Mental health issues and substance abuse tend to go hand-in-hand. In fact, this is often referred to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. There are a number of reasons why someone might experience both types of problems. Therefore, understanding the link between them and learning about treatment options is a good first step to recovery. Let’s take a look at how untreated mental health disorders lead to addiction and the ways in which Venture Academy can help your teen.
About Mental Health and Addiction
A great many factors contribute to and influence our state of mental health. For example, these include things like brain chemistry, heredity, and life experiences. Different conditions come with their own unique set of symptoms, but most can negatively affect one’s life to some extent. Substance abuse issues also frequently cause difficulty in everyday functioning.
Both mental illness and addiction can lead to relationship trouble, poor work or school performance, risk-taking behaviours, and other issues. Though symptoms will vary, you may notice varying levels of emotional changes, lack of interest in activities, erratic behaviour, and changes in sleep or energy level.
How Untreated Mental Health Disorders Lead to Addiction
When it comes to how untreated mental health disorders lead to addiction, it’s important to remember that one doesn’t necessarily directly cause the other. However, there is a strong link between mental health problems and substance abuse. One of the biggest reasons this can occur is that someone experiencing negative symptoms from a mental health condition may look for relief through the use of illegal drugs or alcohol.
In fact, self-medicating is common among teens. They probably don’t know why they’re feeling the way they do, and they may not know how to ask for help. Taking drugs or drinking alcohol can help to dull the bad feelings. However, these substances can also make mental health symptoms worse.
How Venture Academy Can Help Your Teen
It’s easy to see how untreated mental health disorders lead to addiction, but that doesn’t make it less painful to deal with. Venture Academy can help you to get your teen the behaviour treatment they need for their unique issues.
For example, our services include:
- Specialized treatment for troubled teens
- Individual and family therapy
- Educational component
- Youth detox program
- 30 day assessment and intervention
The Venture Academy staff focuses on providing holistic therapy and meeting the complex needs of each client. Give us a call at *DM_DirectNumber format=period orig=(855) 281-5813* to learn more. You don’t have to manage your teen’s problems all by yourself. There is help on the road to health and well-being, no matter what issues you may be facing. Therefore, learn more about how untreated mental health disorders lead to addiction.
