Substance abuse and mental illness are deeply interconnected. In India, they impact thousands of people yet no one understands the reason behind this. The relationship between substance abuse and mental illness is a complex one. In this blog, we will look through the connection between them and understand how a Nasha Mukti Kendra in Ghaziabad treats these issues.
What Bidirectional Relationship Does Substance Abuse & Mental Health Have?
Addictions and mental health issues exist in a bidirectional relationship where each condition triggers the other. Here’s what their dynamic looks like:
Substance Abuse Triggering Mental Health Issues – If an individual engages in substance abuse then there is a high chance of them getting mental health issues. Most addictions affect our brain chemistry. They decrease the happy chemicals and increase stress, depression, and anxiety. This can trigger many issues that affect our mental health.
Mental Health Issues Triggering Substance Abuse – A common experience many people affected by mental health issues face is coping with substance abuse. They feel that their addictions are helping them divert from their issues so they keep engaging in such addictions. However, this only leads them to substance abuse and severe mental issues.
How Does Substance Abuse Impacts Mental Health?
Here let’s look at these four points of how addictions affect our mental health.
- Alcohol – You may not realize that alcohol is a depressant, regular use of it can lead to depression, anxiety, and stress. Furthermore, alcohol use interferes with the medication of mental health.
- Cannabis – The early and heavy use of cannabis often leads to psychosis. Its main component often leads to paranoia and anxiety.
- Stimulants – At first stimulants might increase dopamine levels but regular use of them can result in psychosis and mood disorders.
- Opioids – Most people use opioids for pain relief, however, it is only a temporary solution because this substance can increase the risk of depression and anxiety, deeply affecting our mental health.
What are the Shared Risk Factors for Substance Abuse & Mental Illness?
There are factors that increase the chances of leading to both issues, addictions and mental health issues. Here let’s look at them:
- Genetic Vulnerability – Your genetics play a role in both problems. If your family has a history of such issues then you are likely to be affected by them too.
- Brain Chemistry & Neurotransmitters – Addiction and mental illness, both affect brain chemistry and neurotransmitters. They lead to an imbalance of brain chemicals which increases these issues.
- Environmental Stressors – There are environmental factors that lead to addiction and mental illness. Stressful life, trauma, and bad childhood experiences are some environmental stressors.
- Social Isolation & Peer Influence – Most of the time your peers influence you into using substances. Furthermore, they can affect your mental health too. In the same way, social isolation often leads to these issues too.
How Does a Nasha Mukti Kendra in Ghaziabad Provides Treatment for Both Conditions?
A rehab centre first understands the underlying reasons for these issues. Then they provide dual diagnosis by running many tests and counseling sessions. We have medications to manage your stress level. However, we make sure to plan a treatment approach for you that would impact both your issues. This is how a rehab centre helps you.
Contact Ekantar Foundation to Gain Recovery from Substance Abuse & Mental Illness!
Ekantar Foundation is always present here to help you gain recovery from substance abuse and mental illness. Our Nasha Mukti Kendra in Ghaziabad is famous for providing stress-free rehabilitation programs that are cost-effective and budget-friendly. You can contact us to receive full information before making your decision to join our centre.
