It has been found that about 9.2 million adults suffer from substance use disorders as well as mental health disorders in the United States alone. When a mental health issue also happens with a substance abuse issue this is referred to as co-occurring disorder or sometimes they can be also known as a dual diagnosis. However, it is not clear whether substance abuse leads to mental health breakdown or the mental health issue prompted the abuse of substances. In some cases, it could be that the mental health issue sprang up first and the individual resorted to substances to get rid of their pain. It could also be that the substances upset the balance of chemicals in the brain leading to mental health issues. Either way, there are some mental health issues that have been very commonly associated with substance abuse. Here they are.
Depression
Depression is perhaps one of the most commonly seen conditions that occur parallel to substance abuse. This can be either known as major depression or it could also be called clinical depression. In this case, the individuals who suffer from this can experience really low levels of energy and a sense of sadness that stops them from even fulfilling the most mundane tasks correctly. This can also bring about a sense of low self-esteem and a lack of connection to activities that they would have otherwise just loved to do including their hobbies. Because this can lead to suicidal tendencies it is recommended that you seek the help of a drug rehab program if you have severe depression alongside substance abuse.
ADHD or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
The symptoms of ADHD are usually spotted during early childhood and sometimes, these go on undiagnosed until rather late in that person’s life. With the growth of the individual, their symptoms too will change quite a bit. One of the best examples of this could be that a child with this condition could have a lot of trouble staying quiet in class or even waiting for their turn. In adults, this could be that they are unable to remember anything that was discussed at meetings for example.
GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder
GAD is known to cause anxiety that is so excessive that it stops the person from carrying out their usual day-to-day activities. For some people who are afflicted with this condition, there could be negative thoughts racing through their minds even before they begin their day in the morning making them second guess everything and even stopping them from enjoying the day. The symptoms of anxiety can start in childhood and then carry on into adulthood or they can even begin as a result of some trauma that happened to the person.
Bipolar Disorder
When a person is affected by bipolar disorder they will be subject to erratic mood swings that can be really big highs from mania or extreme lows that come from depression. For each person who is affected, the nature of these highs and lows as well as the frequency is rather different and some people go through these cycles several times a year. Others could be experiencing these symptoms on almost a daily basis.
Conclusion :
Mental health disorders and addiction often co-occur, creating a complex and challenging situation for individuals and their loved ones. It is important to understand that mental health disorders and addiction are treatable conditions, and with the right help and support, individuals can recover and lead fulfilling lives. Effective treatment typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support, and may be delivered in an inpatient or outpatient setting. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and mental health issues, it is important to seek professional help to determine the best course of treatment and begin the journey to recovery.
