If you suffer from mental health issues as well as substance abuse, you are not alone. Many people struggle with both mental health and addiction. In all actuality, there are millions of Americans who suffer from both. It is believed that about 50% of the people who have mental illnesses also have problems with substance abuse. Thankfully, there is a lot of information that can help you if you’re going through this.
The Prevalence of Mental Health and Addiction
It is not only possible but likely that people who suffer from mental disorders like anxiety or depression may also suffer from addiction to drugs or alcohol. Drug abuse may come as a result of the issues caused by mental disorders. In other cases, it may be exactly the opposite; drug or alcohol abuse may lead to the development of a mental disorder.
Sometimes, the presence of both of these issues may be caused by genetics (heredity) or a traumatic experience. People who have suffered the loss of a loved one or some sort of traumatic event may deal with a mental disorder, like depression. As a result, a person in this situation may begin to abuse substances.
The Problem With Having Both Disorders
One of the main issues that exist when someone has problems with both mental health and addiction is that both disorders may give signs that can be hard to differentiate. It can be hard to tell whether one is having problems with drugs or alcohol or if he or she is struggling with a mental health disorder. There are, however, ways of telling if one is struggling with both of these issues. For instance, if you have feelings of depression even when not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be suffering from a mental health disorder as well as an addiction.
Having a problem with substance abuse can cause further difficulties with mental health disorders. But, it is important to avoid targeting only one of these issues. If you only receive treatment or therapy for mental health problems, you may still struggle with alcohol or drug dependence. On the other hand, dealing only with the substance abuse, leaving you with the remaining disorder, can also be dangerous. If the abuse issue is dealt with, you may still suffer from anxiety, depression, or other disorder. Should this be the case, substance abuse could become a problem again as an attempt to cope with the struggles of mental health issues.
The Best Methods of Treatment
Firstly, it’s important to find a place that will treat both problems. A treatment that properly addresses both mental health and addiction, known as a dual diagnosis program, is the best way to go. This way, both issues are treated and the patient is able to have a better chance of completely recovering. Counseling and therapy may also be very beneficial for people dealing with both mental health and drug problems.
Asheville Recovery Center Can Help
Are you struggling with addiction while also dealing with a mental health issue? Have you been trying to deal with one half of that without addressing the other? Are you ready to seek the help of professionals who are trained to help you overcome the obstacles you might be facing in your situation? You don’t have to look any further than Asheville Recovery Center. Here, we have dealt with circumstances just like yours. It is our mission to provide people with the best recovery experience possible. We are committed to making sure the process is effective and thorough while maintaining a personal connection with every individual who comes to us for help. You are not alone in your struggle with mental health and addiction. Others have suffered similar experiences; and others have also overcome. We are confident that you will also become well. Contact us today to get the assistance you need.
