Mental health conditions and substance abuse co-occur often. The links between anxiety or depression and addiction are well-documented, as are the links between a substance use disorder (SUD) and other mental health diagnoses. People with mental health challenges often use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate to relieve symptoms. This can lead to addiction. Also, drugs and alcohol can worsen or even trigger mental health issues. If you are concerned about dealing with mental health and substance abuse disorders, seeking dual diagnosis treatment in Houston at The Right Step facilities is an excellent first step toward health.
Our evidence-based therapies and supportive, knowledgeable staff can assist you with co-occurring disorders. Even if you haven’t received an official mental health diagnosis but are struggling with troubling symptoms, feel free to reach out to us for help. Contact The Right Step Houston online or call 1.844.768.0169 today to hear back quickly from someone who can answer all your questions.
Understanding Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Substance abuse and addiction interact with mental health in two key ways. Over 50% of individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) also have a mental health condition. Mental health conditions can increase the risk of developing issues with drugs or alcohol, as people suffering from depression or anxiety who aren’t receiving treatment often turn to substances to ease their symptoms. This is known as self-medicating, and it typically worsens the situation.
Additionally, substance abuse can trigger the onset of a mental health condition. When someone has both a mental health issue and a substance use disorder, it’s referred to as a dual diagnosis. For those with a dual diagnosis looking to recover, finding an addiction treatment facility that provides dual diagnosis treatment is essential. Evidence-based care for co-occurring disorders involves treating both issues simultaneously through a coordinated treatment plan.
Recognizing Co-Occurring Disorders with Addiction
Some mental health diagnoses are frequently found to co-occur with addiction. The most common mental health conditions in a dual diagnosis with a substance use disorder are:
- Personality disorders – The risk of addiction among individuals with personality disorders is nearly 75%. These disorders skew the perception of reality, leading to rigid beliefs and behaviors. Many in this group abuse alcohol and drugs to mask feelings of inferiority, escape negative emotions, and boost self-esteem.
- Depression – Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects up to 70% of adults at some point. Individuals may turn to depressants like opioids or alcohol to numb psychological pain or stimulants to function daily. This can result in polysubstance use disorder, with those experiencing both depression and addiction facing a high risk of suicide.
- Anxiety – Those with anxiety disorders, such as general or social anxiety, may use drugs or alcohol to cope with crippling symptoms. This reliance can quickly lead to overuse, abuse, and addiction.
- Bipolar disorder – The mood swings in bipolar disorder can be rapid or prolonged, with depression lasting days or months and mania appearing suddenly. The link between this disorder and a high risk of addiction is statistically significant, as managing the extremes often leads to substance use and polysubstance addiction.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – For those dealing with flashbacks and trauma, PTSD can disrupt daily life. Many use drugs or alcohol to numb their feelings, ease hypervigilance, and dull ongoing trauma. About half of those seeking addiction treatment also have PTSD.
Using substances does not solve problems or treat mental health symptoms. It is invariably temporary, and substance abuse inevitably makes any mental health condition worse. In addition, it can lead to having two concerning disorders to contend with—the mental health condition and addiction.
Seek Help Today by Contacting The Right Step Houston
Our dual diagnosis treatment program provides wrap-around, professional, coordinated care for anyone with co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions. Medically supervised detox, evidence-based therapies, and peer support will help you start recovery safely and in a protected, welcoming environment. Contact The Right Step Houston online or call 1.844.768.0169 today to connect with us and take the first step toward wellness.