webadminIn our habit of easily giving in to preconceived notions in almost everything, we always judge and disparage a person dealing with substance abuse. However, there is always an underlying cause that triggers substance use disorder.
Substance abuse and mental health are intrinsically connected. It is well established that behavioral health problem leads to substance abuse and vice versa. Co-occurring substance abuse problems and mental health issues are more common than people think they are.
Hence, it is paramount to consider the role of mental health while trying to help people coming for recovery due to substance abuse problems.
Many credible institutions and treatment centers now try to go into the root of an individual’s substance abuse and look for underlying mental health concerns. The therapists, case managers, and physicians of most of the centers follow the criteria and treatment process laid down by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
In general, substance abuse treatment is carried out at different levels, mainly:
Inpatient detoxification: In this process, the experts provide medical treatment to the individuals to assuage withdrawal discomfort. The patients have daily interactions with a substance abuse psychiatrist and treatment team along with daily group therapy.
Intensive outpatient program (IOP): Here, patients receive group therapy and a regular treatment team visits them for check-ups. They also have the service of aftercare groups that monitor their progress.
Medication: In the management of substance abuse through medication, individuals are prescribed medicines by experts along with individual therapy.
Most of the treatment centers for substance abuse follow these steps that are very effective in providing long-term recovery.
Substance abuse and mental health
Recovery from substance abuse is not easy. It requires a thorough assessment at the start of the treatment process and a proper diagnosis lays the path to a successful outcome. Studies have proven that 50 percent of the people with substance abuse problems also have an underlying mental health issue. So, we know that substance abuse and mental health are closely associated.
It is a common practice for people to use a substance to self-medicate complicated mental health issues. This is a dangerous practice. Many people grappling with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resort to self-medication. So, an effective treatment process always takes this into account and addresses the mental health issues as well.
Substance abuse is a malady that can affect an individual’s life in every sphere. It is important to realize when substance misuse begins to turn into a problem. It is not at all about just how much they use and how often.
Substance abuse should be considered a real problem when it is:
- Affecting one’s work
- Impacting the relationships
- Causing legal issues
- Creating financial problems
- Turning previously enjoyed activities into cumbersome chores
When a substance abuse problem presents itself with a co-occurring mental problem, both conditions have their unique symptoms. This greatly hampers the life of the individual with impaired ability to function at work or school, to main a stable life, and maintain relationships.
To make matters worse, co-occurring disorders also affect each other. When a mental health condition goes untreated, it invariably exacerbates the substance abuse problem. And when the substance abuse disorder worsens, the mental health problems usually increase too.
It is difficult to say which comes first, the mental health disorder or the substance abuse. Although mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety and substance abuse are closely linked, one doesn’t necessarily directly cause the other. However, it is proven that abusing substances like methamphetamine or marijuana can lead to prolonged psychotic reactions while using alcohol worsens symptoms of depression and anxiety.
As per stats published in the Journal of the American Medical Association:
- 37 percent of alcohol abusers and 53 percent of drug abusers also have at least one severe mental health disorder
- Of all people diagnosed as mentally ill, 29 percent abuse alcohol or drugs
Indeed, substance abuse problems and mental health issues don’t get better when they are not addressed at the earliest. They are likely to get much worse. However, there are effective treatment programs to help people overcome both disorders.
There are ways for affected individuals to conquer their demons, mend their relationships, and get on the road to recovery. What one needs, is the right support, self-help, and treatment. Everyone can overcome a co-occurring disorder, reclaim the sense of self, and get life back on track.
Seek treatment
Are you or a loved one struggling with substance abuse and a co-occurring mental health problem? Mind Health Network can help you overcome your problem and gain long-term recovery.
We can connect you to the best dual diagnosis treatment centers in southern California. Contact us to know more about California dual diagnosis treatment centers in your vicinity. For further information about various programs call us now on our 2/7 helpline number (866) 548-0190 and get immediate assistance.
