Mental Health and Addiction - What you need to know
Certain medical conditions have a relationship in which one aggravates the other to the detriment of the individual. This is the case with mental health and addiction to drugs or alcohol. Individuals who suffer from mental illness are likely to experience serious consequences when drug or alcohol addiction is part of the problem.
Those who suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety experience unpleasant symptoms almost every day. To quell these negative feelings, many turn to drugs or alcohol. This type of substance abuse only serves to worsen the existing mental condition. And the addiction element grows rapidly as well - since it has been proven that those with mental illnesses have a high propensity for becoming addicted.
This is not an uncommon problem! Studies have shown that half of those individuals who suffer from mental illness are also substance abusers who may have developed an addiction to drugs or alcohol. And because good mental health is almost impossible to achieve while battling addiction, the urgency for treating both conditions grows exponentially. Identifying such problems is difficult because, as we will see below, many of the symptoms of addiction and mental illness are the same.
Let's take a moment to examine some of the key symptoms involved:
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction (to alcohol or drugs such as heroin, cocaine, prescription meds, etc.)
- Euphoria
- Decreased appetite
- Depression
- Inability to sleep
- Sweaty palms, shaky hands
- Hyperactivity
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sudden shifts in personality or attitude
- Poor performance at work or school
- Moodiness
- Paranoia
- Social withdrawal
- Forgetfulness
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Disorders (including bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, etc.)
- Depression
- Euphoria
- Social withdrawal
- Moodiness
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Suicidal thoughts
- Anger-related issues
- Fear and anxiety
Shared Symptoms of Addiction and Mental Disorders
So looking at the lists above, consider all the symptoms that could be attributed to either poor mental health or addiction (depression, social withdrawal, moodiness, etc.) Now you're beginning to get a clearer picture of the challenges facing those who treat co-occurring disorders. It takes a significant amount of expertise to properly identify and treat these types of conditions. Most facilities are not equipped to handle them, so the individual must seek out the kind
The professionals at the Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers understand the overlapping nature of mental illness and addiction. At the centers in California (The Canyon and Michael's House) and Tennessee (LaPaloma Treatment Center) you will find a staff of experts in both areas. These are the people who understand mental health and addiction best. They can help you or someone you love gain control over their addiction and restore good mental health concurrently.
When it comes to mental illness and addiction, delaying things is NOT an option. These are highly destructive illnesses and need to be treated as soon as possible. Contact the Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers for more information.
