Mental health and addiction are often seen as two separate issues, but they are actually very closely related. Addiction is a mental health issue because it is a chronic, relapsing disease that causes changes in the brain. These changes can lead to compulsive drug seeking and use, even in the face of harmful consequences.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, know that there is help available. Prairie Recovery Center’s dual diagnosis treatment center is where people can come to get the help they need to recover from addiction.
What Are Mental Health and Addiction?
Mental health is an umbrella term for our cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. It includes our ability to think, feel, and behave in ways that enable us to function in society and meet the demands of everyday life.
Addiction is a mental health disorder that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, even in the face of harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because it changes the way the brain functions. These changes can be long-lasting and can lead to harmful behaviors seen in people who are struggling with addiction.
Is Addiction a Mental Health Issue?
One of the most common questions we get asked here at Prairie Recovery Center is whether addiction is a mental health issue or not. It’s a valid question and one that deserves a thoughtful answer.
The simple answer is yes, addiction is a mental health issue. In fact, addiction is considered to be a chronic, relapsing disease that causes changes in the brain. These changes can lead to compulsive drug seeking and use, even in the face of harmful consequences.
For example, many people still believe that addiction is a choice or a moral failure. But the reality is that addiction is a complex disease that can hijack the brain and lead to compulsive drug use.
Understanding that addiction is a mental health disorder can also help to remove the stigma that surrounds it. Too often, people struggling with addiction are seen as weak or flawed. But addiction is a serious medical condition that requires professional treatment.
The Relationship Between Addiction and Mental Health
People who have mental health disorders are more likely to develop an addiction because they may self-medicate with drugs or alcohol in an attempt to cope with their symptoms. This can lead to addiction, which can then worsen the existing mental health disorders.
With addiction, your brain starts to reward you for using drugs or alcohol, even though these substances are harmful. This encourages you to keep using, even when it’s detrimental to your health. Some of the addiction and mental health problems are closely correlated, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
Addiction is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, we urge you to seek help. There is no shame in admitting that you need help. Addiction is a treatable problem, and there is hope for recovery.
Get Compassionate Mental Health and Addiction Treatment at Prairie Recovery Center
Praire Recovery Center can help you or your loved one get the needed treatment for your addiction and mental health. We offer a variety of treatment options, including individual and group therapy, medication management, and intensive outpatient treatment. We also provide a variety of support groups and recovery resources.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health and addictions, there is help available. Call us today at [Direct] or reach out via the online form.