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Subsatnce abuse and Mental health issues

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances , including alcohol and illicit drugs


LINK BETWEEN SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH : 

When you have both a substance abuse problem and a mental health issue such as depression , bipolar disorder or anxiety , it is called a co-occuring disorder or dual diagnosis.
Dealing with substance abuse , alcoholism , or drug addiction is never easy, and it's even more difficult when you're also struggling with mental health problems.

In co-occuring disorders , both the mental health issue and the drug or alcohol addiction have their own unique symptoms that may get in the way of your ability to function at work or school, maintain a stable home life , handle life's difficulties and relate to other's. 

When a mental health problem goes untreated , the substance abuse problems usually increase too.

But you are not alone.

  • Roughly 50 percent of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse.
  • 37 percent of alcohol abusers and 53 percent of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness.
  • Of all people diagnosed as mentally ill 29 percent abuse either alcohol or drugs.
While substance abuse problems and mental health issues don't get better when they're ignored , in fact , they are likely to get much worse , Its important to know that you don't have to feel this way.

There are the things you can do to conquer your demons , repair your relationships and get on the road to recovery. With the right support , self help and treatment you can overcome a co-occuring disorder, reclaim your sense of self and get your life back on track.

HOW IT IS DIAGNOSED:
It can be difficult to diagnose a substance abuse problem and a co-occuring mental health disorder. It takes time to tease out what might be a drug or alcohol problem. 
The signs and symptoms also vary depending upon both the mental health problem and the type of drug being abused.
There are some general warning signs that you may have a co-occuring disorder :
  • Do you use alcohol or drugs to cope with unpleasent memories or feelings , to control pain or the intensity of your moods , to face situations that frighten you, or to stay focused on tasks?
  • Have you noticed a relationship between your substance use and mental health? e.g Do you get depressed when you drink?
  • Has someone in your family grappled with either a mental disorder or alcohol or drug abuse?
  • Do you feel depressed or anxious even when you're sober?
  • Do you have unresolved trauma or a history of abuse?
  • Have you previously been treated for either your addiction or your mental health problem? 
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE :
  • Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?
  • Have you tried to cut back , but couldn't?
  • Do you ever lie about how much or how often you drink or use drugs?
  • Are you going through prescription medication at a faster than expected rate?
  • Have your friends or family expressed concern about your alcohol or drug use?
  • Do you ever feel bad, guilty, or ashamed about your drinking or drug use?
  • On more than one occasion, have you done or said something while drunk or high that you later regretted?
  • Have you ever blacked out from drinking or drug use?
  • Has your alcohol or drug use caused problems in your relationships?
  • Has your alcohol or drug use gotten you into trouble at work or with the law?
TREATMENT:

Treatment may include medication , individual or group counseling , lifestyle changes and peer support.
It also include detoxification , managing of withdrawl symptoms , behavioral therapy and support groups to help maintain your sobriety.

Keep in mind that there is always hope, both mood disorders and alcohol an drug abuse problems are treatable conditions. Recovering from co-occuring disorders takes time, commitment , and courage , but people with substance abuse and mental health problems can do get better. 

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