Mental Illness and Addiction Connection ~ Underlying Causes

Not everyone with a mental illness is going to become a drug or alcohol addict and not everyone with a drug or alcohol addiction has a mental illness. There are underlying causes that lead to the occurrence of this connection of addiction and mental illness. Other factors play a role in the connection of addiction and mental illness. These factors include genetics, chemical deficiency, and environment.

A variety of mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder, antisocial personality disorder, anxiety, sleep disorders, or depression, increases the risk of addiction. The highest risk of addiction connection to mental illness is those who have bipolar or schizophrenia.

It is not fully understood why people with these particular disorders are at a higher risk for addiction, it may be due to the extreme highs and lows associated with them. Some noted correlations between addictions and mental disorders are that alcohol and drug abuse does change the brain that can sometimes lead to permanent damage causing mental disorders and changes in personality. As well, alcohol withdrawal mimics schizophrenic symptoms in that one can experience hallucinations during withdrawal. Alcoholics, regardless of gender, frequently suffer depression and anxiety disorders.


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.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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Mental Illness and Addiction Connection ~ Conditions

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.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow