People may turn to drugs for any number of reasons. Whether it’s because of peer pressure, curiosity, stress, mental health concerns, or another reason, using drugs often winds up having adverse effects in the long term. Many illegal drugs or legal drugs used outside a doctor’s guidance can cause addiction and worsening mental health over time. Also, when you abuse an addictive substance, it takes more and more of it to achieve the same effect each time. This means it can drain your finances and cause you to lose interest in other vital parts of your life like relationships, career, and education. Fortunately, there are many fully accredited drug addiction treatment programs available to help.
At Olympic Behavioral Health, we want to assure you that you don’t need to struggle with drugs and mental health on your own. Our compassionate staff is standing by to answer your questions and get you started on the path toward better health. Call [Direct] or reach out to us online to learn more about drug addiction treatment at Olympic Behavioral Health.
The Connection Between Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Naturally, different commonly abused substances have different effects on mental health, and effects vary from one person to the next. Nevertheless, there is some general information to help you understand the relationship between substance abuse and mental health, including:
- Opioids – This class of drugs is often prescribed for pain that occurs chronically or due to surgery or injury. Although those who abuse opioids often enjoy the relaxation or sleepiness they feel when they use, these powerful drugs can cause them to lose all interest in other aspects of their lives.
- Stimulants – These drugs are sometimes called “uppers” since they make those who use them feel alert and energetic. They’re sometimes prescribed for disorders like ADD or ADHD to help with focus, but like opioids, their chemical properties can cause dependence and abuse over time.
- Benzodiazepines – Also known as benzos, these drugs are prescribed to help with panic, anxiety, insomnia, or physical conditions like seizure disorders. When misused, they can be extremely dangerous because of their ability to cause confusion, difficulty forming new memories, and extremely slow breathing.
What to Expect From Rehab for Drugs and Mental Health
Many times, substance abuse is linked to a pre-existing mental health concern. For example, a person struggling with anxiety might receive a limited prescription for a benzodiazepine from their doctor but then become addicted to the drug. They may then seek it out for the calming effects it provides and continue to use long after their prescription has run out.
At a qualified treatment center like Olympic Behavioral Health, our fully accredited care team will work to identify situations where a dual diagnosis is needed. In these cases, it means that substance abuse co-occurs with a mental health concern, and both should be treated with equal weight. Medication may be necessary for safe withdrawal and cravings management. A qualified center is an ideal environment to take such medication safely and in tandem with supportive therapies.
A successful rehab program for drugs and mental health typically includes behavioral therapy that helps bring awareness to the underlying reasons for drug abuse. Through this one-on-one treatment modality, clients gain agency by learning to make positive changes to their lifestyles. Group therapy is usually also present, and this modality supports clients by providing a peer group working to overcome similar challenges. Group likewise helps clients learn effective coping skills for social settings. Finally, family therapy can help clients repair damage to relationships that may have occurred due to drug abuse or other traumas. This greatly facilitates safety, health, and compassionate support going forward.
Find Treatment for Drugs and Mental health at Olympic Behavioral Health
Mental health concerns and drug abuse are extremely common. There’s no need to feel shame or isolation if you or a loved one is in pain. Reach out to us at Olympic Behavioral Health by calling [Direct] or messaging us online, and take the first steps toward healing from addiction and mental health disorders.