Several types of mental illness exist that make it difficult for people to cope in life, especially when stress disrupts their lives. Many people with mental health disorders turn to drugs or alcohol to soothe their pain. This, in turn, leads to a substance use disorder. Co-occurring conditions, such as mental illness and substance abuse are common. However, they make life worse for the person involved. If you are suffering from a mental illness and substance abuse, then finding a quality addiction rehab center will get you on the right path to a brighter future. Let’s take a look at mental illness a bit closer.
Types Of Mental Illness That Lead To Substance Abuse
Any untreated mental illness may cause a person to begin abusing drugs. The reason for this is that the person tries to block out the uncomfortable feelings of their mental illness. Instead of getting treatment, they medicate themselves and cause greater harm.
Here are some common mental health disorders that exist with substance abuse:
Anxiety Disorders
There are various forms of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety, phobias, social anxiety, and panic disorders.
Mood Disorders
These mental illnesses affect the mood. Illnesses such as depression and bipolar disorder are included in this group.
Psychotic Disorders
A psychotic mental health disorder is not extremely common. They involve people seeing or hearing something. Schizophrenia is an example of this disorder.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
This mental health condition is characterized by recurring nightmares, avoidance of the triggering event, and anxiety.
Risks Of Untreated Mental Illness
Several risks exist when you don’t treat the various types of mental illness with proper therapy and sometimes medication. If you have a mental illness and don’t treat it, it tends to get worse and your mental health deteriorates. This can result in the following:
- Risk-taking behavior
- Suicidal ideation or actions
- Harmful actions to others
- Self-injurious actions
- Reduced physical health
Another thing that many people do when mental illness is untreated is to self-medicate. This helps relieve their symptoms but only temporarily. Self-medication usually takes the form of drugs or alcohol. This results in another problem — substance use disorder.
In addition, traumatic situations can show up later on in a person’s life, causing mental health problems. Some symptoms from this include nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, and disassociation.
Therapy For Mental Illness
Psychotherapy is a first step in the healing process for those with mental health disorders. During these individual sessions, a therapist will assess you to determine the type of mental illness you have. Then they will recommend a line of treatment and therapy. Some of the treatment therapies they may suggest includes:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- Dialectical behavior therapy program
- Group therapy program
- Individual therapy program
- Family therapy program
During therapy, you’ll also have an opportunity to vent your feelings and talk. You’ll also learn strategies for combatting difficult emotions, cravings for drugs, and living life on top.
Group therapy is also a tool for mental illness therapy. As you connect with others who are going through similar situations, you’ll find solutions together. You’ll discover varying perspectives on problems that you may not have considered while going through group therapy too. Plus, group support is invaluable.
Welcome to Blueprint Recovery Center
At Blueprint Recovery, we provide compassionate and professional service for those with mental health and substance use disorders. No matter what you’re going through, Blueprint is here to help you get through.
Don’t let mental health disorders and addiction overwhelm your life. Whatever types of mental illness you may have, we can help. Reach out to a qualified addiction rehab center for assistance today. Contact us at 833.654.1004, and we’ll walk beside you through it all.
