The connection between drugs and mental health is a complex, multifaceted issue influenced by biological, psychological, and societal factors. Research reveals that substance use and mental health disorders share a bidirectional relationship, where one condition can influence the development or severity of the other (De Filippis et al., 2024).
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly half of individuals with a substance use disorder also experience a co-occurring mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder (Compton et al., 2022). This overlap emphasizes the intricate interplay between these conditions, shaped by a variety of contributing factors.
Dr. Paige Huff and Micheal Huff, expert instructors from Avila University, offer critical insights into human behavior and mental health disorders. Read on as they explore how substance use and other factors can impact mental health outcomes, plus how a holistic approach can help providers deliver better care.
How Drugs Affect the Brain: Biological Factors in Mental Health
At the biological level, substances like alcohol, cannabis, and opioids alter the brain’s reward and stress systems, disrupting neurochemical balances such as dopamine and serotonin pathways, which are closely tied to mood regulation (Koob & Volkow, 2016). These changes can worsen symptoms of mental health conditions, making recovery especially challenging.
Furthermore, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including trauma, abuse, or neglect, can profoundly impact emotional regulation and increase susceptibility to both substance use and mental health disorders later in life (Fuller-Thomson et al., 2016). Studies show that individuals with a higher number of ACEs are more likely to engage in substance use as a coping mechanism for unresolved emotional pain, contributing to a destructive cycle that exacerbates psychological distress (Moustafa et al., 2021).
Societal Trends in Substance Use and Mental Health
From a societal perspective, trends in substance use vary across demographics, with some positive shifts, such as a decline in alcohol use among young adults, attributed to changing cultural norms and greater awareness of alcohol’s mental health impact (Bachman et al., 2014; Burgess et al., 2022). This trend is a refreshing change, although psychological professionals hope this change will continue (Caluzzi et al., 2022).
However, the ongoing opioid crisis, particularly the rise in fentanyl-related overdoses, highlights the pressing challenges in addressing substance misuse (Caponnetto et al., 2024). Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid far more potent than morphine, has been linked to a surge in accidental deaths, especially among individuals with preexisting mental health challenges (Caponnetto et al., 2024). The dangerous cycle of psychological stress and physical dependency illustrates the need for urgent and targeted interventions (Kelleher & Morse, 2010).
Mental Health as a Risk Factor for Substance Abuse
Mental health conditions also frequently act as risk factors for substance use. It seems that mental health issues and substance abuse are easily intertwined, perhaps out of an individual’s necessity rather than a mere choice of lifestyle (Volkow et al., 2016).
Individuals who experience undiagnosed or untreated mental illnesses may turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication to manage emotional pain, intrusive thoughts, or feelings of isolation (Meneo et al., 2023). Unfortunately, this often leads to a worsening of both the mental health condition and the substance use disorder, creating significant barriers to recovery (Sharma & Bennett, 2015).
Treatment Approaches for Co-Occurring Disorders
Addressing this dual diagnosis necessitates a holistic approach that incorporates preventative measures, early interventions, and integrated treatment strategies (Jordan, 2020). Evidence suggests that combining mental health services with substance use disorder treatment can yield better outcomes (McCance-Katz, 2018). For instance, interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) have demonstrated success in managing co-occurring disorders and breaking the harmful cycle of substance use and mental health decline (Magill et al., 2023).
Programs that account for individual experiences, including the lasting effects of ACEs and societal shifts, are crucial for fostering long-term health and well-being (Winstanley et al., 2012). By offering comprehensive care, addressing underlying factors, and building supportive communities, society can work toward meaningful solutions to the intertwined challenges of drugs and mental health.
Gain Insights Into Human Behavior, Trauma, and More With Avila
The online Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health delivers advanced knowledge in essential areas like lifespan development, treatment of disorders, cognitive processes, and personality. Whether you are working in the field and want to deepen your knowledge or are ready to earn your master’s on the path to doctoral study, this flexible program delivers the expertise you need to excel. Earn your degree in just 12 months and complete a capstone guided by one of our supportive faculty members for real-world experience.
Learn more about Avila’s online M.S. in Psychology program today.
