Substance Abuse Mental Health

Substance abuse mental health is a term which refers to individuals who have both a substance use disorder and mental health disorder. The term may be used interchangeably with other terms with which it is also identified such as co-morbidity co-occurring disorders and dual diagnosis. Studies indicate that substance abuse is the most significant and common co-occurring disorder among people suffering from serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder anxiety eating disorders depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. In certain cases mental disorder symptoms may appear first to alleviate which the person may start abusing drugs. In other cases substance abuse can lead an individual to experience mental illnesses.

The consequences and other problems that are related to mental health Substance abuse are:

Financial problems

School and employment problems

Problem with family members and friends

Social withdrawal and isolation

Indulging in high risk behavior such as drunken driving and unprotected sex

Legal problems

Increased admissions to the emergency room

Homelessness

Several admissions for psychiatric care

Children whose parents indulge in substance abuse are at a high risk for developing Substance abuse mental health problems. Other people who may be affected include older adults with anxiety disorders particularly those that are grieving several losses. Such people may abuse drugs or drink in excess in order to cope with their inferior quality of life. This habit can often make difficult treatment of arthritis diabetes and hypertension which affect elderly people as well. Substance abuse may occur in individuals with eating disorders as they make an effort to deal with the feelings of anxiety guilt self-loathing remorse and shame because of purging and bingeing food. Several military veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder depression or anxiety and have drug and alcohol abuse histories. These people also have greater chance of suffering from mental health Substance abuse.

People suffering from mental health Substance abuse need not undergo the pain and hurt all throughout their lives for hope is there as recovery is possible. In order to recovery they have to go through dual diagnosis treatment that will treat both their disorders. This ensures that the mental diseases of individuals are treated and at the same time their substance abuse habit is treated as well. The Substance abuse mental health treatment includes staged interventions that start with engaging the individuals persuading them to take active participation in recovery-focused activities learn skills to check their illnesses and acquire relapse prevention tools. Furthermore the treatment includes motivational therapy which helps people to become dedicated to self-management of their illnesses counseling which includes development of positive behavioral and cognitive emotions and social network support which they receive from their family friends and loved ones.

People suffering from mental health Substance abuse experience a double blow as they have to deal with both substance abuse and mental illness at the same time. They should not lose hope and instead seek co-occurring disorders treatment the successful completion of which will ensure that they will lead happy prosperous and healthy lives.