What We Treat

Mental illness and substance abuse disorders are prevalent across the nation. When people talk about substance abuse and mental illness, they often separate the two into different conversations. However, it is vital to note that addiction is itself a mental illness. Once viewed as a choice or a moral failing, addiction is now defined as a “brain disease” by both the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the American Psychiatric Association.  That said, it is also very common for someone to struggle with both addiction and a mental illness unrelated to drugs or alcohol. 

Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety are some of the most common conditions shown to co-occur with substance abuse. While it is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse, it is also essential to realize they share common symptoms. It is also important to note that while one does not necessarily cause the other, one can lead to the other. The use of drugs or alcohol can, in some cases, exacerbate the symptoms of a previously diagnosed or pre-existing (undiagnosed) mental health condition. It can also produce various symptoms that mimic the symptoms of certain mental health conditions. For example, cocaine can produce symptoms that mimic anxiety, and alcohol can produce symptoms often seen in cases of anxiety and depression. Mental health challenges can also lead to substance abuse. When someone struggles with mental health symptoms, it is common to turn to substances as a coping medication. Ongoing self-medication will inevitably lead to a negative relationship with substances. 

Many substances act upon the central nervous system. They either stimulate the brain and body to produce symptoms of euphoria and joy or suppress the central nervous system producing sedation and lethargy. When someone struggles with both an addiction and mental health diagnosis, some of these symptoms may be enhanced by their dual diagnosis. For example, suppose someone struggles with depression and alcohol addiction (a combination impacting almost one-third of people with depression). In that case, they may experience heightened feelings of decreased energy, loss of interest in activities, restlessness, changes in appetite, persistent feelings of sadness, or emptiness and excessive guilt. All of these symptoms can be present in cases of depression or addiction but are often worsened by the combination of both.