Substance abuse and mental health are frequently related, like two pieces of a puzzle that join, but not in a good way. When you use drugs or alcohol in a way that’s bad for your body or mind, that’s called substance abuse. Mental health is a condition of well-being, on a spectrum from illness to wellness, that is natural to each and every one of us and is comprised of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. When a person is trying to treat one, he or she will frequently intensify the other.
The two issues are linked, in part because people often use drugs or alcohol to feel better when they are experiencing a mental health problem. For instance, one might drink alcohol in response to feeling very depressed or anxious, in an attempt to take the ease up. This is called self-medicating. But it may feel as if it helps initially, and in the end, it tends to make things worse. Alcohol and drugs alter the way the brain works, producing more anxiety, depression, or even entirely new mental health problems.
Some people are more prone to turning to substance abuse, as with mental health conditions including depression, anxiety and PTSD. Recent research has found an increase in drug and alcohol use among young adults, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic began. The isolation, stress and uncertainty of the past several years have rendered some young people susceptible to turning to drugs or alcohol to cope.
On the other side, substance misuse can lead to or worsen mental health problems. Drugs and alcohol can alter the chemical balance in the brain, causing mood swings, trouble thinking clearly and problems with memory. For one, heavy use of marijuana has been associated with an increased risk of psychosis, in particular in young people. Likewise, chronic alcohol abuse can cause you to be depressed and anxious.
It should always be kept in mind that help is available for both substance use and mental health issues. Therapists, counselors and doctors can support and treat individuals to recover and live healthier lives. Understanding the relationship between addiction and mental health is the first step to getting the right type of help. Speaking to a trusted adult, whether it’s a parent, teacher or school counselor, is a brave and crucial step if you find yourself struggling or know someone who is.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/addiction-science/drugs-brain-behavior-science-of-addiction
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Substance_abuse
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/our-best-mental-health-tips
https://womenshealth.gov/mental-health/good-mental-health
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/health-complications-addiction/central-nervous-system
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/overcoming-addiction
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/addiction/overcoming-drug-addiction
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4392-marijuana-cannabis
