The term "self-medication" describes the common practise of taking medication or other substances for the aim of improving one's health or alleviating symptoms. Although there are instances in which self-medication is helpful, this practise can easily turn hazardous if it is not conducted under close medical supervision. This article will provide you with an overview of self-medication and the key knowledge you'll need before embarking on this path.
What Exactly Does It Mean To Self-Medicate?
Many of us are turning to opioids in the belief that they may alleviate the great anxiety and misery we are experiencing. You may use food, for instance, to lift your spirits or divert your attention from your boredom. You may smoke a joint or have a couple of drinks to relax before going out and lessen any social anxiety you might be feeling. Or perhaps you rely on sleep aids like Xanax or Valium, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medication, or prescription opioids to cope with the pain of recent loss or the stress of the present.
When someone uses drugs or alcohol in this way to cope with the effects of a mental health condition, they are said to be "self-medicating." Although you recognise that you are experiencing mental health difficulties, you may not be aware of effective methods for dealing with them. You may be turning to alcohol or drugs to cope with a symptom or situation that has not been properly diagnosed. For instance, many of us started participating in self-medication for symptoms of stress, worry, and depression because our lives were so significantly affected as a result of the epidemic and the ensuing economic troubles.
Self-medication may bring temporary respite, but it will only make things worse in the long run. Self-medicating on a regular basis can lead to addiction, a worsening of mental disorders, and a rise in the severity of health problems, regardless of the substance used. Additionally, it could disrupt your personal, professional, and academic relationships.
You are not, however, weak in any way. By understanding when and why you turn to self-medication, you can replace it with more beneficial coping mechanisms and boost your overall happiness and sense of well-being.
Why Some People Decide to Treat Themselves?
Depression, worry, and conflict are all sentiments that we're human and so encounter from time to time as a result of life's difficulties and setbacks. Feelings of hopelessness, worry, anger, grief, or overwhelming stress can all be normal; nevertheless, when they start getting in the way of your daily life, it may be time to seek help for a deeper issue. Nonetheless, it might be alluring to try to handle one's issues on one's own in the most basic way possible, such as by reaching for a drink or popping a pill, rather than seeking counselling.
This blog post will help you make an informed decision about Rehab Treatment Melbourne fees for different treatments.
Many of us have turned to self-medication to deal with the stress and unease we've been feeling as the world has lurched from one disaster to the next.
Substance abuse may be the only method for some people to cope with the distressing thoughts and emotions brought on by things like unresolved trauma. When faced with horrific situations or sustained focus on daily activities, some people turn to drink or narcotics. One's reasons for turning to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication are as varied as the methods by which one chooses to medicate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Medicating
There is a correlation between the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions and an increase in the rates of self-medication. Higher rates of substance usage are frequently the result of the cumulative effects of a number of different problems. You might look to substances as a means of finding relief from the discomfort caused by mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
An individual, or a member of the individual's family, selecting and using medication for the purpose of treating diseases or symptoms that the individual has either self-recognized or self-diagnosed, is an example of self-medication.
While it's possible that self-medicating could provide some relief in the short term, doing so would only make your problems worse in the long run. Self-medicating on a consistent basis, whether with alcohol, illicit substances, prescription prescriptions, or even food or cigarettes, can result in addiction, a worsening of mental disorders, and an increase in the severity of health problems.
It is helpful to increase your awareness of both the medications you are taking and the reasons why you are taking them. You will be able to keep your independence even when you are in the hospital thanks to this. It makes it easier for the ward staff to spot any issues with your medications and to provide you with further information and support, should you require it.
Individuals can practise self-medication by selecting and using drugs in a manner that is both safe and responsible in order to treat self-identified ailments or symptoms.
Forms Of Self-Medication
Feeding Oneself As A Form Of Self-Medication
If you tend to eat when feeling down, it's probable that you're using food to calm yourself down. Emotional eating is the habit of using food to deal with uncomfortable feelings. Others call this "comfort eating," while some call it "bingeing."
One study from 2015 found that persons who participate in emotional eating but are not clinically depressed may feel temporarily less stressed as a result. However, binge eating is not a healthy way to deal with depression and should be avoided. Damage to one's feeling of self-worth and worsening of mental disease symptoms are possible outcomes. There's also the possibility that it could negatively affect a person's physical health by making them gain weight.
