How Addiction Affects Mental Health: The Connection

Addiction is becoming more and more of a problem in the UK, and it’s creating a vicious cycle with mental health issues. We’re living in a society where the likes of alcohol and drug abuse are spiking, while mental health conditions among people are also growing.

What people often don’t realise is the two are very much interlinked too, with many people struggling with their mental health turning to drink or drugs to cope, but in fact that can just make matters worse.

Visit any alcohol and drug rehab and you’ll see just how linked they are and understanding that can be crucial in not only helping yourself, but also friends, family, colleagues or anyone else you know who may be struggling.

The Link Between Addiction and Mental Health

What’s important to note is that addiction is a chronic disease that is often lived with alongside mental health disorders, with many people living with addiction also struggling with the likes of depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.

One of the main reasons for this is the impact of different substances on the brain and its chemistry. Essentially, drugs and alcohol alter our neurotransmitters and affect our mood cognitive functioning and behaviour, which over time can cause imbalances that lead to worsening mental health.

As we’ve mentioned, people with mental health disorders will often turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of self-medicating, which may provide a temporary relief, but will exacerbate conditions in the long run.

How Addiction Contributes to Mental Health Disorders

When it comes to connecting the two, addiction can contribute to and worsen several mental health disorders, which include:

Depression

Most commonly, people turn to substances to provide relief from symptoms of depression, but it can deepen sadness, hopelessness and isolation in the long run. That’s because substances can interfere with dopamine and serotonin levels, both of which are neurotransmitters responsible for regulating our mood.

Anxiety Disorders

People often turn to alcohol or drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine to get the euphoric buzz or increased confidence they provide, but long term usage can significantly heighten anxiety disorders and lead to the likes of paranoia, and panic attacks.

This happens during the withdrawal phases, which can create a potentially life-threatening cycle of addiction, where people turn again and again to substances, unable to live without them.

Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Some substances, such as cannabis, methamphetamine and hallucinogens have even been found to heighten psychotic episodes and increase the risk of developing conditions like schizophrenia, especially in those that have a genetic predisposition to the disorder.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Unfortunately, those that have suffered trauma in their life often turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the difficulties they are going through and that can impair cognitive functioning and worsen the likes of flashbacks, nightmares and emotional instability, particularly during periods where not under the influence of substances.

The Cycle of Addiction and Mental Health Struggles

Unfortunately, what too many people aren’t aware of is that addiction and mental health disorders are so interlinked, often creating a cycle that’s so difficult to break. Mental health problems can drive people to seek relief in substances, but as a result this only exacerbates issues in the long run.

Meanwhile, those who are drinking more, taking drugs more are more likely to see mental health issues come to the surface, heightening the likes of anxiety and paranoia.

One major problem is the stigma around seeking help for both problems. Many fear that they will be judged or discriminated against for seeking help, essentially seeing people suffer in silence and further deepen their dependence on substances, when help and finding healthier coping mechanisms is really what they need.

Treatment and Recovery

Addressing both addiction and mental health conditions is so important for an effective recovery and, thankfully, the stigma around that is reducing as more people talk about their conditions and get the help they need.

There are many ways in which people can get help and ensure they get their life back on track, so if you or someone you know is struggling, here are some options to get lives back on track.

Detoxification and Medication

Medical supervision during detoxification can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse. In some cases, medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilisers may be necessary to manage co-occurring mental health conditions.

Therapy and Counselling

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and other counselling methods can help individuals address the underlying causes of their addiction and develop coping mechanisms to manage their mental health.

Support Groups

Peer support programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide a sense of community and encouragement for those in recovery.

Lifestyle Changes

Incorporating healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, mindfulness practices, and social engagement can significantly improve mental well-being and reduce the likelihood of relapse