If you or a loved one finds yourself caught in a cycle of unhealthy patterns, you may be asking, "Is this due to a mental health disorder? Or is it the result of addiction?"
As this cycle continues, it can become increasingly difficult to pinpoint when it all began, leaving you unsure of how—or if—you can change direction. This confusion is common among those facing mental health disorders or struggling with addiction. When overwhelming emotions, intrusive thoughts, and destructive behaviors both contribute to and stem from substance use, it can feel like nothing is working right.
If you or a loved one are struggling today—or even if today feels manageable but you’re worried about what tomorrow might bring—you’re not alone. It’s natural to seek clear answers. You want the confusion to end so you can understand what’s happening, define the problem, and find a stable path forward.
You deserve an accurate diagnosis. You deserve to discover who you want to be. And you deserve the help you need to achieve long-term recovery. However, the answer may not be as straightforward as you hope. You or your loved one could be dealing with a mental health disorder, a substance use disorder, or both—a condition known as a co-occurring disorder.
At our Louisiana treatment center, we’re here to help you untangle the relationship between addiction and mental health disorders—and guide you on where to go from here.
How Are Addiction and Mental Health Disorders Related?
To understand the connection, let’s first differentiate substance use disorders from mental health disorders.
Mental Health Disorders: Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder are common mental health issues. These disorders are characterized by disturbances in thinking, emotion regulation, or behavior, often reflecting changes or dysfunction in psychological, biological, or developmental processes.
Addiction: Also known as substance use disorder, addiction involves a pattern of symptoms caused by the consistent use of a substance despite its negative effects. Addiction is classified as a mental health disorder because it causes cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms. For example, you might continue drinking alcohol despite experiencing frequent hangovers, engaging in risky behaviors while intoxicated, and neglecting your responsibilities.
While mental health disorders do not always involve addiction, addiction is always classified as a mental health disorder. It’s possible to be diagnosed with one or the other separately, but the likelihood of having both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time is high.
What Is a Co-Occurring Disorder?
Sometimes referred to as dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorders occur when an individual has both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. If you suspect you have a co-occurring disorder, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. The interaction of two disorders can amplify the challenges of both, making it feel even more difficult to manage.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, millions of adults in the U.S. experience co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. For people with co-occurring disorders, it can be challenging to determine which condition developed first. Regardless, it’s crucial to treat both conditions simultaneously with the help of licensed addiction and mental health professionals to increase the chances of a successful recovery.
Am I Using Substances Because of Addiction or a Mental Health Disorder?
Do you ever find yourself wondering why you don’t feel like yourself? Why getting through the day feels like a struggle? Why that feeling of “I should be happy, but I’m not” won’t go away? Or why, even when you want to stop drinking or using drugs, you keep turning to them?
When trying to differentiate between addiction and a mental health disorder, it’s important to remember that occasional substance use doesn’t necessarily mean you have a substance use disorder or a co-occurring disorder. For example, if someone drinks too much once or twice and experiences negative aftereffects, it doesn’t mean they have a substance use disorder or that it will have a lasting impact.
However, if substance use is consistently causing chaos in your life and negatively affecting various aspects of your well-being, the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder increases significantly.
To better understand your own substance use, it’s essential to uncover your “why.” Why are you drinking or using? Consider these possibilities:
- Are you using substances to self-medicate for anxiety, trauma, PTSD, depression, ADHD, or other mental health issues?
- Are you using substances to cope with the stress of daily life?
Everyone’s reasons for drinking or using drugs are deeply personal. It’s important to create a judgment-free space where you can share your thoughts and feelings, whether with a loved one, in a support group, with your doctor, or even just with yourself.
As you explore the reasons behind your substance use, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how substances are impacting your life and whether a mental health disorder may be contributing to an unhealthy relationship with drugs or alcohol.
How Do I Get an Accurate Diagnosis?
Your journey to healing begins with an accurate diagnosis from a mental health professional.
Licensed professionals with experience in both substance use and mental health disorders can provide a precise diagnosis, increasing your chances of receiving effective treatment and achieving long-term recovery. We understand that sharing your most personal thoughts and feelings can be intimidating, especially if others have made you feel ashamed or unsafe in the past. But remember, there’s more to you than this disease or these diseases. There’s more to your life and who you will become—and there’s hope in recovery.
Seeking Help at Our Louisiana Treatment Center
Receiving an assessment and accurate diagnosis will help you:
- Feel validated
- Understand that you’re not alone in your journey to recovery
- Find an effective treatment plan
Professional treatment will help you understand the connection between your mental health struggles and substance use. Additionally, it will equip you with the tools needed to stop relying on substances as a way to cope with the symptoms of a mental health disorder or the challenges of life.
You have the power to change your path. By learning about different treatment options and new ways forward, you can make the healthiest decisions for your life. And once you’ve chosen treatment, you’ll never have to walk through recovery alone.
If you or a loved one is struggling with co-occurring disorders, our Louisiana drug treatment center is here to help. Contact us today to start your journey toward healing and recovery.