Using Alcohol As A Form Of Self-Medication
Moderate alcohol use has been shown to temporarily reduce signs of depression and anxiety. Also, it may make a person more outgoing and social, giving them the idea that everything is OK, and alleviate their anxiety.
However, long-term abuse increases the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder and exacerbates feelings of depression and anxiety. Successful treatment for alcoholism can be time-consuming and difficult to implement. The road to rehabilitation may be long and winding.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, often known as PTSD, is another ailment that often drives patients to self-medicate with alcohol. Also, research has linked past trauma to an increased propensity to drink.
Using Psychostimulants As A Form Of Self-Medication
People with mental health issues are disproportionately represented among those who abuse psychostimulants like cocaine and amphetamines. Most likely, this is due to the euphoric effects that these drugs have. On the other side, cocaine is notorious for being addictive and for triggering depressive states in those who use it.
Cocaine can cause extreme addiction. Recreational use of this substance is extremely dangerous and can even be fatal. The cardiovascular system suffers severe consequences. Cocaine usage is linked to a number of serious health problems, including an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Stroke risk is increased because amphetamines speed up cardiac function.
Check this list of Rehabilitation Programmes to help you make an informed decision for your treatment.
Caffeine Use As A Form Of Self-Medication
Caffeine, a stimulant found in coffee and tea, is also present in other foods and beverages. Despite coffee's great fame as an effective wake-up beverage, the energising effects are short-lived. After the high wears off, a drop in insulin levels might bring on emotions of confusion and sadness. In addition, research shows that caffeine might heighten nervousness and agitation. If you're sensitive to caffeine's effects, it's best to drink no more than one cup of coffee or tea per day.
Using Cannabis For One's Own Treatment
The drug most typically used by depressed people is marijuana, sometimes known as cannabis. This is in contrast to the use of drugs like heroin, cocaine, and amphetamines, all of which are banned. Though some cannabis users claim the medication is useful in treating depression, more study is needed to determine the benefits and potential risks of taking marijuana as a treatment for depression.
Utilizing Opiates And Opioids For One's Own Medical Treatment
Opiates like codeine, morphine, and others are derived from the poppy plant. Numerous chemicals, collectively called opioids, mimic the effects of opiates. Examples of opioids include heroin, oxycodone, and methadone.
Depression Treated With One's Own Medication
The following are some signs of depression:
- A persistent feeling of melancholy, emptiness, hopelessness, shame, or unworthiness
- Irritability
- Having trouble focusing or concentrating Insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and other sleep disturbances are all symptoms of difficulty sleeping.
- Changes in satiety or weight
- An increase in the frequency of physical discomforts
- Suicidal ideation or behaviour
Substances like alcohol or drugs may diminish the intensity of these symptoms, but they may also cause depression.
Anxiety Relief Through Self-Medication
Many of the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression are similar, and self-medication for either disorder has similar dangers. Depression and anxiety are often linked to overactivity in the amygdala, a region of the brain involved in the processing of emotions.
Warning Signs That You May Be Using Your Own Medicines
Realizing when someone is medicating themselves can be difficult at times. After all, drinking alcohol is a part of many cultures that is generally accepted by the majority. Substances that were once outlawed for recreational use, like as marijuana, are now legal in many countries or may be obtained with little difficulty.
It's crucial that you look into what's triggering your drinking or drug use and what these habits are doing to your life. Take the common practise of popping a pain reliever: do you do it because your back hurts, or because you want to alter your mood after a long day at the office? If you're having a drink, is it to socialise with friends, to complement a meal, to help you relax, or to achieve one of these other things?
Indicators that you may be medicating yourself include:
- Substance abuse, specifically alcohol and drug use, is a common coping mechanism for dealing with negative emotions like stress, anger, and depression. A large percentage of us have used psychoactive substances to cope with the emotional pain that has resulted from unexpectedly negative events, including the end of a romantic relationship or the loss of a loved one. But suppose you regularly use drugs or alcohol as a means of reducing stress, ending boredom, boosting your mood, or getting you ready for social situations. A good likelihood exists that you are resorting to self-medication if this is the case.
