When it comes to mental health issues and drug abuse, it’s perfectly understandable to wonder “which came first”. There is a definite link between the two issues. Some of the clients we see here at The Dunes East Hampton have mental health problems and they turn to drugs in an attempt to self-medicate. In other cases, the drug abuse itself triggers symptoms of mental illness in some people.
Mental Illness And Consumption Of Addictive Substances
The National Bureau of Economic Research defines mental illness as “an abnormality in cognition, emotion, mood, or social function, which is severe in level or duration.”
According to the Bureau, approximately 25 percent of the population of the United States is affected by a diagnosable mental illness “in any given year. “ Forty-three percent of the population will have a diagnosable mental illness at some point during their lifetime.
There is also a connection between people living with mental illness and use of addictive substances. Those individuals who have an existing mental illness consume:
- 38 percent of all alcohol
- 40 percent of all cigarettes
- 44 percent of all cocaine
The people who have ever had a mental illness consume:
- 69 percent of all alcohol
- 68 percent of all cigarettes
- 68 percent of all cocaine
What Is Self-Medication?
A common way in which mental health and drug abuse are connected is when people attempt to “treat” the mental health symptoms they find uncomfortable or disruptive to their lives on their own by using alcohol or drugs. In some cases, the individual does not realize that what they are experiencing is a treatable mental illness and that if they get appropriate professional care their symptoms can be managed.
Instead, someone with a mental health condition may resort to behaviors such as:
- A person who feels anxious before going out to a social event takes Valium or Xanax before heading out. The drug makes him or her feel calmer and more relaxed. The next time something comes up that involves going to an event where there will be several people in attendance, the person takes the pills again. Over time, he or she gets to the point where any situation that may be stressful or anxiety-provoking is dealt with by taking the pills. The number and dosage continues to increase over time due to the body building up a tolerance.
- Someone who is feeling depressed starts to use marijuana because of the initial high he or she gets from using it. Unfortunately, the buzz gives way to feelings of fatigue or depression once the initial euphoria wears off.
Help For Mental Illness And Drug Abuse
Rather than self-medicating, seek professional help for drug addiction and mental health issues. At The Dunes, we specialize in helping patients who have a dual diagnosis (addiction and mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder).
Our trained staff will evaluate your needs and develop a personalized treatment plan to address both issues. Contact us now to get help!