Finding Balance: Exploring the Intersection of Mental Health and Substance Use
- Intern At Mind Splatters
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
- Preksha Gabrielle
Intern, Mind Splatters, Jan - April, 2024
The National Institute of Health describes how intricately substances and mental health are interrelated. In some cases, people suffering from mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, etc are more prone to developing a substance abuse disorder. Even vice versa, those with substance abuse possess a risk factor for mental health issues. Excluding mental health issues, it is a well-known fact that substances pose a significant problem to our neurochemistry and physical health.
So why do people use substances?
People generally use drugs for the following reasons:
As a replacement for happiness: Depending on the drug type taken, drugs have the power to elicit strong pleasure with further effects that may occur after the first pleasure. For instance, the high from stimulants like cocaine is followed by emotions of strength, confidence, and greater energy.
Mood stabilizer: Stress can be a significant factor in both the initiation and maintenance of drug use. Some individuals with stress, despair, and social anxiety begin using medicines in an attempt to reduce their uneasiness. This can lead to the relapse of patients undergoing addiction treatment.
Enhance performance: Some people experience pressure to sharpen their concentration at work, in school, or sports. This may contribute to the decision to attempt or keep using drugs, including cocaine or prescription stimulants.
Peer pressure and curiosity: During the developmental stage of adolescence, substance use may result from the presence of risk factors, such as peers who use drugs. Teenagers are especially vulnerable in this regard due to the potent influence of peer pressure.
Substances and Coping Mechanisms:
Substances, as discussed for the reasons before, become a coping mechanism for many reasons. For those with constants like stress or low levels of dopamine, seeking the chemical-induced reaction of substances is a rush. It boosts their mood and improves concentration, stimulates creativity, etc., depending on the type of drug. Mental health is difficult to deal with and there can be several hurdles in the process of therapy. As such substances become twice as much of a crutch for some people to lean on while they navigate their journey of mental well-being. It would be helpful for mental health professionals and therapists to ask their clients about their habits, especially noting the frequency of unhealthier ones. People with substance abuse generally have established routines and unusual stressors may cause them to turn back to their addictions or develop new ones which help them cope.
How can we help them?
The comorbidity of substance abuse disorders and mental disorders is challenging, especially for individuals seeking help to better themselves. So what can we do to help? As a part of the community supporting a loved one with their struggle the first thing we can do is help them remain accountable. Dismissing their actions will teach them that they are given a free pass for their actions no matter how damaging to themselves and those around them. Plus, holding them accountable lets them know that you too are invested in their journey and want them to get better. Another way is educating at-risk teens and adults.
For the clients already in therapy, it is beneficial for them to know certain behaviour that may cause them to be more likely to develop a substance abuse disorder. Additionally, some addiction-forming behaviours they might need to look for will help them set their boundaries in social situations where there may be pressure to experiment or “take the edge off”.
The way everyone navigates their journey through substance use and mental health is unique to them. However, they will always need support from their family and friends and their therapist. Be patient with yourself or the person in your life who is struggling. The road to recovery is hard and it is important to stay persistent on the path. Take care of yourself and others who may be struggling.
Comments