Drug Addiction and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders

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One of the most misunderstood aspects of drug addiction is its physiological basis. Addiction is a neurological disease – a condition brought about by irreparable changes to a person’s brain chemistry that requires clinical treatment. Overcoming substance abuse is therefore not a matter of willpower or strictly psychological therapy as many laypeople believe. We have the best drug rehabilitation centre in Mumbai.

However, several mental illnesses drive their victims to use drugs and develop addictions. Unfortunately, many people don’t discover these conditions within themselves until they form addictions and attend counselling and other therapies. A better understanding of these mental disorders can help addicts maintain sobriety, but it can also help prevent sufferers from forming addictions in the first place. Here are some of the mental illnesses commonly associated with drug abuse.

Depression – Depression and drug addiction often co-occur in a vicious cycle. People with pre-existing hormone imbalances may frequently experience deep sadness and despair. To alleviate or mask these feelings, they consume alcohol, marijuana, heroin, and other drugs which produce strong euphoric feelings. When they come down from these “highs,” they are just as depressed as before, if not more so. They consume ever-larger amounts of these substances to stay high until they develop physical dependencies. Their addictions lead them to destroy their careers, lose their friends, and alienate their families – all consequences which make depression even worse.

Anxiety – People who suffer from chronic fear or panic attacks may use calming substances such as alcohol or opiates to alleviate their symptoms. They enter into states of constant alternation between overwhelming anxiety and deep euphoria – states which quickly lead to abuse and addiction.

Anxiety disorder can also make post-acute withdrawal syndrome much more difficult for recovering addicts to endure. Most addicts – whether they suffer from acute anxiety or not – report feelings of anxiety during their recoveries. Those who have this co-occurring condition are particularly vulnerable to panic attacks and high-stress levels as they try to avoid cravings and compromising situations. These addicts must develop effective coping mechanisms for the cravings that will inevitably arise.

Schizophrenia – Many researchers now believe that drug use can exacerbate or even cause schizophrenia – a condition characterized by hallucinations, paranoia, and acute mental disarray. Alcohol, cocaine, meth, and marijuana have all been associated with schizophrenia and a majority of schizophrenics abuse these drugs. Some addiction specialists specifically blame heavy marijuana use on patients’ schizophrenic tendencies. Because of the ethical issues surrounding drug experimentation, however, it is nearly impossible for medical professionals to find out for sure whether these substances cause people to develop schizophrenia.

Overall, these mental illnesses can make it much more difficult for addicts and non-addicts alike to avoid drugs. Our dedicated addiction specialists are standing by day and night to give you a toll-free, no-obligation consultation. We have the best drug rehabilitation centre in India.

As there are many facilities to help and deal with such alcohol and drug-related issues in India, there are many top rehab centres in India where top-notch accommodation facilities are thus provided. Having the basic amenities of air-conditioned rooms and dormitories with the supply of hot water, veg, and non-veg food menu, satellite TV, and the availability of indoor games, the rehab centresalso have a 24/7 medical and support staff, with a panel of medical and psychiatric staff and also an experienced counselling team with top reputed therapists. One will also have the 24/7 availability of ambulances with clean and modern living areas which would indeed provide positive health being.

Address: Trucare Trust – Mumbai, Survey No.7, Ashram Road, Yeoor Hills, Thane West, Thane, Maharashtra 400610, India.

Contact Number: +91-9167006990

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