Mental Health Problems and Substance Abuse

Many people with substance abuse problems also have mental health problems, some that existed before they began drinking or drugging. This is called dual diagnosis. Some people begin abusing alcohol or drugs to "medicate" themselves, to change the way they feel. At this point we need to review the mental health problems that are most likely to drive individuals to self medicate.

1)Depression
2)Bi-Polar Illness
3)Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
4)Attention Deficit Disorder

A large percentage of individuals with substance abuse problems also have dual diagnoses, many of which have gone untreated. Some will readily admit that they used alcohol or other drugs to "mellow out". This can create a chicken-or-egg situation in which the substance abuse depletes the level of endorphins and serotonin that the brain produces. When production of these chemicals is depleted,it can exacerbate the mental health problem, causing people to use more alcohol or drugs to achieve the same effect that it did originally.

Lets look at the symptoms of each of these mental health problems in an effort to support a fuller understanding for the family and friends of those who have them.

Depression: a lack of interest in things you were once enthusiastic about,sleeping to much or not enough,loss of appetite, feelings of hopelessness, irritability and sometimes suicidal thoughts.

Bi-Polar Illness: Extreme mood swings from feeling euphoric and being hyperactive to
extreme depression. Mood swings can cycle between these two opposites every few days or several weeks.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Thought patterns that compel you to do odd or repetitive things like frequent hand washing, constantly checking on things that don't need frequent attention,irrational fears, or religious beliefs that God will
punish you for something that is unrelated to moral issues. A good summary of this is feeling that you can't NOT do something.

Attention Deficit Disorder: This is an inherent and genetic brain dysfunction that is present from birth. Characterized by hyperactive behavior, unusally high need for constant stiumlation, difficulty concentrating, focusing and following through with routine tasks. People with this disorder had trouble paying attention and sitting still in school as children.

These descriptions are just sketches,and not everyone has all of the symptoms. In some cases the characterstics can overlap with each other. Check with your mental health professional if you think you or someone you love has these symptoms.

People with dual diagnoses need mental health care as well as substance abuse treatment, and their recovery can be complicated and more lengthy.