Mental illnesses can increase the risk for alcoholism or drug abuse. People already inflicted with mental disorders, if not diagnosed correctly or seeking medical help for the mental disorder may self medicate by using drugs or alcohol. Some people may not even be aware that they have a mental disorder, just feel “off” and know that when they drink or use drugs, that off feeling is eliminated. All along, the core issue to their functioning problem in society was a mental illness that could have been medically taken care of. Often times those who become addicted to a substance don’t even find out that they have a mental illness until they seek treatment for their addiction. On the other hand, alcoholism can lead to significant anxiety and depression that may appear indistinguishable from mental illness.
Mental illness is compounded by drug and alcohol abuse making it a challenge to get the right diagnosis and treatment for them both. Addictions and psychiatric disorders often occur at the same time. However, each needs to be treated distinctively in order to get the best outcome for the patient in recovery.
The more common mental illness that are frequently associated with drug and alcohol addiction include depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety, and schizophrenia. People with mental disorder are less inhibited and more likely to show risk-taking behavior like buying and using illegal drugs or drinking to excess. The mental illness can cause the person to have impaired judgment leading the person to consume higher amounts of drugs/alcohol. This lack of inhibition and impaired judgment can quickly lead to alcohol or drug abuse/addiction.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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That's sad but I can sure see how it can happen, especially with those who have to insurance and can't afford to pay for treatment.
ReplyDeleteI think my sister was one of those people who felt 'off' and seemed to feel better with a few drinks in her. Unfortunately, the few drinks turned into several which turned into almost constant. When she finally checked into a rehab center they discovered that she suffered from depression which is what likely got her started on drinking. Thankfully, she is on a medication that has her feeling better without drinking.
ReplyDeleteNow that I've read this I may have known someone who drank when she felt 'off'. She told me that she just felt more like herself when she drank. Later I learned that she had been in the hospital and treated for depression. Thankfully, the drinking never got to be a big problem before they started treating her.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of the possibility that there are people using drugs and alcohol because they are trying to treat themselves for a condition. That makes health care for the low income even more important. We have to help those who cannot help themselves.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't seem fair. They have enough problems without going out looking for more, and yet I know sometimes they cannot help themselves. My oldest sister falls into this category and it breaks my heart that she doesn't seen to care about life.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad to think that a mental health diagnosis is often not made until drug or alcohol dependency draw attention to the individual. The dependency may have been avoided altogether if the mental health issue had been found first.
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