Understanding Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Mental health and substance use disorders affect people from all walks of life and all age groups. These illnesses are common, recurrent, and often serious, but they are treatable and many people do recover. Mental disorders involve changes in thinking, mood, and/or behavior. These disorders can affect how we relate to others and make choices.
SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service AdministrationRead MoreWhat is drug addiction?
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.† It is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Those changes may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs.
NIDA National Institute on Drug AbuseRead More
How are addiction and mental health disorders related?
I’m Struggling. Is it Addiction or a Mental Health Disorder?
Unfortunately, hurtful stigmas surrounding drug and alcohol addiction remain. But the truth is that addiction is a mental health disorder that causes cognitive, behavioral and physiological symptoms. For example, you might find yourself drinking alcohol despite consistent hangovers, risky behaviors while under the influence and failing to meet your obligations.
Visit Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation to Read MoreMental Health and Substance Use Co-Occurring Disorders
Mental health problems and substance use disorders sometimes occur together. This is because:
- Certain substances can cause people with an addiction to experience one or more symptoms of a mental health problem
- Mental health problems can sometimes lead to alcohol or drug use, as some people with a mental health problem may misuse these substances as a form of self-medication
- Mental health and substance use disorders share some underlying causes, including changes in brain composition, genetic vulnerabilities, and early exposure to stress or trauma
What Are the Signs of Having a Problem With Drugs?
One important sign of addiction is that a person continues to use drugs even though it's harming their life: physical health, performance at school or work, or relationships. They feel like they can't stop using drugs, no matter what happens.
Other signs can include: Hanging out with different friends than usual. Not caring about their appearance. Getting lower grades in school. Missing classes or skipping school. Losing interest in their favorite activities. Getting in trouble in school or with the law. Having different eating or sleeping habits. Having more problems with family members and friends.
Find mental health services, including treatment for drug and alcohol addiction.
Get help for veterans and family members to deal with mental health issues.
Millions of Americans have mental and substance use disorders. Find treatment here.
Welcome to FindTreatment.gov, the confidential and anonymous resource for persons seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Help for Veterans
If you or someone you know needs help now, contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can: **Dial 988, then press 1. **Chat online Send a text message to 838255. **Veterans' caregivers can find help through the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.