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What is the Link Between Mental Health and Recovery?

Why Addressing Co-Occurring Conditions is Important for Lasting Sobriety

Mental health disorders and addiction often go hand-in-hand. Studies have shown that many with substance abuse disorders also have mental health conditions, a co-occurring condition. It can be extremely challenging to manage both conditions simultaneously.

There are many reasons why someone with a mental health condition may turn to drugs or alcohol. Here's what you need to know.

Drugs or Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism

For many people, drugs or alcohol are a way to cope with the symptoms of their mental health condition. For example, someone with anxiety may drink to calm their nerves, or someone with depression may use drugs to escape their negative thoughts.

Unfortunately, this coping mechanism often leads to a spiral of addiction and may further exacerbate mental health problems. That's why it's so important to get help for both conditions at the same time.

The Link Between Mental Health and Addiction

There are a few different ways that mental health disorders can lead to addiction:

Self-Medicating

As we previously mentioned, many people with mental health disorders turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. This can quickly lead to addiction.

Genetic Predisposition

Some mental health disorders seem to run in families, which suggests that there may be a genetic component. For example, if your parents or grandparents struggled with addiction, you may also be more likely to struggle with it.

Mental Health Treatment

Unfortunately, some medications used to treat mental health disorders can be addictive. For example, certain antidepressants and anxiety medications can be habit-forming. This is one of the reasons why it's so important to work with a professional to find the right treatment plan for you.

Trauma

Many people who struggle with addiction have also experienced trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or a major life event. Trauma can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), making someone more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope.

Start Your Recovery Journey at Grace Land Recovery

If you're struggling with both a mental health disorder and addiction, getting help from a treatment center that can address both conditions is important.

At Grace Land Recovery, we specialize in treating co-occurring disorders. We'll work with you to create a co-occurring treatment plan that meets your needs and helps you on the road to recovery.


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