The Link Between Mental Health Disorders and Substance Abuse

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month.

It’s a time that allows us to think about mental health and the improvements awareness has brought us in the past few years. The stigma around mental health may have decreased, but its lingering presence prevents many from seeking help.

According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, substance abuse disorders affect 19.3 million Americans, and 51.5 have a mental disorder. Among them, 9.5 million have both substance abuse disorder and mental illness.

Mental health and addiction are linked, both affecting the mind, body, and emotions. They are so closely linked that drug addiction is considered a mental health disorder because of the way it affects the brain. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), substance addiction alters the brain in ways that create compulsive behaviors, the signs of mental illness.

As part of National Mental Health Awareness Month, Haven House is here to help you learn more about the link between mental health disorders and substance abuse.

What is National Mental Health Month?

Origins

The United States has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month every May since 1949. This national holiday is intended to increase awareness and end the stigma around mental health disorders.

It was created by the nonprofit Mental Health America (MHA), which continues to run many of the top programs and activities every month. Each year, they focus on events based on different themes. They reach out to millions of people through media, social events, and screenings and promote mental health awareness.

Many people became aware of the impact of stress and isolation on mental health while living through a pandemic. This year, the MHA’s theme is “Back to Basics.” The goal is to provide basic information about mental health and conditions and what people can do if they are concerned about their mental health.

What Happens in National Mental Health Month?

Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health disorders is the holiday’s main goal. Many organizations and government agencies like Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) plan and host events during National Mental Health Month to achieve this goal. They use toolkits from Mental Health America to plan these events, most offering mental health screenings to help people identify the common signs and symptoms of mental illness. MHA also has a mental health disorder test for specific conditions that can help determine if you’re exhibiting symptoms of mental illness.

18% of Americans have schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar disorder. Most event organizers emphasize statistics like this to raise awareness. They also discuss suicide prevention and strategies to improve mental health.

What Is a Mental Health Disorder?

Mental health disorders affect your mood, thinking, and behavior. People will experience a mental health issue every once in a while; it only becomes an illness if they experience persistent symptoms that cause stress and interfere with their ability to function.

Some of the most common mental health disorders like PTSD, schizophrenia, OCD, and bipolar disorders are more common between 18 and 25, and they come with different types and symptoms.

These conditions can make it difficult to live a normal life. It’s a good thing most of them can be treated or managed with medication and therapy. Don’t be afraid to seek help.

Symptoms

Each mental disorder is different, but they have common symptoms that may tell you if you need treatment. These include:

• Extreme mood swings
• Dramatic performance changes at school or work
• Lasting anger and sadness
• Suicidal or dark thoughts
• Separation from family and friends

Risk Factors

Many mental health conditions have more than one cause known as risk factors; the more you have of them, the more chances you have of developing a mental illness.

These risk factors affect more than a person’s tendency to develop a mental illness. It also affects the severity of symptoms they will experience.

Some risk factors for mental health disorders include:

• Lifestyle and habits
• The condition a person lives, learns, works and plays
• Brain chemistry and biology
• Traumatic experiences
• Genetics

Mental Health Disorders and Substance Abuse

Substance abuse and mental disorders affect the same areas of the brain and our ability to make sound decisions and exercise self-control. They affect everyone regardless of age, socioeconomic class, or race.

Factors

The main factors that link mental health disorders and substance abuse are:

• Substances that worsen mental disorders: An existing substance abuse disorder can cause or worsen mental illness.
• Self-medication: People with mental illness find it difficult to manage their symptoms, leading to drugs and alcohol and eventual dependence.
• Genetic risk factors: People with a family history of mental illness or addiction are more likely to develop an addiction or co-occurring disorder.

Overlapping Signs

Mental health experts use different signs to identify the overlap between substance abuse and mental disorders. These signs include:

• Neglecting physical health and hygiene
• Managing stress using substances
• Problems at school or work
• Feeling anxious or depressed when sober
• Severe mood and behavior changes
• Using substances to deal with negative memories or emotions

Co-occurrence or Dual Diagnosis

A combination of substance abuse disorder and mental disorder can affect a person at the same time, known as “co-occurring disorders” or “dual diagnosis.”

The statistics for people with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health disorders are similar. A recent Surgeon General Report found that over 40% of people who use substances also have a mental disorder. Yet, less than half seek mental health disorder treatment or substance abuse treatment. The stigma surrounding mental health prevents most of them from seeking the help they need.

Someone with a mental disorder and a co-occurring substance abuse disorder needs to seek help from a professional; they are the only ones who can accurately diagnose both disorders and make a dual diagnosis. Don’t self-diagnose using mental health disorder tests you find on the internet from untrustworthy sources.

Haven House Is Here for You

Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us of the many stigmas and stereotypes associated with mental health disorders and substance abuse we still need to overcome. It also reminds us to never be afraid to seek substance abuse treatment or therapy.

Nobody deserves to live with the stress and pain of addiction. Haven House welcomes men in need of help. Our drug rehab in Nashville, TN, provides men from all walks of life with all the help they need to overcome substance abuse. Reach out to us today.