How Addiction and Mental Health Are Connected

Is there a connection between addiction and mental health? Is there a one-size-fits-all solution to sobriety? There are many questions about how mental health affects addiction, but the two are actually intertwined. This isn’t surprising, since the brain controls both physical and mental processes. Learn more about how addiction and mental health are connected, as well as why it’s important to address both aspects of recovery when you seek treatment at private rehab centres or alcohol rehab centres.

The Connection Between Addiction and Mental Health

According to recent statistics, about one in five adults struggle with mental health problems at some point during their lifetime. It’s important to know that addiction and mental health are not only related; they are often two sides of the same coin. People who suffer from mental health issues are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol than those who don’t, while those who struggle with substance abuse are three times more likely to suffer from a mental illness than those who do not. As many as 20 per cent of people who receive treatment for substance abuse also struggle with co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression. If you notice troubling signs in yourself or someone you love, talk to your doctor about where you can get help without risking further damage to your physical or mental health.

Addiction, Depression and Anxiety

As many as 50 per cent of people with substance use disorders also suffer from depression or anxiety, according to SAMHSA. The reasons for these higher rates are manifold. Sometimes mental health issues precede addiction; sometimes it’s vice versa. Regardless, when you enter a drug rehab program to address your addiction, it’s important that you be screened for co-occurring conditions.

Lack of Sleep and Addiction

When you’re sleep-deprived, certain brain chemicals are affected, including endorphins. This can reduce your pain tolerance—one reason why addicts often turn to drugs or alcohol in moments of distress. Chronic lack of sleep also affects neurotransmitters that help us feel pleasure. And if you think about it, if you have trouble sleeping at night, it’s understandable that you might have trouble enjoying life during your waking hours. So if you struggle with addiction or mental health issues, check-in with your doctor to find ways to ensure you’re getting enough rest each night. Doing so could be just what makes all the difference in your recovery process!

How You Can Get Help

If you’re looking for help to overcome addiction, don’t try to do it alone. There are many options available that provide different levels of care, depending on what you’re looking for. For example, if your goal is to quit drinking alcohol, there are support groups you can attend as well as private rehab facilities where you’ll have access to a group of professionals who can assist in helping you cope with any underlying mental health issues. If your goal is to deal with mental health issues, there are also many types of services that can accommodate your needs.