Addiction, a severe form of substance use disorder (SUD), is not just a detrimental habit but a profound mental disorder. Fortunately, it’s treatable. While recovery can be challenging, especially for those deeply entangled in the throes of addiction, the promise of life post-recovery often makes the journey worthwhile.
At its core, addiction represents an individual’s inability to regulate substance use, despite the palpable harm it inflicts on their personal and professional spheres. Initially, an individual’s interaction with substances may be voluntary, but a confluence of factors – from genetics, mental health, brain chemistry to socio-environmental circumstances – dictate its progression into addiction.
The Complex Web of Mental Health and Addiction
The nexus between mental health and addiction is intricate. Notably, substance abuse and mental health issues often co-exist, heightening morbidity and mortality rates. These disorders share overlapping risk factors, such as genetic predispositions and external influences like trauma and heightened stress.
Data from England, up to March 2022, reveals that nearly 70% of adults seeking substance abuse treatment concurrently reported a mental health need. Disturbingly, about one-fifth of those in dire need of mental health intervention were left untreated. Among substance groups, two-thirds of newcomers needed mental health treatment.
Mental health challenges can serve as a conduit to substance misuse. Individuals grappling with mental turmoil might resort to substances as a form of self-medication, setting the stage for dependency. Certain mental conditions, like depression, personality disorders, schizophrenia, PTSD, and anxiety disorders, particularly predispose individuals to lean on substances for fleeting relief. This mutual relationship is often detrimental, with substances potentially exacerbating mental disorders and vice versa.
Additionally, some substance use patterns can spur the onset of mental disorders. For example, adolescent marijuana use has been correlated with heightened psychosis risks in adulthood. Substance abuse not only magnifies symptoms of mental disorders but also disrupts brain regions similarly affected by other mental conditions.
Mental Health: At the Forefront of Recovery
Central to addiction recovery is the bolstering of mental well-being. If a substance-induced spiral is entangled with or worsened by mental health struggles, it’s imperative for the individual to inform healthcare providers. Such scenarios might lead to a dual or co-occurring diagnosis, complicating diagnosis due to overlapping symptoms.
Regrettably, those with intertwined mental health and substance abuse needs often face barriers in accessing requisite care. In some instances, even dedicated mental health services might decline individuals with dual diagnoses. Nevertheless, entities like Rehab Guide are stepping in to bridge the gap, aiding individuals in accessing holistic rehab and mental health services.
Addressing both substance abuse and associated mental disorders simultaneously is crucial. Treatment could encompass medications, detoxification, therapy, lifestyle recalibrations, and more. Even in the absence of co-occurring conditions, honing in on mental health can amplify recovery outcomes. Emphasizing mental health can preempt triggers, with improved mental well-being often translating to more judicious life choices.
Typically, substance abuse treatments hinge on behavioural psychotherapy, aimed at reshaping attitudes and behaviors. Supportive group therapies are especially advocated. Addiction’s ripple effects permeate an individual’s life, demanding tailored interventions. Relapses, though disheartening, are signals for enhanced support and potential treatment refinements.
In Closing
Addiction’s medical nature underscores its seriousness, but there’s solace in its treatability. Leveraging research-driven interventions, individuals can emerge from the clutches of addiction, reclaiming mental equilibrium and embarking on a path of productivity. The symbiotic relationship between mental health and addiction recovery is undeniable. Sustained abstinence often rejuvenates mental health, and bolstering mental resilience can expedite addiction recovery.
However, this article isn’t a substitute for professional advice. Those affected, either directly or vicariously, should actively seek expert guidance. The nuances of recovery, underscored by its complexities, are best navigated under expert oversight.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the founder of Psychreg.
