Connection between Drug Addiction and Mental Illness

There is a definite connection between mental illness and the use of addictive substances. Clearly there is a connection between mental health disorders and substance abuse, and a number of combinations can develop, each with their own set of symptoms and causes. A proper diagnosis, intervention and Dual Diagnosis treatment method should be assessed to these individuals.

Reports show that patients with mental health disorders are consuming:

• Alcohol
• Cocaine
• Cigarettes
• Xanax
• Valium
• Adderall

Mental Health Patients with Drug Addition

Self Medication is the most common issue that connects mental illness and substance abuse. People with mental disorders medicate their mental health issues by using alcohol and drugs. Drug addiction can be preceded and caused by a mental disorder. For example, people who suffer from insomnia, depression or anxiety may turn to drugs in order to try to relieve their symptoms. For instance, people substitute Xanax for sleeping pills and develop an addiction to them. In many cases, the entire process of developing addiction is started by medical doctors who prescribe drugs when it isn’t actually necessary. This often leads to prolonged and inadequate use of the prescribed drugs and therefore creates an addiction. A number of people with depression self medicate on marijuana, they report that it numbs their pain. Other patients with social anxiety say they drink to feel comfortable in social situations. Some struggle with panic attacks and medicate themselves with benzodiazepines (Xanax or Valium) in order to reach a calm state of mind. Patients with lack of motivation take Adderall, cocaine or crystal meth to increase their drive to get everyday tasks done.

Symptoms of One Disorder Trigger the Other

Certain drugs can create problems which trigger mental health symptoms in some people. Often substances can create mental health symptoms like paranoia, delusions or depression while the person is under the influence of a drug. When these symptoms last after the drugs wear off, then it can indicate a co-occurring mental health disorder. Getting proper diagnosis is the first step a person needs to do and getting the holistic drug rehab is something you may want to look into.

How to beat addiction if you have a mental health disorder

Whether the mental illness was caused by drug addiction or vice versa, treating both at the same time is a great challenge that requires great expertise, experience and dedication. We at Holistic Sanctuary have just that. After years of working with people suffering from addiction (many of which have had various mental disorders), we have acquired vast experience in dealing with this difficult health problem. In addition to our great knowledge and experience, we are also very dedicated to our job, and treat every patient with great care, love and understanding. At our high end drug rehab we believe that all this is necessary in order to defeat addiction and mental illness and help a person rebuild a happy and successful life.