Chemcal Dependence and the Mentally Ill

When substance abuse and a mental disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety occur together it is called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Having a substance abuse, alcoholism, or drug addiction is often difficult to treat, but there are treatments that can help.

With proper treatment, support, and self-help techniques it is possible to overcome both the alcohol abuse or drug addiction, relieve the symptoms of depression or anxiety and begin to live your life more fully.

Co-occurring disorders are complicated. In a dual diagnosis, both the mental health problems and the drug or alcohol abuse have different symptoms that cause your ability to function, contend with the stressors of daily life and the ability to relate with others. The situation is more complicated, the co-occurring disorders often impede recovery unless they are both treated together.  When a mental health problem goes untreated, the substance abuse problem becomes worse; and when alcohol or drug abuse increases, mental health problems increase.

 Chemical dependence is common in people with mental disorders. But although substance abuse and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety are linked, one does not directly cause the other.

Alcohol or drugs are often used to self-medicate the symptoms of depression or anxiety. Unfortunately, substance abuse side effects causes the symptoms they were used to relieve the pain of the mental disorder are exacerbated.

Alcohol and drug abuse can increase the risk for a mental disorder. Mental disorders are caused by many factor genetics; environmental triggers; and other stressors. If you are at risk for a mental disorder, drug or alcohol abuse may mask the mental disorder making the diagnosis more complex.

Alcohol and drug abuse can cause a mental disorder worse. Substance abuse may increase the symptoms of mental illness or trigger new symptoms. Alcohol and drug abuse also interact with medications such and make them less effective.

Addiction is common in people with mental disorders.  Doctors and therapists are challenged every day with cases of co-occurring disorders.  The problem facing them is often the dilemma of which came first and combining treating for both concerns.  Without the active participation of the patient the prognosis is grim.