- Use of drugs and alcohol significantly worsens one's condition. In most cases, the effects of alcohol and drugs are relatively temporary. In all likelihood, as the anaesthetic wears off, you'll feel even worse than before. Negative effects on sleep quality, energy, and immunity might result from self-medication, which can increase the likelihood of being sick. If you're already feeling bad and your substance use is on the rise, it's only a matter of time before you hit rock bottom.
- It takes more and more self-medication to feel any relief. When one or two alcoholic beverages used to be sufficient to relieve stress and anxiety, these days it often requires three, four, or even more. It takes more of the drug or alcohol to produce the same effects after tolerance sets in. As you continue to self-medicate, your tolerance will rise, and the problems caused by your increased substance use will worsen. Only you can break the pattern by learning healthy coping mechanisms for your problems.
- There seems to be no end in sight to your problems. You may have turned to alcohol to alleviate stress, but now you must also manage the resulting damage to your physical and mental well-being, as well as the strain on your personal and professional relationships, and the drain on your bank account. Things are getting more worse because of the tension. The more you rely on self-medication to cope with your problems, the more problems you'll encounter.
- You should be worried if you find yourself in a situation where you have no access to drugs or alcohol. Do you worry about how you'll act in social situations when you can't have a drink? Is it true that you experience increased anxiety when you're short on your medication? Do you feel restless waiting for payday to come around so you may buy more alcohol or contact your dealer? Feeling anxious about being without your drug of choice is an indicator that you may be using it for self-medication.
- Your family and friends are worried about you because of your substance abuse. Has someone close to you expressed concern that you seem to be drinking more frequently than usual? Maybe they've seen a change in your attitude or demeanour or perhaps the circle of people you hang out with. Substance abuse can affect not only the abuser but also people in close proximity to them. It's easy to brush off other people's concerns or pretend like everything is well. To admit that substance abuse has become a problem and to consider the worries of others who care about you takes a great deal of bravery, though.
The Risks Involved With Self-Medication
Self-medicating a mental health illness with substances carries risks beyond just developing an addiction to that substance. Self-medication can also be used for:
Make Symptoms Worse.
Self-medicating mental health issues can exacerbate existing symptoms or bring on entirely new sets of problems.
Interact With Medications Obtained Through a Prescription.
You should avoid drinking or using drugs if you are taking any prescription medications since they may interact negatively with each other and reduce their effectiveness or create unpleasant side effects.
Cause the onset of new mental health issues.
In addition to the issues that prompted the self-medication, new troubles may arise from frequent drinking or drug use if you are already at risk for a mental health disease. A higher risk of developing depression has been associated to opiate and alcohol use, whereas a higher risk of developing psychosis has been linked to marijuana and methamphetamine use.
Delay Or Prevent You From Seeking Help.
It's not easy to stop self-medicating and start looking for healthier, more effective methods of coping with emotional distress if you've already begun. However, once you realise that your substance use is contributing to and exacerbating your problems, you can go on to addressing them once and for all.
Self-Help Tip 1: Recognize Your Patterns Of Self-Medication
The first step towards developing healthier and more effective strategies for problem solving and emotional management is becoming aware of when and how you currently resort to self-medicating behaviours. Truthfulness with yourself and others who care about you the most and have your best interests at heart is essential.
It's common for people who abuse alcohol or drugs (or both) to justify their behaviour, minimise its impact on their lives, or even insist they don't have a problem. It's tempting to look outside of yourself for solutions to difficulties like those in your personal relationships and financial situation. Seeking the top rehabilitation facility?
Then Refocus Rehab Melbourne is the answer.
Due to the epidemic, the economic slump, and the rise in the unemployment rate, anyone can experience concern, anxiety, or sadness. It is critical, however, that you recognise the connection between your spending on alcohol and other drugs and the difficulties you're facing.
Denial can be caused by a variety of issues, not just those related to mental health. It's understandable to feel ashamed if you're having problems concealing the manifestations of a mental health disorder. Although it's tempting to ignore one's problems in the hopes that they'll go away, acknowledging their existence and working through them is the first step in recovery.
Admitting you have a mental health problem is neither a sign of weakness nor of a lack of character. There are effective methods to handle the difficulties you're facing at the moment and get your life back under control.
