What Role Does Mental Health Play in Addiction?
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, there’s a good chance that mental health issues are at play. Mental health conditions can play a major role in the development of an addiction, and without addressing both the addiction and the underlying mental health concerns, long-term recovery can be difficult. Mental health issues can also be a side effect of substance use issues and addiction, making it even more important to consider mental health when addressing addiction.
Mental health treatment alongside addiction treatment can make a difference. Building mental health resilience, developing new coping skills, and understanding mental wellness are all important components to help individuals on their journey to recovery.
How Mental Health Affects Addiction
Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, schizophrenia—and more—can increase your risk of developing an addiction. People with mental health concerns may turn to substance use as a way to cope with their symptoms or to self-medicate their emotional pain. That’s why, when treating addiction it is essential to also address any co-occurring mental health concerns. Without doing so, the underlying issues will remain unaddressed and put the person at risk for relapse once they complete treatment.
Some of the reasons why mental health and substance use are so intertwined include:
- Stress – Mental health concerns and substance use can both be triggered by life stressors.
- Self-medication – Mental health symptoms may lead to self-medication with drugs or alcohol.
- Genetics – Genetics may play a role in mental health concerns and addiction.
- Brain chemistry – Mental health issues can affect brain chemistry, which can in turn lead to addiction.
Breaking the cycle of addiction on your own is often very difficult. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health issues and addiction, it’s important to seek professional help.
The Importance of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment focuses on treating both the mental health condition and the substance use disorder simultaneously in order to provide clients with comprehensive care for all of their needs. This type of treatment usually consists of individual therapy sessions as well as group counseling sessions that help clients learn healthier coping methods for difficult emotions and situations—which can help them stay sober in the long run.
Tree House Recovery’s treatment programs feature exercise therapy as a foundational part of the recovery process. This approach promotes mental, physical, and spiritual health—all necessary components for long-term recovery.
Reaching a Place of Lasting Recovery from Addiction and Mental Health Concerns
Reaching lasting recovery isn’t easy, but it is possible with hard work and dedication to your recovery process. During this process, it’s important to remember that relapse isn’t something to be ashamed of—it happens, and that doesn’t mean you have failed; it just means you need to take extra steps toward maintaining your sobriety. Make sure you have a strong support system by surrounding yourself with people who understand what you are going through and who support your recovery efforts rather than enabling your substance use behaviors. Additionally, attending regular therapy sessions and 12-step meetings will help keep you accountable on your journey toward long-term sobriety.
Discover the Tree House Recovery Difference
Mental health plays a significant role when it comes to understanding addiction and finding lasting recovery from substance use disorders. It is essential that any form of treatment addresses both the addiction itself as well as any co-occurring mental health concerns in order for someone to achieve lasting sobriety after completing treatment. If you or someone close to you are struggling with addiction, Tree House Recovery can help. Reach out to our team today at 910.812.1728 to learn more.