Institute has a compassionate team of multidisciplinary professionals who understand the complexities of dual diagnosis. Our Chicago facility offers a welcoming and supportive environment for anyone seeking a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. We’re here to help you on your journey to recovery.
Don’t put off getting the treatment and support you need. Contact us today!
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