More often than not, people who have substance use disorder (SUD) usually have an underlying mental health condition. Studies have shown that approximately 60% of adolescents seeking treatment for SUD also meet the criteria for a mental illness. This has led many people to wonder if depression causes addiction.
The answer is not simple, and there is some evidence to suggest that there may be gender differences in the development of SUD. Women may be more likely to develop SUD due to an underlying mental health condition. Also, many women develop SUD due to prescription medications used to treat chronic psychological or physical conditions.
Conversely, men could be more likely to develop SUD due to peer pressure. Of course, men also may be struggling with a mental health disorder that may exacerbate SUD.
While people may develop SUD for different reasons, one should not feel that their gender or any other aspect of their identity determines how, if, and when one develops SUD. It is important to remember that everyone is different, and addiction can affect everyone differently regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status. This is why Pathways Wellness Center believes it is essential to treat a person as a whole.
Many people throughout their lifetimes will experience a traumatic event. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes that depression is a typical response after someone has experienced a traumatic event. Each person will cope with such events differently. If a person does not receive proper support while healing from a traumatic event, it can lead to lasting impacts on someone's mental health.
If one's depression is long-term, it can lead a person to seek ways to cope with the pain. Many people turn to drugs and alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate their depression. As substances are used in place of healthier coping mechanisms, one's brain rewires itself to believe that drugs and alcohol are vital to feeling okay. This rewiring, coupled with the physical addictiveness of one's substance of choice, may lead to SUD, especially if drugs or alcohol are being used over a long period of time.
Understanding the life of a person afflicted with SUD is crucial to creating an effective treatment plan. If there is untreated trauma, it can present as depression or a wide variety of other mental health conditions that may exacerbate SUD. Although women may be more susceptible to using drugs for self-medication, men, of course, also experience trauma and also self-medicate due to trauma.
Whether it is war, physical or sexual abuse, the death of a loved one, or an injury, men are also susceptible to trauma. In some cultures, men may feel pressured to perform a pick-yourself-up-by-the-boot-straps mentality. Ultimately, this mentality will most likely not help men cope with adverse events or emotions.
In many cases, it is a matter of life or death that one struggling with SUD gets treatment. It is crucial that, regardless of one's gender, one is able to develop a treatment plan to successfully manage one's SUD and any other underlying mental health conditions.
Although it is common for people entering treatment for SUD to receive a dual diagnosis, not all people with SUD have an additional mental health condition. Throughout history, drugs and alcohol have been used as social activities. For many people, SUD develops as a result of peer pressure.
Most of us can probably think of situations in our lives where the use of drugs or alcohol feels expected and encouraged. These situations may start off innocently enough, and many people who drink or use drugs may not necessarily develop SUD. However, some people who start using alcohol or drugs in social situations may develop SUD despite not having any other mental health condition.
To make things even more complicated, SUD can mimic the symptoms of other mental health conditions. For this reason, loved ones need to stay vigilant. What may start as mood swings, depressed behavior, or irritation may not be depression but instead the development of SUD. If not treated, substance-induced mood disorders can begin to develop due to the long-term effects on the brain that drugs and alcohol can produce. Substance-induced mood disorders include:
Many of these disorders will begin to mitigate upon treatment, but they can have lasting impacts. If you are watching a loved one exhibit behavioral changes, getting them help immediately is vital. If your loved one is struggling with SUD, a different mental health condition, or a combination of the two, they need an individualized treatment plan to tackle this issue. Pathways Wellness Center offers the critical care needed to help those facing depression.
Here at Pathways Wellness Center, we believe people are more than statistics and numbers. We understand that the relationships between substance use disorder and mental health conditions are complex and vary from person to person. We are dedicated to getting to know our clients personally to ensure they get the appropriate level of care they need. Although many people with SUD also struggle with other mental health conditions, it isn't appropriate to assume that everyone who enters treatment requires a dual diagnosis. Our expertly trained staff will be here to guide you through the healing process and evolve with you as you grow during your recovery. For more information on our dual diagnosis treatment programs, call us at (888) 771-0966.
