Tuesday, April 15, 2014

How Mental Health Issues Invite Drug and Alcohol Abuse

 

There has long been a connection between mental health and behavioral issues, and drug and alcohol abuse. This has long been the case, as those with learning disabilities turned to alcohol or early forms of drugs. Today, with a severe lack of efficient care for those with mental issues and disabilities, there are a great many out there suffering from mental health disorders, out on the streets and using substances.

It can be very frustrating for those with mental health issues to deal with day to day live, especially if they are not receiving any form of care or treatment for said mental issues. Many times these individuals attempt to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol -- which can actually make them feel like the problem is being treated, in the beginning. Eventually, this self-medicating is doing more harm, and any earlier perceived notion of "feeling better" is lost.

As the abuse of substances continues, both the addictions and the mental health problems are strengthening themselves and each other. The now-addicted addict begins to spin out of control, and this is when the mental health issues will become most evident. If the mental health issues were hidden before, they are completely out in the open now. The behavior will become more and more erratic, and psychosis will likely evident as well.

This downward spiral can be avoided, by simply seeking mental and behavioral health treatment early. While the mental health problems' symptoms may be mild at firs, it is essential to make sure that these issues are addressed early to avoid a worsening problem.

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