Maintain a log of your moods as well as your substance use.
For a few weeks, keep a journal in which you document when and how often you use alcohol or drugs, how much you use, and how you're feeling just before you start using (for example, stressed, anxious, depressed, or bored). The next stage is to analyse the results of the first to identify recurring themes and emotional triggers in your substance usage.
Make It A Goal To Stay Away From It For A Few Days Out Of Each Week.
Do you ever find that you need drugs or booze just to get through the day? Stop for a moment and think about how you feel right now. How does your level of stress, tension, and depression change when you use it less frequently? Do you feel like you're getting enough quality sleep? Can you kill time by coming up with strategies that are better for your psyche and work better?
Tip 2: Change Your Beliefs
Self-medicating with drugs increases the likelihood that one may interpret their drug usage in ways that make them believe it is more helpful than it actually is. If you have difficulties nodding off or staying asleep, for instance, you might discover that a nightcap including alcoholic beverages helps. Although alcohol can help you fall asleep faster, it will impair your sleep once you're in bed. It can cause you to wake up earlier than usual, necessitate more toilet breaks, exacerbate breathing problems, keep you from entering the restorative REM period of sleep, and make breathing troubles much more severe. All of that adds up to a night of poor sleep quality. It may take longer to fall asleep without that nightcap, but you'll get a better night's sleep and wake up feeling more rested and rejuvenated if you can resist the temptation.
In a similar vein, some people turn to alcohol as a form of self-care or mood-booster when they're stressed out. While it's true that having a few drinks will temporarily relieve stress and make you feel better, alcohol is a depressant and will actually make you feel worse in the long run. Consistent alcohol use has been linked to lowered serotonin levels in the brain and other CNS depression effects. Therefore, regular alcohol consumption can exacerbate preexisting mood and anxiety disorders.
However, it can be difficult to dispel the misconceptions and false beliefs that you have constructed in your head, even after you realise that the self-medication you have been engaging in is only providing a momentary distraction from the problems you are experiencing rather than solving any of those problems. But the more you challenge the truth of your beliefs about the benefits of self-medication, the less sway they will have over your actions. By foregoing ineffective and perhaps toxic substances in favour of effective and healthy alternatives, you will be able to reach your goal.
Tip 3: Finding healthier ways to cope is the third piece of advice.
It's easy to convince yourself that you're powerless over your mental health problems. There are always things you can do, with or without the help of a professional, to change how you feel and improve your symptoms, no matter what difficulties you're facing. Self-help measures, such as the ones listed below, are generally well-received by persons who suffer from mental health problems including depression, anxiety, or stress.
You are making an effort to seek the assistance of others.
One of the best ways to relax and quiet the nervous system is to have an in-person chat with a trusted friend or loved one. Finding methods to spend more time with loved ones might help ease stress and improve your disposition. This is true even in isolated communities.
You are engaging in more physical activity.
Physical activity may have a profound effect on your mood, helping you to relax and let go of stress while simultaneously fostering feelings of calm and contentment. Getting your body moving is not only good for your mental health, but it may also be a welcome diversion from the negative thought patterns that often underlie mood disorders.
Taking Up Some Form Of Relaxation Practice
Stress can be reduced and a more positive mood maintained by frequent practise of a relaxation technique like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
Your quality of sleep is starting to improve
Unfortunately, sleep deprivation can amplify negative emotions like worry, depression, and stress, just as mood disorders and some drugs can make it more challenging to fall asleep and stay asleep. Not getting enough sleep may also make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. However, if you live a healthy lifestyle and change your habits throughout the day and before bed, you can break the cycle and improve the quality of your sleep at night.
You have changed your diet to one that is healthier
What you put into your body has a significant impact on your mental state. Eating more fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, and reducing your intake of sugar and junk food will improve your mood and give you more energy.
Tip 4: Combining Different Treatments
When an individual develops an addiction to substances in an effort to alleviate the symptoms of a preexisting mental health disease, this is known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder (addiction or dependent). Co-occurring disorders require dual diagnosis therapy, which means the patient's substance addiction problem and underlying mental health issue are both addressed at the same time.
The treatment for your substance abuse may include detox, withdrawal management, therapy, or attendance at peer support groups. Depending on the degree of their addiction, some people can overcome their drug problems on their own with the help of family and friends, while others need the guidance of a professional.
