Mental health conditions and mental illnesses are on a steep rise. Dealing with mental illness can be a challenge for both patients and caregivers. However, when someone uses substances along with mental conditions, then the problems can spin out of control, and healing becomes complex. Substance use makes mental illness worse. And mental illness takes substance use out of control. This vicious cycle continues unless proper steps are taken to eradicate both issues.
How Does Substance Abuse Affect Mental Health?
To understand how substance abuse can make both mental health conditions and mental illnesses worse, let’s take a hypothetical situation. Suppose a person is suffering from depression and is also taking substances. Using those substances, he will feel positive for some amount of time. However, once the effect of the substance goes away, he will feel worse than he did before taking that substance. Now, the person keeps taking more substances to stay positive and happy. This cycle goes on.
Drugs and alcohol can make mental health worse, as our brain is made up of a network of neurons. These substances can permanently alter the way the brain cells work and function, altering the way they can send, receive, and process signals. This, in turn, leads to a number of neurological diseases.
It’s also important to notice that the effects of substance use do not show up right away. A person using any of the substances like Cannabis, alcohol, or others won’t feel any difference in memory in one month. These results often show up after years when the damage is already done. Now, let us look at some of the most common substances that can affect mental health.
Which Substances Can Affect Mental Health?
Substance abuse greatly impacts mental health, often making existing conditions worse and causing new issues. Here, we will understand how different drugs affect the brain in various ways, leading to a range of mental health problems.
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Cannabis
Cannabis use impacts mental health. High doses can intensify anxiety and paranoia, while prolonged use heightens the risk of depression. Heavy consumption may trigger psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, particularly in vulnerable individuals.
Recognizing these effects is crucial for addressing mental health concerns associated with cannabis use. It enables informed decision-making and tailored interventions. This understanding allows for prevention, education, and treatment in communities.
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Alcohol
Drinking alcohol in large volumes is linked to feeling down, as alcohol can mess up how the brain works. It can also make anxiety worse and increase the chances of getting anxiety disorders.
Excessive drinking can impair thinking and decision-making abilities. This can lead to problems like feeling sad, having unusual thoughts, or even serious mental issues in some cases.
Knowing how alcohol affects mental health enables us to develop effective strategies for its prevention. Teaching people about the dangers of drinking too much and helping those who have trouble with alcohol can make a big difference in keeping minds healthy.
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Heroin, Amphetamine and Methamphetamine
Heroin, Amphetamine, and Methamphetamine impact mental health at a considerable rate. Research links them to the cause of various mental health issues. Any use, including Methamphetamine, increases the risk of psychosis, violence, suicidality, and depression.
Aggressive behavior, nervousness, and violence are also associated with Amphetamine or Heroin use. Cognitive impairment is another consequence, affecting memory, attention, and decision-making capabilities. Understanding these effects is vital for implementing effective intervention strategies to address substance abuse and promote overall well-being.
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Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, a type of medicine used for anxiety and sleep problems, can really affect mental health. While they’re helpful for some conditions, using them too much or for too long can cause issues. Some problems linked to Benzodiazepine usage include feeling down, trouble thinking clearly, getting addicted, having withdrawal symptoms, and being more likely to fall, especially in aged situations.
Comprehending these risks is important for both doctors and patients. It helps doctors make better decisions about which medicines to prescribe, and it gives patients more control over their treatment. Patients suffering from SUDs can contact Los Angeles Drug Rehab to receive impactful solutions.
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Cocaine
According to Sanford Health, substance use disorder tends to occur more frequently in mental health conditions like major depressive disorder, anxiety and mood disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, conduct disorders, PTSD, and ADHD.
Conclusion
Mental illness coupled with substance use makes the recovery process extremely challenging. At such times, there’s a need for proper rehabilitation therapy, which can help patients get back on track. Cast Centres is one of the top Los Angeles Drug Rehab that includes experts to handle mental health conditions and mental illnesses.
