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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