Substance Use and Mental Health: Why They Often Go Together

Two things that often travel together

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people who have a substance use disorder often have other mental health conditions as well, and the reverse is also true. The two can affect each other. Feeling anxious or low may lead someone to use a substance to cope, and substance use can in turn make those feelings worse.

Which came first?

Sometimes a mental health condition appears before substance use. Sometimes substance use seems to trigger or worsen a mental health condition. Often it is hard to tell. For the person living it, the order matters less than getting an honest picture of what is going on now.

Why it matters when you seek help

If you are struggling with both, it helps to say so. Sharing how you have been feeling, sleeping, and coping gives clinicians a fuller picture, and it helps them recommend the right kind of care. It is not an admission of weakness.

It is also normal to feel confused about what is related to what. You do not need to untangle it before you reach out. That is part of what a professional assessment is for.

Be gentle with yourself

Struggling with both is more common than most people realize, and it is not a character flaw. Treatment, support, and time can help.

If you are in crisis

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 any time, or call 911 in an emergency.

Starting a conversation

To ask about care at Cherry Creek Treatment Center in Wichita, call admissions at 316-330-7126. Tell them what you are comfortable sharing, and ask what would fit your situation. The team can let you know whether they are a good match or help point you in another direction.