Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Substance abuse and mental health:
Co-occurring substance abuse problems and mental health issues are more common than many people realize. While substance abuse problems and mental health issues don’t get better when they’re ignored, it’s important to know that you don’t have to feel this way. There are things you can do to overcome your dependence, repair your relationships, and get on the road to recovery. With the right support, self-help, and treatment, you can overcome a co-occurring disorder, reclaim your sense of self, and get your life back on track.

Substance abuse and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety are closely linked, although one doesn’t necessarily directly cause the other. Abusing substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine can cause prolonged psychotic reactions, while alcohol can make depression and anxiety symptoms worse.

Abused substances include prescription medications (such as opioid painkillers, ADHD medications, and sedatives), recreational or street drugs (such as marijuana, methamphetamines, and cocaine), and alcohol (beer, wine, and liquor). A substance abuse problem is not defined by what drug you use or the type of alcohol you drink. Rather, it comes down to the effects your drug or alcohol use has on your life and relationships. In short, if your drinking or drug use is causing problems in your life, you have a substance abuse problem.