A large number of persons suffer both from mental illness and substance abuse. Addiction and mental health were traditionally treated as two different issues, and this has been the case for many years. Addiction treatment would be used after substantial success had been made in addressing a mental health condition. The alternative option is to treat addiction effectivelyfirst and then address mental health issues.
When a drug use disorder coexists with a mental health condition, this is referred to as a “dual diagnosis.” Substance addiction problems and mental health issues seldom co-occur. A chicken-and-egg problem exists here. When it comes to addiction and mental illness, it’s not always apparent which comes first. Addiction may lead to mental health problems. Self-medication for a mental illness may potentially lead to addiction. It doesn’t matter whether the mental disease or the addiction began first; treatments for co-occurring conditions are the same.
Addiction Can Develop Before a Mental Illness.
Over time, alcohol and drugs change the brain’s form and composition. Neurotransmitter receptors and the brain’s production of essential molecules such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA are influenced by these receptors. When the brain’s chemical balance is out of whack, individuals begin to suffer from mental health issues. Addiction may cause mental health issues in people who are apparently healthy, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression. People who gobble alcohol excessively are more likely to suffer from depression. Mental illness and addiction are mutually co-occurring conditions.
Mental Illness Can Lead to Addiction
The question, “What comes first?” is often asked. Are you suffering from mental illness or addiction? A lot of individuals believe that a mental condition is an answer to this question. In certain circumstances, this is true, and self-medication is a common cause.
Consider a person who has PTSD. While at work, this person could have anxiousness and flashbacks all through the day. Due to their condition, sleeping may be a difficult task for them. Many individuals with PTSD attempt to numb their problems by using drugs or alcohol, which is understandable given how difficult it is to cope with the condition as a whole. In fact, persons suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder are 2-4 times more likely to develop a substance use problem.
Because opioids make people feel calm, relaxed, or happy, they get hooked on them. Because of their dependence on narcotics, individuals rapidly learn that they cannot function without them. It is also common for drug abuse to aggravate pre-existing mental health issues, resulting in a cascade of events.
Taylor Recovery Offers the Best Treatment for Co-occurring Disorders
Taylor Recovery Center in Houston offers excellent treatment for mental health and addiction issues. Even though you’ve gone through a lot, you can still heal. Our skilled clinicians provide a variety of services and programs:
Our health treatment clinic in Houston has helped many people with dual diagnoses. We provide a wide range of rehabilitation services, including therapy, treatment, support, and information. Call Taylor Center’s admittance team if you or a beloved one would like to learn much about how we will help you or them reclaim their psychological health and overcome addiction.
