How Substance Abuse Can Lead to Mental Illness

June 10, 2024

By Arista Recovery Staff

Explore how substance abuse can lead to mental illness, the link between the two, and treatment approaches.

Genetic and Environmental Influences

In understanding how substance abuse can lead to mental illness, it's important to consider the combination of genetic and environmental influences that contribute to the development of addiction. Both play a significant role in determining who is more likely to develop a drug addiction.

Genetic Predisposition to Addiction

Studies suggest that about half of a person’s risk of developing a drug addiction is based on their genetic makeup, indicating that specific genes passed down in a family may increase the risk of drug addiction. For instance, adopted children have a higher risk of drug addiction if their biological parents were addicted to drugs, had criminal convictions, or severe psychiatric illnesses, indicating a genetic predisposition to addiction.

The field of epigenetics further illuminates the influence of genes on addiction. Epigenetics explains why one identical twin may develop a drug addiction while the other does not, showcasing how environmental influences can impact an individual's risk for addiction despite having the same genetic predisposition.

Impact of Environmental Factors

In addition to genetics, environmental factors also significantly impact an individual's likelihood of developing a drug addiction. Environmental factors such as access to drugs, peer pressure, family involvement, community activities, early drug use, barriers to treatment, disadvantaged neighborhoods, and stress levels can all increase the propensity for drug addiction [1].

Particularly, stress in the environment can trigger disorders like drug addiction. Stress interacts with the brain's reward system, leading to changes in the body's systems and increasing the likelihood of addiction.

Understanding these genetic and environmental influences is key to understanding the complex nature of addiction and its potential to trigger mental illness. It also underpins the importance of integrated treatment approaches that address both the biological and environmental aspects of addiction.

Co-Occurrence of Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Issuesd

Understanding the complex relationship between substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health disorders is crucial for effective treatment. These conditions often co-occur, requiring an integrated approach to manage both effectively.

Link Between SUD and Mental Disorders

People with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) may also have other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. The presence of co-occurring mental disorders can complicate the treatment process, requiring a more comprehensive and tailored approach [2].

Research suggests that having both a SUD and a mental disorder doesn't necessarily mean that one caused the other. However, it's important to note that there are three possible explanations for why SUDs and other mental disorders may occur together:

Common risk factors can contribute to both mental disorders and SUDs.
Mental disorders may contribute to substance use and vice versa.
Substance use and mental disorders can influence each other; when one gets worse, the other can too.

Treating Co-Occurring Disorders

Effective treatment for individuals with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental disorders usually involves addressing both conditions simultaneously rather than separately. Tailored treatment plans should be provided based on the individual's specific combination of disorders and symptoms.

Behavioral therapies have shown promising results in treating individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental disorders. These therapies can be used alone or in combination with medications for both adults and children/adolescents.

Additionally, effective medications are available to treat opioid, alcohol, and nicotine addiction, as well as to alleviate symptoms of various mental disorders. Some medications can be beneficial in treating multiple disorders, further emphasizing the importance of a tailored treatment approach [2].

Through a combination of behavioral therapies and medication, it's possible to effectively manage and treat co-occurring SUDs and mental health disorders. Understanding the intricate link between these conditions is key in addressing how substance abuse can lead to mental illness, and consequently, in devising effective treatment strategies.

Treatment Approaches

In addressing the issue of how substance abuse can lead to mental illness, it's important to discuss different treatment approaches. The focus of this section will be on two key treatment methods: behavioral therapies and medications for dual diagnosis.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies have shown promise in treating individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental disorders. They can be recommended alone or in combination with medications for adults, children, and adolescents.

There are various types of behavioral therapies that have proven effective in treating substance use disorders and related mental health issues:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This approach has been effective in reducing alcohol and drug use, as well as supporting improvement in other life domains. The effects are durable and tend to increase after the termination of active treatment [3].
Contingency management (CM): Research indicates robust positive outcomes from this method for individuals with cocaine use disorders, combined opiate and cocaine use disorders, alcohol use disorders, and marijuana use disorders.
Behavioral couples therapy (BCT): This therapy has been found to increase abstinence, improve relationship functioning, and decrease domestic violence in individuals with alcohol and drug use disorders [3].

Medications for Dual Diagnosis

In addition to behavioral therapies, effective medications are available to treat opioid, alcohol, and nicotine addiction, as well as to alleviate symptoms of various mental disorders [2].

Some medications can be beneficial in treating multiple disorders. For example, Buprenorphine (commonly known by the brand name Suboxone) is used to treat opioid use disorder and can also help with symptoms of anxiety and depression, common mental health issues that co-occur with substance use disorders.

It's important to note that medication should ideally be used in conjunction with behavioral therapies for comprehensive treatment. This combination can provide the highest likelihood of recovery and management of both substance use disorders and mental illness.

The selection and management of these treatments should always be under the care and supervision of a healthcare provider, as individual responses to treatment can vary. Careful monitoring and adjustments of treatment plans can ensure the most effective outcomes and minimize the risk of negative side effects.

