What’s the connection between mental health and addiction?

Factsheet: What’s the connection between mental health and addiction?

About half of all people with substance use disorder also have a mental health condition ¹

• 32% of people with a mood disorder had a co-occurring substance use disorder ²
• People with anxiety disorders are 2-3 times more likely to have a substance use disorder ³
• 15-30% of people with alcohol use disorder also have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) ⁴
• 50-60% of military personnel and veterans with alcohol use disorder also have PTSD ⁴

Why do mental health and substance use disorders occur together so often?

1. Common risk factors. Trauma, stress, genetics, and environment all play a part in both mental health and substance use disorders.⁵
2. Mental disorders can contribute to substance use. For example, people who experience anxiety, stress, or depression may use drugs to try to feel better. Especially if they don’t have access to mental health care. ⁵
3. Substance use can worsen mental disorders. That’s because substance use can lead to changes in some of the same brain areas that are disrupted in other mental disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders. ⁵

Most don’t get the treatment they need

52.5% of people with co-occurring conditions didn’t receive mental health or substance use treatment ⁶

Why aren’t people getting care?

Among adults with co-occurring disorders who didn’t receive care:⁶

• More than half said they couldn’t afford care
• 1 in 5 didn’t know where to go for care
• 1 in 10 were worried about confidentiality and stigma
• Addiction and mental health go together.
  Treatment should, too.

Research shows that integrated treatment leads to better health outcomes for people with substance use and other mental disorders.⁵

That means:

• Making medication-assisted treatment available to anyone who wants it, virtually or in-person. Even on weekends.
• A team of providers, counselors, and recovery coaches who treat the whole person, not just their substance use disorder
• Meeting people wherever they are on their journey—whatever “recovery” means to them.

If you or someone you know is ready to move beyond addiction, call/text (866) 679-0831 or visit betterlifepartners.com/get-started today.

Sources:

1. Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report | National Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
2. Mood Disorders and Substance Use Disorder: A Complex Comorbidity
3. National Survey on Drug Use and Health | Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
4. Mental Health Issues: Alcohol Use Disorder and Common Co-occurring Conditions | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA)
5. Co-Occurring Disorders and Health Conditions | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
6. Comorbidity: Substance Use and Other Mental Disorders (NIDA)