When sadness or worry won’t let up, it can affect nearly every part of daily life. Some people may turn to alcohol or drugs to feel better.
However, using these substances will ultimately make anxiety and depression much worse.
While many try them for fast relief, alcohol and drugs fundamentally alter how your brain works. When the effects wear off, your sad or worried feelings return even stronger. This starts a very harmful cycle that needs expert care.
At Bio Psychiatry Therapeutic Services, LLC, we help people who are struggling with both mental health conditions and substance use disorders. We want you to know the facts so you can make good choices for your health.
Why Do People Use Drugs or Alcohol to Cope?
Some people use alcohol or drugs to escape bad feelings. This is called self-medication.
For example:
- You may drink alcohol to feel calm
- You may use drugs to feel happy
- You may use them to forget your worries
For an hour or two, the loud worry might get quiet. The heavy sadness might fade. This makes the person think the alcohol or drugs are helping them heal.
But this good feeling is only a trick. The substances do not fix the real problem at all. They only cover up the pain for a little while. The core issue is still there, waiting to return.
How Does Substance Use Change the Brain?
Your brain produces natural chemicals that make you feel happy, relaxed and calm. These are good chemicals that are already reduced by anxiety and depression. Using drugs and alcohol adds to your brain’s confusion.
Substances force your brain to dump out a huge amount of happy chemicals all at once. After some time, your brain will no longer produce these “natural” chemicals naturally. It just waits for the drugs or alcohol to do all the work. Your brain becomes empty after you stop taking the drugs or drinks. This causes a huge emotional crash.
You feel even more anxious and depressed after this crash. You may feel anger, illness, or despair. Due to the feeling of being so miserable, you might turn to the substance again only to feel normal. This sets up a very bad cycle that you get stuck in.
How Common Are Mental Health Conditions and Substance Use Problems Together?
Very common. SAMHSA reports that approximately 21.2 million adults have both a mental illness and a substance use disorder. This is called a co-occurring disorder (also called a dual diagnosis or comorbidity).
People with co-occurring disorders are more likely to be hospitalized than people with only one problem.
Understanding Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis is a real medical term. It means a person has two problems at the same time. They have a mental health struggle, like deep sadness or worry. They also have a struggle with alcohol or drugs.
Both problems feed each other. You cannot fix just one. If you only stop drinking but ignore the sadness, the sadness will make you want to drink again. You must treat both problems together to find real peace.
What Are the Signs That Substance Use Is Making Things Worse?
You might wonder if your substance use is affecting your mental health. Here are some signs to watch for:
- You feel a strong need to drink or use drugs just to relax
- You feel much worse mentally after the drugs wear off
- You pull away from your family and friends
- You have a very hard time sleeping at night
- You feel like you have lost control over your daily choices
If you notice these signs, it is important to get treatment.
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Dual diagnosis means treating both mental health problems and substance use at the same time. SAMHSA recommends integrated care for anyone with co-occurring disorders.
Benefits of integrated treatment include:
- Reduced or discontinued substance use
- Improvement in psychiatric symptoms and functioning
- Increased chance for successful recovery from both disorders
- Improved quality of life
- Decreased hospitalization
- Reduced medication interactions
- Increased housing stability
- Fewer arrests
There are three models for delivering integrated care: coordinated, co-located, and fully integrated. Fully integrated care involves one team providing both mental health and substance use treatment in the same setting.
How Bio Psychiatry Therapeutic Services, LLC Can Help You
If you or someone you love is hurting, Bio Psychiatry Therapeutic Services, LLC is here for you. We provide holistic, compassionate telepsychiatry for children, adults and seniors.
Led by our owner, Vida Robb, our team specializes in treating dual diagnosis, depression, anxiety and alcohol use disorder. We know how to address your worry, sadness and substance use comprehensively.
Through our secure online platform, you can receive expert care from the safety and comfort of your own home.
We partner with you to set achievable goals. We will help you find the right medication. We will teach you how to cope with difficult days.
How Do I Break the Cycle of Substance Use and Mental Health Struggles?
Breaking this cycle takes time, patience and care. You do not have to fix everything in one single day. Here are some simple steps to help you start your healing journey:
- Ask for help: Tell a friend, family member, or doctor how you feel.
- Find a good doctor: Look for someone who knows how to treat both sadness and drug problems together.
- Learn new skills: Learn how to calm down by taking deep breaths, writing, or going for walks.
- Build good habits: Go to bed at the same time every night and eat healthy food.
Are You Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Better Mental Health?
Do not wait to get help. Bio Psychiatry Therapeutic Services, LLC is ready to help you. We offer compassionate, evidence-based care for people of all ages. Visit our website to book an appointment or call (240) 938-0543 today.
FAQs
Can drinking a little bit of alcohol cause panic attacks?
Yes. Even a small amount of alcohol changes your brain. When it wears off, your heart can beat fast. This can trigger a panic attack.
Will my depression go away if I stop using drugs?
Stopping drugs is a great first step. However, your brain still needs help to heal the deep sadness. Therapy and safe medicine will help your depression improve over time.
Can I get treatment for both my mental health conditions and substance use disorders at the same time?
Yes. This is called integrated treatment. It is the best approach for dual diagnosis. At Bio Psychiatry Therapeutic Services, LLC, we offer this type of care through telehealth.