Drug Addiction, Rehab, and Mental Health

Does my mental health impact my risk for addiction? If you’re one of the millions of people struggling with addiction, it can be very illuminating to try to get to the root causes of your addiction. Substance abuse, such as drug addiction and alcoholism, usually doesn’t come from nowhere. And scientists have long known that mental health disorders are highly linked with incidences of substance abuse. But what does that mean? Would solving my depression or bipolar disorder solve my addiction? Not necessarily. It’s more complicated than that.

Does Depression Lead to Addiction?

Mental health problems are well-known in the psychiatric world for causing substance abuse and addiction. “Mental illness and alcoholism or drug abuse interact in a complex dance, “says James Garbutt, MD, professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and research scientist at UNC’s Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies. “Mental illnesses can increase the risk for alcoholism or drug abuse, sometimes because of self-medicating. On the other hand, alcoholism can lead to significant anxiety and depression that may appear indistinguishable from a mental illness. Finally, one disorder can be worse than the other.” Click here to learn more about addiction and mental illness.

Rehab to Take Care of Addiction, So That You Can Confront Other Issues

If you’re struggling with both substance addiction and a mental health problem, it might be hard to know where to begin. According to Stephen Gilman, MD, an addiction psychiatrist at New York University in New York City, “Alcoholism and drug abuse addictions and other psychiatric disorders often occur at the same time. However, they are distinct disorders that must be treated as such in order to get a good outcome for the patient.” That’s why it can be so good to complete drug or alcohol rehab before trying to address mental health issues. If you try when you’re struggling with both, the substance abuse will just get in the way.

Alcohol and Drug Rehab to Turn Your Life Around

Where can I go for effective drug rehab that will help me address my mental health issues? Retreat at Lancaster County or Palm Beach County can help you change your life. By completing a program of drug rehab treatment, you’ll have the freedom to tackle any problems with your mental health. And you’ll be well on your way to a better life. We’re conveniently close to OH, PA, NJ, NY, MD, DE, FL and CT. Click here to learn more about our inpatient rehab.