Substance use, substance use disorders (SUDs), and mental health conditions are closely linked. Research suggests several reasons why they may happen together:
Common risk factors:
- Family history
- Environmental factors (stress, trauma, etc.)
Mental health conditions can contribute to substance use.
- Alcohol and drugs are often used to self-medicate the symptoms of mental health conditions.
- Alcohol and drug abuse can increase the underlying risk for mental health conditions.
- Alcohol and drug abuse can make symptoms of a mental health conditions worse.
Substance use can contribute to the development of other mental health conditions.
- Alcohol and drug use may trigger changes in the brain. This can cause a person to be more likely to develop a mental health condition.
Co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions are more common than people may realize. According to reports published in the Journal of the American Medical Association:
- Roughly 50% of people who have a severe mental disorder also experience a substance use disorder.
- 37% of alcohol abusers and 53% of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness.
- Of all people diagnosed as mentally ill, 29% abuse alcohol or drugs.
Mental health conditions that most commonly co-occur with substance use are:
- Depression
- Bipolar
- Anxiety
Signs and symptoms of co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use include:
- Using substances to cope with unpleasant memories or feelings
- Feeling anxious or depressed when sober
- Experiencing severe changes in mood or behavior
- Neglecting physical health or hygiene
- Using substances to handle stressful situations
- Experiencing difficulties managing work or school
Be Well – Begin the Road to Recovery
Treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use is catered to the individual and may include:
- Medication
- Detoxification
- Managing withdrawal symptoms
- Peer Support
- Assertive community treatment (ACT)
- Individual Therapy
- Group Counseling
- Self-help groups
- Lifestyle changes
Substance use, SUDs, and mental health conditions can happen to any of us. Admitting there is a problem and seeking help is the first step to begin the road to recovery. There is always hope.
Additional Resources
Self-Help Programs