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| Home > Addiction Archive > Recreational and Prescription Drugs Addiction Articles > Are Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Related | ||||||||||||||||
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Recreational and Prescription Drugs Addiction Articles
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Are Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Related? By: James Snow March 31, 2008 |
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| Many have noticed an apparent connection between mental illnesses and drug abuse, but are the two really related? Some have even said that as many as 50% of those diagnosed with a mental illness may, at some point in their lifetime, meet the criteria for a substance use disorder. | ||||||||||||||||
| So are they really related? Well, yes and no… Few would argue that mental illness alone will make someone become a drug or alcohol abuser. However, in the instance that the two are diagnosed together it makes sense that to achieve lasting recovery both issues must be treated. It is thought that without treating the mental illness, patients may have a more difficult time maintaining recovery. Or in other words, while mental illness may not be the cause of substance abuse, it certainly does not make it any easier to live above addiction. | ||||||||||||||||
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Many patients who have been diagnosed with a mental illness are reluctant to mention that when talking with others about their addictions. There is nothing to be ashamed of. We are entering an era where stigmas about mental illnesses ought to melt away. There is no shame in letting someone help you with the constellation of issues that surround substance abuse and recovery. In order to achieve the best lasting recovery, patients should notify their care professionals of their whole health history including mental health. While all of this makes sense, it is often a difficult point for those who are struggling with these issues. Parents, spouses, family members, and friends can be very instrumental in providing appropriate support that leads to treatment of the whole patient. Whether it involves bi-polar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, or anxiety, the benefit from treating these in terms of overcoming addiction are clear. If you are addicted to drugs, alcohol, or any other addiction and have been diagnosed with a mental illness, it is time to seek treatment openly for both your addiction and your mental illness. There is no shame in recovery. If you are a family member or friend, be supportive, be informative, be kind, and be patient. |
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This article should not be used as or interpreted as medical advice. Full legal disclaimer. |
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