The Substance Use And Mental Health Connection | Co--Occurring Disorders & Dual Diagnosis

In this video, you'll hear from Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Peter King, as he explains the connection between substance use and mental health challenges. For support with substance use and mental health download our FREE Parent Resouce Guide👇 https://sandstone.formstack.com/forms... For substance use or mental health support for teens and young adults call (855) 958-5511 or live chat with us at https://www.sandstonecare.com/ When an individual is struggling with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, the two conditions are referred to as “co-occurring disorders,” or “dual diagnoses.” According to a Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry study, 82 percent of teens who entered a treatment program for addiction also met the criteria for a mental health disorder. At Sandstone Care, we understand the importance of treating the whole person, which includes addressing co-occurring disorders concurrently with substance abuse and/or addiction. Often, a mental health issue can lead to a substance use problem: for example, a teen is feeling depressed and turns to marijuana to numb the feeling. And sometimes substance use can actually trigger a mental health issue; latent schizophrenia may emerge in the early adult years as a result of drug use. These two types of disorders can greatly influence and exacerbate each other. Symptoms of Mental Illness & Substance Abuse Emotional irregularity Lack of self-care Difficulty functioning in school or work Strained relationships Change in sleep and behavior patterns Change in diet Because of the overlap in symptoms, it’s very important to accurately assess and treat both challenges together. If not treated this way, recovery can be much more difficult, as treatment may only be focusing on one half of the problem. An individual can attend an alcohol rehab program, but never address the underlying anxiety disorder. While they may learn to stop drinking, the root of the issue isn’t addressed and another substance or unhealthy pattern may come into their life to cope with the anxiety. Conversely, many people seek help for mental health disorders, not fully comprehending that their substance use may be greatly contributing to their mental health in a negative way. If you or your loved one is working towards recovery and a whole, healthful life, it’s important to find a support program that understands and treats co-occurring disorders effectively. #addictionhelp #Mentalhealthpodcast #Sobertribe