The Relationship Between Mental Illness and Substance Abuse

Tens of millions of Americans suffer from a mental illness. Many in this situation likewise struggle with substance abuse. In fact, roughly eight million Americans today have been diagnosed with both substance abuse and mental health disorder. No group remains immune, as these problems don’t discriminate based on age, sex, race, or culture. Sadly, professionals frequently find it difficult to treat those with a dual diagnosis, but it can and is done. The key lies in understanding how the two work together and how to treat both simultaneously for the best recovery.

Why Are Co-Occurring Disorders so Common?

Professionals continue to research why mental illness and substance abuse disorders often co-exist. While each person is unique as is their struggle with these conditions, a few theories have been developed regarding dual diagnoses. One theory suggests mental illness leads to substance abuse, as an untreated mental illness causes problems for the patient and he or she self-medicates with drugs or alcohol to obtain relief. Another theory states substance abuse makes mental illness worse by increasing the possibility of psychoses or triggering a mental illness that has been latent to this point.

Both mental illness and addiction tend to run in families. However, they may also be the result of ongoing stress, trauma, or a physical health condition. Again, humans differ greatly and what leads to dual diagnosis for one person might not be true for another. Fortunately, Harris House helps individuals who struggle with co-occurring disorders, and you can learn more at harrishousestl.com.

How Families Can Help the Person

It’s difficult to stand by and watch a loved one struggle with a mental health issue and/or addiction. Emotions tend to fluctuate day by day. One day you might be concerned about this person and the next feel a great deal of anger toward them. Certain steps help family members cope with the situation without enabling the patient. Family members need to understand the situation and accept it. This tends to be difficult, but acceptance is the first step in moving forward and completing an actionable plan. The patient will not get better without help.

Family members cannot enable the addict’s behavior. Sadly, many families engage in this type of behavior without realizing they are doing so. Establish boundaries and adhere to them. The person struggling with mental illness and a substance abuse disorder often will resist making the necessary changes due to a fear of the unknown. The boundaries ensure this individual cannot manipulate family members. Never use mental illness as an excuse for the patient’s behavior.

Recognize professional help is needed. The individual must want to change for progress to be made. Don’t hesitate to seek help for yourself as well. Support groups remain available for those who love an addict suffering from mental illness, and they are a great resource for families. Many families benefit from family therapy, as changes in one person impact everyone around him or her.

Create the future you desire for yourself and your loved one. Doing so tends to be challenging when the loved one struggles with a dual diagnosis. Obtaining treatment for substance abuse and mental illness is crucial. A failure to treat both often leads to a relapse. A recovering addict may return to the substance of choice when symptoms of the mental illness reappear if the mental illness isn’t being treated. On the other hand, the use of the substance could worsen the symptoms of mental illness. Seek care that addresses both issues for the highest level of recovery possible.