Drug use and mental health disorders can often go together. In some cases, mental disorders from drug use can cause anxiety, depression, or paranoia. Dual diagnosis treatment is helpful for those who are struggling with a mental health diagnosis and need addiction treatment at the same time. There is often a connection between poor mental health and excessive drug abuse, as many people are trying to self-medicate their symptoms using illicit substances.
Mental Disorders From Drug Use
Drug use can lead to changes in the chemical makeup of the brain, causing both short-term and long-term consequences. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance abuse can include:
- Paranoia or the feeling people are out to get you when they are not
- Aggressive behavior that wasn’t there prior to the substance abuse
- Anxiety or depression that is new or enhanced
- Hallucinations or seeing objects that aren’t really there
Mental disorders from drug use may be temporary until the drugs wear off, or slowly become permanent as damage is done to the brain over time. It is always important for a treatment provider to determine what is drug-induced and what is underlying mental health when trying to treat an individual struggling with mental health needs.
The First Steps of Recovery
In treating mental disorders from drug use, the first step is to go through a safe detox program and withdraw from any substances you are addicted to. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression or other symptoms because of substance abuse, it is time to begin a detox program. You will get the support you need during detox to get control of your mental health needs and safely withdraw from substances. While in a detox program, you might:
- Talk with a counselor on a consistent basis for support
- Meet peers who are also struggling with anxiety or other mental health needs
- Attend group sessions to learn skills that will help you cope once you leave the detox
- Address mental health needs while going through the withdrawal process
Recovery is different for everyone. For those who are dealing with mental health needs, it is still possible to get the treatment you need to heal from an addiction. You will be able to talk to a counselor to address symptoms that come up, and you get support to work through the difficult times when you are in a detox program.
Developing Relapse Prevention Strategies
Relapse prevention strategies are activities or strategies that you implement when you feel like you are going to relapse. Getting control of your stress levels is important and can help you feel more grounded. While you are in a detox program, you might learn about relapse prevention strategies in a number of forms. You might try a new exercise, learn about meditation, or engage in an art class to find a way to express yourself. Helpful relapse prevention strategies can include:
- Meeting with a friend you trust to talk about what is going on in your life
- Volunteering in the community to give back and feel a sense of purpose
- Exercising to keep your stress levels under control
- Going to an AA meeting in the community to get support from your peers
You will learn relapse prevention strategies over time. Once you find activities that work, remember this when your life is feeling out of control. Ask for help when you need it. Isolating doesn’t work, and can lead to a relapse that you won’t want to deal with. Find ways to get the support you need to get your mental health in check. You can recover from an addiction, but you have to work on methods to make it easier to stay sober.
Treatment For Drug Abuse Starts Now
It’s time to get the help you deserve from Serenity House Detox & Recovery Center in Florida. For help with mental disorders from drug use, call us today at 866.294.5306 and get started on your path of recovery. Make the decision to change your life and begin detox from drugs or alcohol now.
