1(800) 615-1067Substance abuse and mental illness are not the same, but they can be related. Substance abuse refers to the use of alcohol or drugs in a way that causes significant problems or distress. Mental illness, on the other hand, refers to a wide range of conditions that affect a person’s mood, thinking, and behavior.
Substance abuse can lead to the development of mental illness or worsen existing mental health conditions. For example, the long-term use of alcohol or drugs can lead to depression or anxiety. On the other hand, mental illness can increase the risk of substance abuse, as some people may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. It’s also possible for someone to have both a substance abuse disorder and a mental illness at the same time, which is known as a co-occurring disorder. In these cases, it’s important for treatment to address both conditions simultaneously in order to promote recovery.