Substance use and mental health issues are often connected. Individuals will turn to alcohol or other substances to lessen symptoms of a mental illness. Depression causes pain and substances may be used to dull that pain. Anxiety, panic attacks, or PTSD are examples of some other mental illnesses that may cause individuals to turn to substances to mask their symptoms. Illicit use of valium or alcohol may be used to stave a panic attack or marijuana may be used to block the pain of depression for example.
According to an article by the National Bureau of Economic Research, 20% of individuals with mental illness, relative to the general population, abuse alcohol, 27% cocaine and 86% use cigarettes. These figures add up to many people being caught in a cycle of symptoms of a mental health illness and attempting to self medicate. As many as 8.9 million individuals a year are affected by a dual-diagnosis of a mental illness and substance abuse. Unfortunately, only 7.4 % are receiving appropriate treatment according to the Foundation of Recovery Network.
The focus of this entry is to encourage all of us to look at ourselves and our loved ones. If we or anyone we know is struggling with a substance problem, treatment should be an immediate goal. Getting help to sustain from alcohol or drugs and learning what the underlying cause may be and receiving treatment for that issue is essential.
LmesudaMHnursing 