Depending on the severity of your mental health problem, you may benefit from engaging in self-help activities, making healthy lifestyle changes, engaging in individual or group therapy, or taking medication.
Conclusion
"Self-medicating" is the common practise of taking medication or other substances for the aim of improving one's health or alleviating symptoms. This practise can easily turn hazardous if not conducted under close medical supervision. It can lead to addiction, a worsening of mental disorders, and a rise in the severity of health problems. Many of us have turned to self-medication to deal with the stress and unease we've been feeling as the world has lurched from one disaster to the next. One's reasons for turning to drugs or alcohol as a form of self medication are as varied as the methods by which one chooses to medicate.
People with mental health issues are disproportionately represented among those who abuse psychostimulants like cocaine and amphetamines. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another ailment that often drives patients to self-medicate with alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant found in coffee and tea, is also present in other foods and beverages. Many of the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression are similar, and self-medication for either has similar dangers. Insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and other sleep disturbances are all symptoms of difficulty sleeping.
Depression and anxiety are often linked to overactivity in the amygdala, a region of the brain involved in the processing of emotions. Use of drugs and alcohol significantly worsens one's condition. Negative effects on sleep quality, energy, and immunity might result from self-medication. It takes more of the drug or alcohol to produce the same effects after tolerance sets in. Only you can break the pattern by learning healthy coping mechanisms for your problems.
Self-medicating mental health issues can exacerbate existing symptoms or bring on entirely new sets of problems. Substance abuse can affect not only the abuser but also people in close proximity to them. Avoid drinking or using drugs if you are taking any prescription medications since they may interact negatively with each other and reduce their effectiveness. Admitting you have a mental health problem is neither a sign of weakness nor of a lack of character. There are effective methods to handle the difficulties you're facing and get your life under control.
Maintain a log of your moods as well as your substance use. Self-medicating with drugs increases the likelihood that one may interpret their drug usage in ways that make them believe it is more helpful than it actually is. Some people turn to alcohol as a form of self-care or mood-booster when they're stressed out. Alcohol is a depressant and will actually make you feel worse in the long run. Stress can be reduced and a more positive mood maintained by frequent practise of a relaxation technique like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
Sleep deprivation can amplify negative emotions like worry, depression, and stress. Not getting enough sleep may also make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. You have developed an addiction to substances in an effort to alleviate the symptoms of a preexisting mental health disease. This is known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder (addiction or dependent). The treatment for your substance abuse may include detox, withdrawal management, therapy, or attendance at peer support groups.
Content Summary
- The term "self-medication" describes the common practise of taking medication or other substances for the aim of improving one's health or alleviating symptoms.
- Although there are instances in which self-medication is helpful, this practise can easily turn hazardous if it is not conducted under close medical supervision.
- This article will provide you with an overview of self-medication and the key knowledge you'll need before embarking on this path.
- Although you recognise that you are experiencing mental health difficulties, you may not be aware of effective methods for dealing with them.
- Self-medicating on a regular basis can lead to addiction, a worsening of mental disorders, and a rise in the severity of health problems, regardless of the substance used.
- By understanding when and why you turn to self-medication, you can replace it with more beneficial coping mechanisms and boost your overall happiness and sense of well-being.
- Feelings of hopelessness, worry, anger, grief, or overwhelming stress can all be normal; nevertheless, when they start getting in the way of your daily life, it may be time to seek help for a deeper issue.
- Nonetheless, it might be alluring to try to handle one's issues on one's own in the most basic way possible, such as by reaching for a drink or popping a pill, rather than seeking counselling.
- This blog post will help you make an informed decision about Rehab Treatment Melbourne fees for different treatments.
- Many of us have turned to self-medication to deal with the stress and unease we've been feeling as the world has lurched from one disaster to the next.
- One's reasons for turning to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication are as varied as the methods by which one chooses to medicate.
- However, binge eating is not a healthy way to deal with depression and should be avoided.
- Using Alcohol As A Form Of Self-MedicationModerate alcohol use has been shown to temporarily reduce signs of depression and anxiety.
- However, long-term abuse increases the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder and exacerbates feelings of depression and anxiety.
