Substance use disorders and mental health disorders often go hand-in-hand. Many people who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction also suffer from conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Failing to address co-occurring mental health issues during addiction treatment can negatively impact the likelihood of achieving and maintaining sobriety.

The Connection Between Substance Abuse and Mental Health

There are several reasons why mental health conditions and substance abuse overlap so frequently. Those with mental illness may turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication, to numb psychological pain or quiet racing thoughts. Substance abuse can also alter brain chemistry and trigger the onset of mood disorders that may not have surfaced otherwise.

Whatever the cause, the statistics clearly show a strong correlation. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, over 50% of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse. Meanwhile, more than 20% of Americans with a substance use disorder also have at least one co-occurring mental health diagnosis.

How Untreated Mental Illness Hinders Addiction Treatment

Entering rehab with an untreated mental health disorder can make it much more difficult to get sober and adopt the behavioral changes necessary for recovery. Here are some of the main ways poor mental health impacts drug treatment outcomes:

• Increased cravings and withdrawal symptoms – Mental health conditions like depression or anxiety can physically alter the brain’s reward pathways and intensify drug cravings. This makes it harder to withstand triggers and maintain abstinence.
• Difficulty focusing – Conditions like ADD/ADHD or bipolar disorder may prevent individuals in treatment from concentrating during therapy sessions or absorbing the material. This undermines the benefits of rehab.
• Maladaptive coping mechanisms – Those with trauma or personality disorders often rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms like avoidance or denial. These can interfere with treatment, making patients resistant to change.
• Higher risk of relapse – Struggling with symptoms like hopelessness or suicidal thoughts can weaken commitment to sobriety. Patients with untreated mental illness have relapse rates double that of the general population.

Integrated Treatment Provides the Best Chance for Recovery

The most effective approach for people with co-occurring disorders is integrated treatment that addresses substance abuse and mental health concurrently. This dual focus helps minimize the ways mental illness can sabotage rehab efforts. Key components of integrated treatment include:

• Evaluation and diagnosis – Thorough screening identifies all existing psychiatric conditions that require treatment.
• Individual counseling – One-on-one therapy helps patients develop coping skills for managing mental health and substance abuse issues.
• Medication management – Prescription medications can stabilize mood disorders and make patients more receptive to other treatment interventions.
• Dual recovery groups – Peer support with others battling both addiction and mental illness reduces feelings of isolation.

Getting sober is extremely difficult without first establishing mental wellness. Integrated treatment programs that include an intensive outpatient program improve outcomes by ensuring patients get the comprehensive support they need to manage both substance abuse and mental health disorders. 

Addressing these dual issues together lays the strongest foundation for long-term recovery.