From Unwell to Addicted – Preventing the Slippery Slope

Substance abuse and mental illness are heavily intertwined. Addiction can increase the risk of developing another mental illness – but it also goes the other way. Having a mental illness increases the risk of developing an addiction.

What Are the Mental Health Risks of Turning to Addiction?

Addictions can include smoking, vaping, binge drinking, and illicit drug use. All these can cause physical health problems, which can in turn impact mental health. While substance use can temporarily alleviate stress or negative thoughts, it can worsen symptoms of an existing mental disorder – going so far as to progress illnesses like bipolar further.

Substance use disorder is classified as a type of mental illness. 46% of those with substance use disorders also have a mood or affective disorder. This goes over 60% for adolescents.  This relationship means that substance abuse disorder is often comorbid.

What Are the Signs That a Mental Health Condition is Worsening?

If someone’s mental health condition is worsening, you might notice:

- Mood swings
- Increased anxiety
- Withdrawal
- Aggression or irritability
- Risky behaviour
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Low energy or interest in everyday life
- Negative or strange thoughts

Generally, if you notice your loved one’s thinking, attitudes or behaviours are changing without much explanation, their mental state may be deteriorating. Question whether they ‘seem like themselves.’

What Are the Signs That Someone May Be Developing an Addiction?

The comorbidity of substance use disorder and other mental illnesses is often due to similar risk factors. The symptoms of these different disorders occur simultaneously or contribute to each other. For example, someone struggling with hopelessness of major depression, may turn to drugs to self-medicate and feel something again. 

But at what point is substance use turning to substance abuse and addiction? Here are some signs:

- Using substances more than they say they will
- Trying to use less or quit but never does
- Missing work, less interested in work or decreased work performance
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Less interest in appearance or hygiene
- Secrecy, changes in behaviour or relationships
- Money problems

What Can Loved Ones Do for Someone Struggling? What if They Don’t Seem to Want Help?

Addiction may be rooted in an existing mental disorder. Sometimes, someone struggling may not be willing to change their habits but may be encouraged to deal with their mental struggle.

It is not easy to encourage someone to get professional help, but it can really make a difference. Make sure everyone is comfortable, actively listens, and uses positive statements. Be sure to avoid criticism or guilt-tripping, becoming over-involved, or pushing too much.

People may not want to seek help due to stigmatising beliefs, past experience, lack of understanding of what is involved in mental health support and issues with self-worth.

If you want to take someone to a PTSD psychologist or anxiety psychologist, they may be afraid to go through the long processes and effort for all the appointments. A good option is to direct them to a multidisciplinary clinic where everything is done in one location with one team that deeply understand their unique situation. Clinics like Clarity Health Care emphasises simplifying treatment.

Which Mental Illnesses Pose the Highest Risks for Addiction?

Around 25% of those with a serious mental illness also have a substance use disorder. A serious mental illness is classified as those that can cause serious impairment, which includes major depression, OCD, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Untreated ADHD and mental disorders from childhood also raise risk.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, an addiction psychologist can help.

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