When someone is having emotional problems or acting in ways that get in the way of daily life, it can be hard to tell if they have a mental illness or an addiction, or sometimes both. This difference is significant because the wrong diagnosis can mean inadequate care, more pain, and a higher chance of relapse.
People and families who come to Sanctum Wellness often experience confusion due to symptoms that appear simultaneously, such as mood swings, worry, social withdrawal, or sudden changes in behaviour. The first step to long-term recovery is to understand how addiction and mental disorders are different and how they can coexist.
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Comprehending Addiction and Psychological Disorders
This is a long-term disease where people have a strong, often uncontrollable desire to use drugs or do certain things, even if they know it is bad for them. This changes the way the brain works over time, making it very hard to stop on your own.
Mental health problems, on the other hand, change the way a person thinks, feels, and acts. Some of these are schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, sadness, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Mental health problems can be caused by a mix of genes, brain chemistry, past trauma, and stress in the surroundings.
To put it simply, addiction is when someone uses a drug or does an activity over and over again that changes the chemistry of their brain. Mental health conditions are characterized by changes in mood, thinking, or behaviour over time. But they are closely connected. For example, someone who is depressed or anxious may start drinking to deal with their feelings, and someone who uses drugs a lot might become depressed as a side effect.
The Connection Between Substance Abuse and Mental Health Conditions
Like a two-way street, mental health and addiction can lead to each other in either direction.
- Mental health problems can lead to addiction: For example, people who have anxiety, sadness, or trauma that hasn't been treated may use drugs or alcohol to dull their feelings.
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- Addiction can trigger mental health issues: Substance abuse that lasts for a long time can change the chemistry of the brain, which can lead to mood swings, paranoia, sadness, or anxiety.
- They share common risk factors: Genetics, traumatic events in early life, long-term stress, and pressures in the environment can all make someone more likely to experience both.
In real life, Rohan, a 32-year-old marketing executive, came to us after being dependent on booze for many years. It all started pleasantly enough. He had severe social anxiety since he was a teenager and found that drinking at parties made him feel better about himself. Over time, he turned to drinking whenever he was feeling stressed. He eventually needed it to do his job. When he wasn't drinking, the booze made his anxiety even worse, which was a painful cycle.
In the same way, Meera, a fashion designer who is 26 years old, had never had any mental health issues before. She was given drugs after hurting her back. After a few months, she was taking many times the recommended amount, and when she tried to stop, she felt very depressed. Her addiction had directly caused a mental health problem.
These examples illustrate the importance of addressing both problems simultaneously, rather than tackling one at a time.
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Obtaining Accurate Diagnosis and Appropriate Treatment
It is very important to get the right analysis in order to fully recover. Just looking at the obvious signs isn't enough; you need a full review to see the bigger picture.
Most of the time, this process includes:
- Go over your medical and personal background to find out about past symptoms, family history, and any trauma.
- Observing behavioural changes such as mood swings, withdrawal from loved ones, or declining success at work or school.
- Looking at trends of drug use, such as what is being used, how often, and how much.
- Checking for signs of depression, anxiety, or other disorders through mental health exams.
- Looking for dual diagnosis, which means that someone has both an addiction and a mental illness.
It is essential to get a correct diagnosis because treating addiction without also treating a hidden mental health problem can cause people to relapse. In the same way, treating sadness while ignoring alcoholism may make the problem worse.
We use a team-based method at Sanctum Wellness to ensure that both conditions are identified and treated simultaneously.
Available Treatment Approaches and Knowing When to Get Help
Once the reason is known, the medicine can be tailored to the individual. Taking care of both the mind and the body simultaneously yields the best results.
- Medical detox: People who are addicted to drugs can safely handle withdrawal symptoms during detox while being supervised by a doctor.
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioural treatment (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) are two types of treatment that can help you figure out what sets off your symptoms, change the way you think negatively, and get better at dealing with things.
- Medication Support: People with mental health problems may be given antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or anti-anxiety drugs along with drugs that help with addiction cravings.
- Holistic Healing: Yoga, meditation, art therapy, and nutrition guidance are all practices that can help you feel better emotionally and be stronger.
- Family therapy: For long-term healing, it's important to fix broken relationships and make the home a safe place to be.
When to seek help:
Talk to a professional if you see any of these signs:
- Being sad, anxious, or having mood swings all the time
- Not interested in daily life
- Use of drugs over and over again despite harm
- Being away from family and friends
- Having thoughts of hurting yourself
You have a better chance of getting better if you get help right away.
It is not always easy to tell the difference between an addiction and a mental health problem, especially when both are present at the same time. But recovery is possible with the right professional help, a correct evaluation, and a treatment plan that takes care of both problems.
Our goal at Sanctum Wellness is not only to prevent harmful behaviours but also to help individuals regain their mental stability, physical health, and sense of purpose.
FAQ
Can addiction cause mental health problems?
Using drugs for a long time can change the chemistry of the brain, which can cause sadness, anxiety, or psychosis.
Can mental illness lead to addiction?
Yes. A lot of people who have mental health problems use drugs to deal with their problems, which can turn into an addiction.
What is dual diagnosis?
When someone has both a mental illness and an addiction at the same time, they need care that is based on both.
How do I know if I need rehab or therapy?
If your mental health or drug use is getting in the way of your daily life, it is time to get help from a professional.
Can I recover if I have both conditions?
Of course. Many people lead healthy, happy lives with the right mix of treatment, medical care, and support.