Mental Health Treatment For Substance Abuse: Why It’s Important

Therapy and psychological intervention are essential components of substance abuse treatment. The source of substance abuse is often underlying mental health issues. In a similar way, substance abuse can lead to the onset of mental illness. In cases of progressed addiction, there is a greater likelihood of developing mental illness from consistent substance abuse.

The relationship that often coexists between mental illness and substance abuse is also affected by brain composition, biosocial theory, genetics, and environmental triggers, such as childhood exposure to trauma. 1 out of every 4 adults struggles with mental illness and battles with substance abuse. Mental health disorders like schizophrenia are closely associated with the co-occurrence of substance abuse, but mental illness of any kind is more likely to develop when substance abuse is taking place.

Addressing just one problem is unlikely to suffice because it won’t help an individual avoid engaging in substance abuse as a coping mechanism. For more information on the criticalness of mental health treatment in recovering from substance abuse, continue reading.

Substance abuse treatment should always include a mental health assessment.

Substance abuse disorders often manifest from an individual’s inability to cope in other ways; they’re simply doing what they can to cope with unmanageable stress. Whether due to underlying mental health conditions or outside life circumstances, stress can cause one to begin using substances as a last resort to cope. Sometimes, substance abuse disorders occur gradually, especially if the individual is regularly exposed to illegal substances or they are easily accessible.

If addiction runs in the family or friend groups, substances may be easier to access, increasing the likelihood of substance abuse and mental illness for the exposed individual. With the appropriate mental health treatment, effective coping strategies replace substances for stress management and mental illness symptom management. Recovering from addiction requires a detox period and a prevention plan, but sustained, long-term recovery requires mental tools and skills that can be used in times of distress. By leaning on these helpful coping strategies rather than substances, the individual learns to cope without addictive substances.

Therapy teaches skills that assist with relapse prevention.

Without a mental health treatment plan as a key integration of a larger, comprehensive substance abuse recovery plan, the individual does not have all of the skills and resources they need to stay sober for long. Many people lack emotional regulation skills and do not understand how to cope in healthy ways. By learning how to manage stress through mental health treatment therapies like CBT, DBT, and ACT, people in recovery have the tools to stay recovered.

Begin the process of recovery.

No matter what circumstances have triggered the substance abuse issues, all underlying mental health concerns and substance abuse disorders must be treated. If you’re struggling with substance abuse, mental illness, or a combination of both, get the help you need right away. Reach out to a mental health treatment and detox facility nearest you and start the recovery process today.