Suffering from mental disease is a strong predictor of substance abuse. Approximately half of those who suffer from a substance use disease also struggle with a mental health disorder, and some estimates increase the number. Substance abuse and mental disease have intricate relationships. Substance use disorders typically develop as self-medication for underlying mental health issues.
But substance abuse can also lead to or exacerbate mental health problems. Substance abuse and mental health problems may share a root cause in certain people. It’s vital to check those who come in for treatment for substance misuse for any underlying mental health problems. Recovering from addiction requires simultaneous treatment of any co-occurring disorders. Finding a rehabilitation centres cape town with the resources to accommodate a dual diagnosis is essential.
Types of mental health issues
Depression
Huge depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability worldwide and a major mental health issue in the US. 7-10% of American adults and 13-15% of 12-17-year-olds suffered from major depression in the past year. Depression sufferers aren’t always helped. Only one-third of adults and two-thirds of teens seek depression counseling.
Addiction is common, especially among depressed people. 16.5-18% of people with major depression had a substance use issue, according to a study. Substance misuse affects roughly 10% of the population at any given moment.
The Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder provides a high risk for substance abuse while being a mood disorder. According to the same study, bipolar patients are 56% more likely to develop a substance use disorder. Bipolar disorder causes emotional suffering during the depression and high-risk, unpredictable manic phases. The bipolar disease may be difficult to diagnose, making addiction treatment challenging.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders, including GAD, SAD, panic disorder, phobias, OCD, and PTSD, are more common than serious depression. Any of these scenarios increases your likelihood of addiction.
Even after removing OCD and PTSD, 17.7% of substance abusers reported an anxiety problem. In 75% of cases, anxiety problems precede substance use disorders, suggesting that substance use often begins as self-medication for worry.
PTSD
PTSD is an anxiety illness, yet it dramatically increases the risk of addiction. PTSD symptoms include:
- Nightmares or flashbacks.
- Avoiding thoughts or reminders of the event.
- A pessimistic outlook.
- Being easily frightened.
- Inability to sleep.
Many people living with PTSD turn to drugs to treat their symptoms. Half of the individuals in addiction treatment also have PTSD, which can increase cravings and relapse risk.
ADHD
ADHD causes insomnia, anxiety, and impulsiveness (ADHD). People having ADHD can struggle with symptom relief and high-risk behaviour, such as substance abuse. 70% of individuals with ADHD who used drugs or alcohol did so to treat symptoms like irritability, restlessness, and difficulties focusing.
Problems with Personality
Many mental health concerns, including personality disorders, have rigid or warped worldviews. Personality difficulties make substance use disorders more likely.
A borderline personality disorder is common and prone to addiction. Antisocial personalities are more prone to acquire an addiction but less likely to seek treatment. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) has been demonstrated to treat borderline personality disorder and other hard problems, such as addiction.
Mental Health and Addiction
Substance abuse is a common coping mechanism for those with mental health issues. Cocaine is used to treat depression, while opiate painkillers are used to relieve stress and anxiety. While this method may produce the desired result initially, it is not a permanent solution. It is because tolerance to the drug’s effects might develop quickly, leading you to increase your dose. Addiction is one of the progressive diseases that can affect anyone over time, especially those already at risk due to mental health issues. Getting help from one of the finest mental health treatment is best.