- Successful treatment for alcoholism can be time-consuming and difficult to implement.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder, often known as PTSD, is another ailment that often drives patients to self-medicate with alcohol.
- Cocaine usage is linked to a number of serious health problems, including an increased risk of sudden cardiac death.
- Check this list of Rehabilitation Programmes to help you make an informed decision for your treatment.
- Anxiety Relief Through Self-MedicationMany of the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression are similar, and self-medication for either disorder has similar dangers.
- It's crucial that you look into what's triggering your drinking or drug use and what these habits are doing to your life.
- A good likelihood exists that you are resorting to self-medication if this is the case.
- Use of drugs and alcohol significantly worsens one's condition.
- In most cases, the effects of alcohol and drugs are relatively temporary.
- It takes more and more self-medication to feel any relief.
- As you continue to self-medicate, your tolerance will rise, and the problems caused by your increased substance use will worsen.
- Only you can break the pattern by learning healthy coping mechanisms for your problems.
- The more you rely on self-medication to cope with your problems, the more problems you'll encounter.
- You should be worried if you find yourself in a situation where you have no access to drugs or alcohol.
- Is it true that you experience increased anxiety when you're short on your medication?
- Feeling anxious about being without your drug of choice is an indicator that you may be using it for self-medication.
- Your family and friends are worried about you because of your substance abuse.
- To admit that substance abuse has become a problem and to consider the worries of others who care about you takes a great deal of bravery, though.
- Self-medicating mental health issues can exacerbate existing symptoms or bring on entirely new sets of problems.
- Cause the onset of new mental health issues.
- In addition to the issues that prompted the self-medication, new troubles may arise from frequent drinking or drug use if you are already at risk for a mental health disease.
- However, once you realise that your substance use is contributing to and exacerbating your problems, you can go on to addressing them once and for all.
- Self-Help Tip 1: Recognize Your Patterns Of Self-MedicationThe first step towards developing healthier and more effective strategies for problem solving and emotional management is becoming aware of when and how you currently resort to self-medicating behaviours.
- Truthfulness with yourself and others who care about you the most and have your best interests at heart is essential.
- It is critical, however, that you recognise the connection between your spending on alcohol and other drugs and the difficulties you're facing.
- Admitting you have a mental health problem is neither a sign of weakness nor of a lack of character.
- There are effective methods to handle the difficulties you're facing at the moment and get your life back under control.
- Maintain a log of your moods as well as your substance use.
- All of that adds up to a night of poor sleep quality.
- In a similar vein, some people turn to alcohol as a form of self-care or mood-booster when they're stressed out.
- However, it can be difficult to dispel the misconceptions and false beliefs that you have constructed in your head, even after you realise that the self-medication you have been engaging in is only providing a momentary distraction from the problems you are experiencing rather than solving any of those problems.
- But the more you challenge the truth of your beliefs about the benefits of self-medication, the less sway they will have over your actions.
- It's easy to convince yourself that you're powerless over your mental health problems.
- One of the best ways to relax and quiet the nervous system is to have an in-person chat with a trusted friend or loved one.
- Finding methods to spend more time with loved ones might help ease stress and improve your disposition.
- You are engaging in more physical activity.
- Taking Up Some Form Of Relaxation PracticeStress can be reduced and a more positive mood maintained by frequent practise of a relaxation technique like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Your quality of sleep is starting to improveUnfortunately, sleep deprivation can amplify negative emotions like worry, depression, and stress, just as mood disorders and some drugs can make it more challenging to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Not getting enough sleep may also make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- However, if you live a healthy lifestyle and change your habits throughout the day and before bed, you can break the cycle and improve the quality of your sleep at night.
- You have changed your diet to one that is healthierWhat you put into your body has a significant impact on your mental state.
- Tip 4: Combining Different TreatmentsWhen an individual develops an addiction to substances in an effort to alleviate the symptoms of a preexisting mental health disease, this is known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder (addiction or dependent).
- The treatment for your substance abuse may include detox, withdrawal management, therapy, or attendance at peer support groups.
- Depending on the severity of your mental health problem, you may benefit from engaging in self-help activities, making healthy lifestyle changes, engaging in individual or group therapy, or taking medication.
