Many people don’t realize that mental health issues and substance use often occur together.
A person who feels sad, worried, stressed, or scared may also have problems with alcohol or drugs.
When someone has both a mental health problem and a substance use problem, it is called a co-occurring disorder.
These issues can arise at the same time or one after the other.
At Mercy Recovery Center, we provide caring outpatient support. We support individuals with mental health and substance use disorder problems.
Let’s explore the link between mental health and substance use disorders.
Why Do Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Happen Together?
There are many reasons why mental health problems and substance use may happen together.
Self-Medication
One major reason is something called self-medication. Some people turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with hurt feelings.
For example:
- A person with anxiety may drink alcohol to feel calm
- A person with depression may use drugs to feel more energy
- A person with stress may use substances to escape their problems
Initially, substances may appear to be beneficial. However, these may become more serious issues over time. The person might begin requiring the substance to get through the day.
This can lead to a substance use disorder.
Shared Risk Factors
Mental health disorders and substance use disorders also share common causes. These include:
Genetics
Some people inherit a higher risk for both conditions. The risk is higher if a family member has had mental health or addiction issues.
Trauma
Bad experiences, particularly in childhood, can heighten the danger of mental health problems and substance use. The brain’s response to stress and emotion is altered by trauma.
Stress
When you lose your job, are experiencing a divorce or have money issues, you may develop mental illness symptoms that result in substance use.
Brain Chemistry
Both conditions involve changes in the brain. Substances affect the brain’s reward system. Mental health conditions also change how the brain works.
A Very Hard Cycle
Drugs and alcohol can exacerbate mental health conditions. They alter brain chemistry and can lead to:
- Increased feelings of sadness
- Heightened anxiety
- Difficulty thinking clearly
Sometimes, drugs can even cause new mental health problems that were not there before. This creates a vicious cycle:
- You feel bad, so you use drugs
- The drugs make you feel worse
- You use more drugs to try to feel better
The cycle keeps going and going.
How to Know If You Need Help
It can be tough to know when to ask for help. Here are some signs it might be time to reach out:
- You feel sad, worried, or scared most of the time
- You use drugs or alcohol to feel better
- You can’t stop using even when you want to
- Your substance use harms your relationships or work
- You feel hopeless or think things won’t improve
- You have thoughts of self-harm
If this sounds familiar, know you’re not the only person. Numerous people have suffered the same and have recovered.
Why Treating Both Conditions Matters
Treating only addiction while ignoring mental health often leads to relapse. Similarly, treating only depression or anxiety without addressing substance use may limit progress.
Integrated treatment helps people understand how both conditions affect each other. This approach:
- Improves emotional stability
- Supports lasting sobriety
Every person’s recovery journey is different. We make personalized treatment plans. We help patients overcome addiction. We also address anxiety, depression and other emotional issues.
We use Medication-Assisted Treatment, combining FDA-approved medications with counseling to:
- Diminish cravings
- Alleviate withdrawal symptoms
- Promote long-term recovery from substance use disorders
- We offer one-on-one counseling sessions that focus on:
- Relapse prevention
- Coping strategies
- Behavioral changes
- Emotional support
These sessions help patients build healthy habits for lasting recovery.
We support those facing challenges with:
- Opioid use disorder
- Alcohol use disorder
- Stimulant use disorder
- Prescription drug dependence
- Co-occurring anxiety or depression
For eligible patients in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, we offer secure virtual appointments. This allows individuals to receive professional addiction treatment from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
Healthy Ways to Support Mental Wellness
Recovery extends past treatment. Daily healthy habits are key for emotional balance and relapse prevention.
Helpful practices include:
- Eating balanced meals
- Getting enough sleep
- Exercising regularly
- Practicing mindfulness
- Building healthy relationships
- Attending support groups
- Following treatment recommendations
- Taking prescribed medications as directed
- Setting realistic goals
- Asking for help when needed
Small positive changes each day can lead to long-term improvements.
The Importance of Early Treatment
The sooner you get help, the better. Early treatment can:
- Make addiction less bad
- Help you feel better
- Make your relationships stronger
- Improve your life
Ignoring problems makes them worse. Asking for help shows you are brave.
Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health and Addiction
Many people avoid treatment because they fear judgment or shame. Unfortunately, stigma prevents countless individuals from receiving the help they deserve.
But mental illness and addiction are health problems. They are not your fault. Just like you would go to the doctor for a cold, you can go to the doctor for these problems too.
At Mercy Recovery Center, we treat everyone with kindness and respect. Everyone deserves a chance to heal.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Mental health and substance use are closely linked. One can lead to the other. It’s hard to break the cycle alone.
Mercy Recovery Center is here to help. Our physician-led, compassionate approach addresses the whole person. We treat the substance use and the mental health issues together. This integrated approach gives patients the best chance for lasting recovery.
If you struggle with alcohol, opioids or other substances, we provide confidential support.
Call us today. Take that first step toward feeling better!
FAQs
If I stop using substances, will my mental health problems go away?
Not always. Many people still need help with mental health after stopping drugs. That’s why treating both issues is essential.
How common are co-occurring disorders?
Very common! Millions have both a mental health problem and a substance use problem. You are not alone.