People with mental illness often have symptoms that are difficult to manage without supportive mental health care. Many people turn to substances, including alcohol, to help them cope with the uncomfortable symptoms of their mental illness. This is called “self-medication.” Addiction to substances is common in people with mental health issues because so many people live without mental health treatment or lack the support to make a mental health plan and stick to it.
If you or someone in your life live with alcohol addiction or mental illness, you do not have to manage this alone. The staff at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health is experienced in working with people with complex addiction and mental health issues and will work with you to make an individualized treatment plan to help you live a healthy, full life. For more information about our programs, call 833.625.0458 or fill out an online intake form.
Mental Health Issues that Can Lead to Alcohol Use
Certain mental health issues are more likely to lead to alcohol use and dependency. Sometimes people with mental illness use substances, including alcohol, to help them escape or manage their symptoms. Other times, the mental health illness may make them more likely to have impulsive behavior or impaired judgment. Common mental health issues that can lead to alcohol abuse are:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sleep disorders
- Antisocial personality disorder
Overall, about half of the people who struggle with addiction have an underlying mental health issue.
How Does Mental Health Counseling Help with Addiction?
Mental health counseling is an important relapse prevention tool. Counseling gives people the skills to understand how events in their past affect their current behaviors and teaches people how to manage stress and change in healthy ways.
Mental health counseling occurs in inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization settings. It is a crucial part of an initial addiction treatment program but should also be part of ongoing aftercare. Without giving people the skills to manage their mental health symptoms, they are more likely to return to old behavioral patterns and turn to substances again.
Do I Need Mental Health Treatment?
The first step in getting help for a mental health issue is realizing that your symptoms have become difficult to manage on your own. People sometimes turn to substances to manage their symptoms or escape or engage in other harmful behaviors. Some signs that you may benefit from mental health treatment are:
- You have a hard time functioning in your everyday life
- You feel down, hopeless, sad, or empty most of the time
- You feel worried, anxious, or restless most of the time
- You feel “stuck” in a past traumatic event
- You have thoughts of harming yourself or suicide
- You are using drugs or alcohol to escape from uncomfortable feelings
- Your eating habits have changed dramatically
- You have major sleep changes—either too much or too little sleep
Mental health disorders, although serious, are treatable with the right support and guidance from trained mental health advocates and experts.
Learn More About Mental Health Services in ATL
If you or a loved one need supportive mental health or addiction recovery care, contact the staff at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health. Our programs include:
- A residential mental health center
- A dual diagnosis treatment program
- Depression treatment program
- PTSD treatment program
- Group therapy program
Managing mental illness and recovering from addiction is possible. The staff at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health are ready to join you on your journey towards a healthy, fulfilling life. Call 833.625.0458 or fill out an online intake form today.
