The Connection Between Addiction And Mental Health

WE’RE ONLY HUMAN –

August 14, 2021 – From depression and anxiety to drug and alcohol use, mental health struggles are common. In fact, nearly 44 million Americans are affected by mental health conditions each year. But did you know there is an overlap between addiction and mental illness? It’s true. Approximately 9 million people have co-occurring disorders. Yet most go untreated. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, only 7 percent of these individuals will get treatment for both conditions. Why? Because of shame, stigma, and misdiagnosis. Many with co-existing conditions suffer in silence. “The co-occurrence of mental health issues and substance use disorders is very common,” Dr. Indra Cidambi — the medical director and founder of the Center for Network Therapy — tells Scary Mommy. “In fact, suffering from a mental health issue as a teen or adolescent increases the chances of substance abuse later in life. Almost 50% of people who suffer from mental health issues also suffer from substance use disorders — and vice versa. However, it’s important to note that while there is a strong connection between substance abuse and mental health issues, substance use usually does not lead to mental health issues. Rather, it is a symptom of a pre-existing condition”