All too often, people view addiction as a standalone disease. In reality, addiction is incredibly complex, with ties to a long list of additional factors and conditions. In particular, there is a strong link between mental health and substance abuse. Take a look at how untreated mental health issues can lead to addiction.
How Untreated Mental Health Issues Can Lead to Addiction
There is no denying the link between mental health and addiction. In fact, people with mental health disorders are twice as likely to struggle with substance abuse. As a result, knowing how untreated mental health issues can lead to addiction is critical.
In many cases, substance abuse can be a sort of self-medication for anyone with a mental health disorder. If a client doesn’t receive a proper diagnosis or isn’t getting treatment, then they can feel hopeless. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol might temporarily soothe depression, and cocaine might combat anxiety. Someone might use marijuana to numb pain or take Valium when life gets overwhelming.
The Dangerous Cycle of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders
Clearly, addiction can and does sometimes stem from untreated mental health issues. Once two disorders are present, clinicians refer to them as co-occurring disorders. When this happens, it’s challenging to break free from the cycle.
If mental health concerns reappear, substance abuse feels like the only answer. If someone relapses after addiction treatment, their mental health can plummet as a result. This can cycle over and over again, and it’s tough to break free in a permanent and meaningful way.
The Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Fortunately, there is a way to break that cycle. The best way to overcome both mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders at the same time is through dual diagnosis treatment. Just like the name suggests, clients receive diagnoses for both conditions before starting treatment. This might begin with psychological testing or with a substance abuse evaluation.
Then, clients will receive simultaneous care for both conditions. It is only through dual diagnosis treatment that clients can truly end the cycle and find health in all areas of life. Without this approach, relapse is always around the corner. Through a comprehensive approach, however, long-term sobriety is possible.
Resolving Both Issues at Providence Treatment
It should be obvious by now that mental health can’t be swept under the rug. Anyone with signs of mental illness should get treatment and support as quickly as possible. If you struggle with both untreated mental health and with addiction, then a program at Providence Treatment might be the place to start.
Look forward to a variety of treatment methods that touch on every aspect of long-term health. A few of the most effective therapies can include:
- Intensive family therapy
- Spiritual counseling
- Collaboration with mental health professionals
- Biofeedback therapy
- Individual addiction therapy sessions
At Providence Treatment, medical professionals understand how untreated mental health issues can lead to addiction. Therefore, treatment is comprehensive. If you’re ready to take the next step toward recovery, then call 866-247-3307 for more information.