Specific Substance Effects

Understanding the specific effects of different substances on mental health is critical in addressing how substance abuse can lead to mental illness. This section will focus on two commonly used substances: alcohol and cannabis.

Alcohol and Mental Health

Alcohol, while legal and easily accessible, can have significant impacts on mental health. Long-term use of alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms of some mental disorders. The severity of these effects largely depends on the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking can potentially cause serious physical and mental harm, including self-harm, suicide, and psychosis.

Substance	Short-Term Effects	Long-Term Effects
Alcohol	Relaxation, Lowered Inhibitions, Impaired Judgment	Exacerbated Mental Health Symptoms, Self-Harm, Suicide, Psychosis

Cannabis Use and Psychosis Risk

Cannabis is one of the most commonly used drugs, particularly among young people aged 16-24. While it can induce feelings of relaxation or happiness, it can also lead to detrimental mental health effects like anxiety, paranoia, and drug-induced psychosis. Some studies have linked cannabis use to an increased risk of developing psychosis or a psychotic disorder for the first time.

Substance	Short-Term Effects	Long-Term Effects
Cannabis	Relaxation, Happiness, Anxiety, Paranoia	Increased Risk of Psychosis, Anxiety Disorders

These specific examples underline the importance of understanding the risks and potential harms associated with substance use. It's crucial to remember that the short-term effects of these substances can be misleading, as prolonged use can lead to serious mental health issues. Prevention and early intervention strategies should emphasize these risks to mitigate the potential harm caused by substance abuse.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Understanding the risk factors involved in substance use disorders (SUD) and mental illnesses is crucial for prevention and early intervention. This section will explore the link between trauma and substance use as well as discuss potential interventions for prevention.

Trauma and Substance Use

Trauma, particularly adverse experiences during childhood, significantly increases the risk of drug use and the development of SUD. People suffering from PTSD may resort to substances to cope with anxiety and avoid dealing with their traumatic experiences. The co-occurrence of SUD and PTSD is associated with poorer treatment outcomes [5].

Physically or emotionally traumatized individuals are at a higher risk for drug use and SUD. Similar to those with PTSD, these individuals may use substances to reduce anxiety and avoid confronting their trauma. This co-occurrence of SUD and PTSD often results in inferior treatment outcomes.

Prevention Interventions

Stress is a known risk factor for various mental disorders and SUD. Exposure to stressors can lead to alterations in brain circuits that control motivation, potentially increasing the risk of SUD. Treatments targeting stress, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, have shown benefits in reducing depression, anxiety, and substance use.

Additionally, stress provides a common neurobiological link between SUD and mental disorders. Exposure to stressors is a major risk factor for relapse to drug use after periods of recovery. Higher levels of stress have been shown to reduce activity in the prefrontal cortex and increase responsivity in the striatum, leading to decreased behavioral control and increased impulsivity.

Prevention interventions should also address the high smoking rates among individuals with mental illnesses, particularly depression and schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia have smoking rates up to 5 times higher than the general population. Smoking may help alleviate symptoms of mental illnesses, leading to lower rates of smoking cessation among these individuals.

In summary, prevention interventions should be comprehensive and tailored to the individual's needs. They should aim to address not just substance use, but also the underlying issues such as trauma and stress that contribute to the dual diagnosis of SUD and mental illness.

Integrated Treatment Strategies

When it comes to treating substance use disorders that co-occur with mental health conditions, integrated treatment strategies are crucial for achieving positive outcomes. These strategies aim to address both the substance use disorder and the mental health condition concurrently.

Addressing Comorbidities

Treating comorbid disorders poses significant challenges due to the complex interplay between substance use disorders and mental illness. However, integrated treatment for these co-occurring disorders has been found to be consistently superior compared with separate treatment of each diagnosis [6].

Patients with comorbid disorders demonstrate poorer treatment adherence and higher rates of treatment dropout than those without mental illness, negatively affecting outcomes. Therefore, addressing both conditions in an integrated manner is key to successful treatment.

Research indicates that the onset of mental illness and substance use disorders often occurs during adolescence, and people who develop problems earlier typically have a greater risk for severe problems as adults. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) programs for adolescents should screen for comorbid mental disorders and provide treatment as appropriate.

Behavioral Treatment Approaches

Behavioral treatment is a cornerstone to successful long-term outcomes for many individuals with drug use disorders or other mental illnesses. Several strategies have shown promise for treating specific comorbid conditions.

These treatments may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based approaches. These methods aim to help individuals change unhealthy behavior patterns and develop coping skills to manage both their substance use disorder and mental health condition.

In some cases, medications may be used in conjunction with behavioral treatments. Effective medications exist for treating opioid, alcohol, and nicotine use disorders and for alleviating the symptoms of many other disorders. Some medications may help treat multiple problems, for example, bupropion is approved for treating depression and nicotine dependence [6].

By employing integrated treatment strategies that address both substance use disorders and mental health conditions, individuals can receive comprehensive care that addresses their unique needs and challenges. This approach is crucial in improving outcomes and helping individuals on their path to recovery.