Can drug addiction lead to mental illness?
Concerned friends and families, that have to deal with Drug Addiction frequently ask psychologists and treatment professionals “How did my loved one come to the point of needing rehab, and what can I do to help?” It’s critical to recognize that drug and/or alcohol misuse frequently coexists with diagnosable psychiatric disorders such as
depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
So, does substance misuse create mental illness, or does mental illness induce substance abuse?
The answer to both questions is essentially “yes” — that is, it is difficult to treat each Drug Addiction problem effectively without first determining if the other requires therapy. As a result, if you’re looking for effective substance abuse treatment programmes, you’ll need to know about dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders.
As Gauteng’s premier drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, Houghton House is dedicated to tackling and effecting positive change to all who require support to restart their lives after drug abuse.
Is Drug Addiction by itself enough to cause serious mental illness?
Substance abuse can sometimes “unmask” the earliest symptoms of serious illnesses like schizophrenia; owever, this almost invariably occurs in people who are already susceptible to the illness. Some narcotics are more likely to create short-term psychosis, which is a disconnection from reality that can lead to strange, violent, or risky conduct. This distinction can be perplexing for loved ones of someone who needs therapy because psychosis is linked to other psychiatric illnesses.
A facility with a co-occurring disorder treatment team will collect a complete medical history to ensure that the client entering the program receives the Drug Addiction treatment that is most suited for their specific requirements. Finally, while substance misuse is rarely the only cause of mental illness, it is critical to recognize that substance addiction can exacerbate any underlying issues! Alcohol and painkiller usage can worsen depression and anxiety, while “uppers” like meth and cocaine can cause manic episodes, paranoia, and sleep disruption. Insomnia, as harmless as it may appear when compared to paranoia, can be a severe destabilizing factor for those who are already suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
Drug Addiction a dangerous concoction of mental illness and substance abuse.
In an attempt to feel better, people suffering from untreated mental illness frequently “self-medicate” with drugs or alcohol. Someone with social anxiety, for example, may require a few glasses of wine before attending a business networking event. The anxiety is temporarily hidden, but due to the way alcohol affects the brain, this individual will likely feel even more worried the next day, and will eventually require more alcohol to remain calm. This is where the dangerous cycle of Drug Addiction, substance misuse and psychological disorders starts.
If the social anxiety isn’t addressed and treated, what started as a “pick me up” can quickly grow into full-fledged alcohol addiction.
On the other hand, if someone seeking therapy for a Alcohol or Drug Addiction does not be examined and treated for any underlying psychological issues, their chances of long-term recovery are significantly reduced. Interventions that have historically been associated with mental illness, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can be extremely beneficial for recovering addicts by teaching ways to cope with feelings or thought patterns that might lead to cravings and relapse. Medications can also aid healing in some circumstances by stabilizing underlying illnesses such as depression. The concept of “dual diagnosis” is based on this.
The crucial link between mental illness and Alcohol and Drugs
So, if Alcohol & Drug Addiction misuse may exacerbate mental illness, and mental illness can exacerbate substance addiction, why isn’t there greater awareness? For one thing, while addiction stories have grown more “mainstream,” there is still a stigma attached to addressing mental illness. One method to help the debate progress is to use dual diagnosis. This is due to the fact that a treatment program that focuses on detecting and treating co-occurring illnesses treats addiction as a medical and behavioural condition rather than a “weakness.” Simultaneously, comprehending the significant link between drug and alcohol addiction and mental disease can help to remove some of the stigma associated with psychiatric issues. How Do I Locate treatment centres that focus on dual diagnosis?
Drug Addiction Dual Diagnosis Treatment Options
Now that you’re aware of the crucial link between mental illness and addiction, look for the top rehab centres by visiting their websites or phoning their intake offices to inquire about dual diagnosis treatment options. If you (or a loved one you care about) have reached “rock bottom” or are ready for therapy, the number of options available to you may be overwhelming. Going to a treatment programme is a huge step, so find out what kind of therapies are employed and how much emphasis is placed on co-occurring disorders to get the most out of your time, money, and effort.
Fortunately, after decades of supporting clinical research, the medical establishment, insurance
companies, and rehabilitation programs themselves are beginning to recognize the notion of dual
diagnosis. Innovative Drug Addiction recovery clinics, such as Houghton House Group of Treatment Centres, are workinghard to improve success rates by combining a focus on dual diagnosis with other cutting-edge therapiesthat address physical health, peer support, and even cultural diversity.