Addiction is a complex disease that affects people physically, mentally, and emotionally. There’s also a common link between it and mental health disorders. We’ll go over seven reasons why this link exists in this guide.
While not all addicts have a mental health issue, those who do have them will have an increased chance of dealing with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. That’s why it is important to enlist the help of an addiction treatment center in Dallas should one develop. Now, let’s take a look at the list of seven reasons why mental health and addiction are linked to each other.
Table of Contents
Self-medication
One of the underlying reasons why the link between mental health and addiction exists is self-medication. People may use drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate any mental health issues they may have.
They may feel anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed. Thus, they arrive at the conclusion that using drugs or alcohol is the best way to deal with it. This is not the best course of action.
These substances can exacerbate the problem. It can make the mental health disorder worse than it already is. This will develop a vicious cycle that may be difficult to break.
That’s why it is important for anyone who may have a mental health disorder to get a psychological evaluation done as soon as possible. That’s because it can prevent the risk of addiction. Specifically, a person with a mental health disorder will already receive regular therapy and medication.
Thus, there’s a decreased chance that they’ll develop an addiction. Especially when they have a treatment plan that helps them keep their mental health issues under control.
Genetics
Of course, genetics can play a role in addiction and mental health disorders. Those with family members who have dealt with either of these or both may have an increased chance themselves. For this reason, it would be ideal for someone to be aware of the resources that are available to them.
They should also consider implementing preventative measures. This can include making certain lifestyle changes including regular exercise, practicing mindfulness, and knowing when to remove themselves from a ‘dangerous environment’.
For example, if a person is at a party where substances are present, this can be a breeding ground for developing addictions. That’s why it is important for someone to remove themselves from the situation. This would be the safest way to prevent addiction from happening.
Remember, there are therapy options you can utilize should you need them. Especially if you are worried about developing an addiction yourself.
Trauma
Trauma can exist in the physical or emotional sense. Thus, it can lead to addiction and mental health issues. Those who experience such trauma may rely on substances to get them through the pain.
Again, it should be stressed that self-medication is never the best option. If you are dealing with trauma, you will need to make a plan to visit with mental health professionals. They will help provide you with strategies to help you cope with the trauma you’ve experienced.
Experiencing flashbacks and memories of a traumatic event may arise – even when you least expect it. However, there are other ways to deal with it. Never use substances as a way to self-medicate.
Co-occurring disorders
Co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis are common these days. As mentioned, mental health disorders and addiction can exist together. Often, these mental health disorders will be previously undiagnosed.
You’ll want to make sure that you focus on these issues at the same time. It’s never a good idea to disregard one condition in favor of the other. This can make the entire treatment process difficult.
Persons with co-occurring disorders will need to visit with two separate therapists. One will focus on strategies to help beat your substance abuse. While the other is a mental health professional that will provide you with strategies and plans to keep your specific disorder under control.
Withdrawal
A person may stop using drugs or alcohol for a time. When this happens, they can experience withdrawal symptoms. There are withdrawal symptoms that are so serious that they require medical attention.
That is why you’ll want to undergo inpatient treatment when getting the help you need. Especially if you have been addicted to alcohol and various drugs known for their severe withdrawal symptoms. One must never attempt to detox at home as it can lead to serious, if not, fatal consequences.
Stigma
The stigma for mental health and addiction still exist to this day. This can lead to individuals feeling ashamed about what they are dealing with. Furthermore, this leads to someone preventing them from getting the help they need.
This can further exacerbate the problem. It’s important to know that a stigma is manufactured by people who have a lack of understanding of what people are going through. That’s why you’ll want to continue getting the help you need.
Adopt the mindset that seeking help for your mental health disorder and drug addiction is a sign of strength. It is never a sign of weakness.
Lack of Access to Treatment
Those who want to seek treatment for their mental health and addiction may have a lack of access. This can be due to long wait lists or expensive treatments. This can make things challenging for the individual seeking treatment.
That’s why it is important to expand accessibility when and where available. It’s also important that there needs to be changes on how people can gain access to the treatment they need. Some of them are denied treatment because their condition isn’t considered ‘severe enough’.
A lack of access to treatment can be risky for an individual. It can further worsen their addiction. It can even take a turn for the worse including a fatal overdose.
There needs to be more accessible treatment and resources available for those who need to get help. No one should ever be shut out for any reason.
