Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Why They Often Happen Together

You might notice that mental health struggles and substance abuse seem to show up together more often than not. It isn’t simply a coincidence. Stress, trauma, or even genetics can tie these issues together, creating a cycle that’s tough to break.

If you’ve ever wondered why using a substance to “feel better” can sometimes make things worse, you’re not alone. There’s a deeper connection you may not expect.

How Are Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Connected?

The relationship between mental health and substance use disorders is complex and often interrelated.

Nearly half of individuals with severe psychiatric conditions also experience challenges with substance use. This overlap can be attributed in part to shared genetic factors; approximately 40 to 60 percent of the risk for each condition is linked to inherited traits.

Experiences of trauma, such as childhood abuse, can increase the likelihood of developing both mental health and substance use disorders by affecting brain development. Substance use can exacerbate mental health symptoms and, in some cases, trigger severe conditions like psychosis or bipolar disorder.

This underscores the importance of integrated treatment approaches that address both mental health and substance use concurrently.

Why Do People Use Substances to Cope With Mental Health Issues?

Individuals facing mental health issues often resort to substances as a means of managing intense emotions or alleviating distressing symptoms.

For those experiencing anxiety, depression, or the burden of traumatic memories, alcohol or drugs may appear to offer a temporary escape. Genetics can influence susceptibility to both mental health disorders and substance use as a coping mechanism.

Environmental factors such as job loss or family conflict can lead individuals to use substances in an attempt to mitigate acute distress.

Although substances might provide short-term relief or mood stabilization, they tend to worsen symptoms and complicate recovery over time.

Which Mental Health Conditions Most Often Co-Occur With Substance Use?

Various mental health conditions frequently co-occur with substance use disorders, presenting significant challenges for those affected.

Depression is a prevalent co-occurring condition, with a substantial number of individuals in the U.S. experiencing both depression and substance use disorders.

Anxiety disorders often overlap with substance use, as individuals may resort to substances as a means to cope with their symptoms.

Bipolar disorder is another condition that commonly co-exists with substance use, necessitating integrated treatment approaches due to its reciprocal impact on substance use behaviors.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is notably common among trauma survivors, such as veterans, and is frequently associated with substance use issues.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often co-occurs with substance use, particularly with stimulants and cannabis, complicating symptom management and requiring specialized treatment strategies.

What Makes Co-Occurring Disorders Difficult to Diagnose and Treat?

Diagnosing and treating co-occurring disorders is complex due to the overlapping symptoms of mental health disorders and substance use disorders, which can make them difficult to distinguish. The severity of these symptoms can vary greatly, ranging from subtle to overwhelming.

There's often a lack of adequate screening tools and training among healthcare providers, which can result in treatment being focused on only one condition while the other remains unaddressed. Only a small percentage of individuals receive comprehensive care for both disorders simultaneously.

This lack of integrated treatment can increase the risk of adverse outcomes such as homelessness, incarceration, physical illness, or suicide if both disorders aren't properly managed.

How Does Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment Work?

Integrated dual diagnosis treatment is an approach designed to address both mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously. This method involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, who collaborate to deliver care using evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual's needs, taking into account factors like genetic predispositions and past trauma. 

The approach typically includes a combination of group and individual therapy sessions and may involve the use of medications to manage cravings and symptoms. Family involvement is also considered an essential component of the treatment process. Addressing both conditions concurrently has been shown to increase the likelihood of recovery and reduce overall treatment costs. Despite its proven benefits, only 6% of individuals with co-occurring disorders receive integrated dual diagnosis treatment, highlighting a gap in accessing care that can significantly enhance long-term health outcomes and quality of life.

Where Can You Find Help for Co-Occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders?

For individuals dealing with both mental health and substance use issues, identifying appropriate support can be challenging.

However, several resources are available to assist in managing these co-occurring disorders.

A primary step is consulting with a primary care provider, who can refer patients to psychologists or psychiatrists specializing in co-occurring conditions.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers online tools to help locate integrated treatment programs.

At Radix Recovery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, individuals with co-occurring disorders can access integrated treatment programs that combine medical supervision, therapy, and skill-building strategies, helping them address both mental health and substance use challenges in a supportive, structured environment. Contact them here:

Conclusion

When you’re facing both mental health and substance use challenges, it can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Understanding how these issues connect and why you might turn to substances for relief empowers you to seek help. Integrated dual diagnosis treatment offers real hope, addressing both problems at once for better outcomes. Don’t hesitate to reach out; support and specialized care are available, and recovery is possible when you get the right help.