Substance abuse is a serious problem here in the Philippines and it has posed huge health, safety, and security risks not only to the addict but to the whole population in general. Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain, affecting the reward, pleasure, motivation, focus, and memory circuits. However, not every addiction is the same although they wreak the same unspeakable pains to the addicts’ families and other people around them.
In the field of mental health, Substance Use Disorder (SUD), is the clinical term used to describe dependence and abuse of illicit substances. It is classified as a mental disorder. However, some people are hesitant to use the term :mental disorder” due to the existing stigma about mental disorders in general. Still, the link can’t be denied.
There were many cases worldwide where people with a diagnosed mental illness also suffer from SUD. This means that substance abuse and mental illness are co-occurring.
Meanwhile, those who abuse substances such as alcohol and drugs report mental illnesses in 1/3 of its population. This is called a dual-diagnosis. One has a mental illness and an addiction that co-occurs. From mild depression to bipolar disorder, the mental health deteriorates as the substance use worsens. Alternatively, abusing drugs can also lead to drug-induced mental health problems because of the addiction’s effects to the moods, behavior, motivation, and brain chemistry of the person.
Mental disorders that can occur with addiction are:
- depression
- anxiety
- bipolar disorder
- post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD)
When one is diagnosed with a mental illness, it doesn’t mean that a person has something “wrong” with them. Like any other illness, a diagnosis just helps in providing appropriate treatment along with substance rehabilitation.
Often, such cases need to be under professional guidance. They might also need to have in-patient rehabilitation for comprehensive treatment.
Bridges of Hope helps provide adequate help, treatment, and support for people with substance use disorders and many drug-induced mental illnesses. Call or text us at 09175098826.
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