Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
There is a strong link between mental health and substance use disorders (SUD). A substance abuse disorder is a mental disorder that leads to an individual’s inability to control their use of substances such as alcohol and drugs. According to NIMH, about half of those who experience a SUD will also have a co-occurring mental health disorder, or vice versa.
Why Do they Often OCcur Together?
Mental health and substance use disorders often occur together, but that doesn’t necessarily mean one caused the other. Although there is one answer to why people often experience both, research suggests the following:
- They both have similar risk factors such as genes and environmental factors. Often, mental health disorders and SUDs are passed down through genetics, or can stem from factors such as stress or trauma.
- Mental health troubles can contribute to substance use for many. People with mental health disorders will often self-medicate with alcohol or drugs to relieve symptoms. The prolonged use of these substances can lead to a SUD.
- Substance abuse can contribute to other mental health disorders. Some substances may trigger changes in brain structure and function that can make a person more likely to develop a mental health disorder.
Treatment
It is typically ideal to treat the SUD and co-occurring mental health disorder together, due to their connection. Symptoms often overlap which can make it difficult to differentiate the two. In order to provide accurate treatment, a health care provider may use comprehensive assessment tools to identify the disorder(s) at hand.
Treatment plans and therapies vary, but often include:
- Behavioral Therapies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps teach individuals how to cope with difficult situations by challenging irrational thoughts and changing behaviors.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches individuals mindfulness, acceptance, and to be aware of one’s current situation and emotional state. It also helps teach people how to decrease self-destructive behaviors.
- Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a form of community-based mental health care. It aims to encourage outreach to the community and an individualized approach to treatment.
- Medication
- Medications exist that are effective in the treatment of substance addictions such as opioids, alcohol, and nicotine. Medication can also be used in the treatment of many other mental health disorders, and can provide relief of symptoms for many. The medications used to treat these different disorders vary, and it is important to speak with your health care provider to discover what may be best for you.
Crisis Help
If you or a loved one is in a crisis, it is important to get help immediately. If in danger of suicide:
- Call 911
- Go to the nearest emergency room
- Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889)
Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES
- To learn more about mental health and substance use disorders, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
- To read more, the following resources are suggested:
- NIMH: https://nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Substance-Use-Disorders
- NIMH: nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health
- NIDA: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/part-1-connection-between-substance-use-disorders-mental-illness
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