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Danielle Wathes

The Complex Relationship Between Addiction and Mental Illness

Addiction is a difficult conversation to have, it's a highly sensitive topic and usually associated with a series of negative taboos and plenty of misunderstanding. In this article, we look into the connection between mental illness and addiction; unravelling the neurobiological aspects that connect these two phenomena and breaking down stigmas after many years of misconception surrounding addiction.


The Overlapping Epidemics: Addiction and Mental Illness


Addiction and Mental Illness

For too long, addiction and mental illness have been viewed as unrelated public health problems. But the fact is that addiction and mental illness share a deep and complex connection - one that has had devastating consequences for millions of people around the world.


Recent studies show that nearly one-third of people with substance use disorders also have a mental health disorder and that more than half of those who seek treatment for a mental health disorder also suffer from addiction in some variation. The prevalence of co-occurring disorders is even higher in certain high-risk populations, such as the homeless, incarcerated, or veterans.



Addiction and Mental Illness


The Science Bit

The neural pathways involved in addiction and mental illness are highly intertwined. Studies have shown that certain areas of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system, play significant roles in both addiction and mental illness. These regions are responsible for regulating emotions, decision-making, and reward processing - functions that are deeply impacted by both substance abuse and psychiatric disorders.


Addiction and Mental Illness

Emerging research suggests that there may be shared genetic factors that predispose individuals to develop both addiction and mental illness.

A growing number of studies have identified specific gene variants and genetic markers that are associated with an increased susceptibility to both substance abuse and psychiatric disorders.

More research needs to be done, and anyone can fall into poor mental health or addiction but it does seem that it is more likely in individuals who have a specific genome or a family history of addiction.


The neurochemical imbalances that underlie addiction and mental illness also exhibit striking similarities. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are involved in both addiction and mental health disorders. Disruptions in the delicate balance of these neurotransmitters can lead to profound changes in mood, cognition, and behaviour, contributing to the development and perpetuation of addiction and mental illness.


Know your neurotransmitters!

Addiction and Mental Illness

Of course, not all of us can or will monitor the effects of these complex neurotransmitters on a daily basis but it's important to know the role they play.



Understanding the Impact of Dual Diagnosis

Addiction and Mental Illness

Dual diagnosis is where individuals experience both addiction and mental illness simultaneously.

The presence of mental illness can often contribute to the development of addiction, as individuals may turn to substances or addictive behaviours as a means of self-medication or coping with their symptoms.


Conversely, addiction can also exacerbate or contribute to the onset of mental illness, as the abuse of substances can disrupt brain chemistry and lead to changes in mood, cognition, and behaviour.


Often dual diagnosis occurs as substances and behaviours are used as a tool to cope or self-medicate. An individual may feel these substances help them sleep, remain motivated or help them escape particular memories of trauma.


Addiction and Mental Illness

The Cycle of Addiction

Dual conditions can be particularly difficult to treat because mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, depression or personality disorders feed addiction behaviours ending up in a vicious cycle that can be a challenge to break free from.


It's important to consider all the different types of addiction that can involve this cycle of behaviour:

  • Alcohol

  • Drugs

  • Sex

  • Gambling

  • Food

  • Shopping

  • Internet

  • Video Games



Dual diagnosis presents a unique set of challenges for both individuals and treatment providers. It requires a nuanced approach that addresses both the addiction and the underlying mental health issues concurrently. Traditional treatment models that focus solely on one aspect of the dual diagnosis may be ineffective, as the interplay between addiction and mental illness requires a more comprehensive and integrated approach.


Moreover, the complexity of dual diagnosis can be further compounded by the presence of comorbidities, where individuals may have multiple mental health disorders or co-occurring medical conditions. These additional layers of complexity necessitate personalized treatment plans that consider the unique needs and circumstances of each individual.



Navigating Treatment Options and Challenges

One of the key aspects of navigating treatment options is recognizing the complex relationship between addiction and mental illness. Understanding how these two conditions interact and influence each other is vital in designing personalized treatment plans that address both aspects comprehensively.


It's incredibly difficult to treat dual conditions and having experienced the complex process myself, I won't pretend that it's easy. Medical professionals will likely want to treat both conditions separately but in sync with each other. Usually, they will prioritise the most immediate risk to life and go from there, liaising with each other to find the best treatment plan/method.  Identifying treatment facilities or programs that specialize in dual diagnosis can be crucial in ensuring that individuals receive the integrated care they need. Navigating treatment options for dual diagnosis can be challenging. The complexity of these conditions often requires a coordinated effort among different healthcare providers, including psychiatrists, therapists, addiction specialists, and primary care physicians. Coordinating care between these professionals and ensuring effective communication can be an ongoing challenge.


Another important consideration when navigating treatment options is the availability and accessibility of resources. While there are a variety of treatments available, it is essential to consider factors such as financial constraints, insurance coverage, and geographical location. Rehabilitation facilities both inpatient and outpatient usually have waiting lists especially if they are referred through the NHS, opting to go private will make availability more likely but it's very expensive with an average cost of £7,000-£10,000 per 28-day stay. You can seek treatment for any addiction problem at any stage however rehab facilities prefer an individual to be willing and show signs of participating in sobriety.


Other therapy options include:

  • individual therapy

  • group therapy

  • family therapy

  • cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

  • dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)

  • psychodynamic therapy

  • 12-step addiction treatment

  • music and art therapy

  • nutrition therapy

  • exercise therapy


It can all seem a bit overwhelming, but the first place to start would be a local GP or addiction advice service such as Turning Point, which has bases throughout the UK where you can pop in and talk to a professional.


Furthermore, the stigma surrounding addiction and mental illness can add additional hurdles in navigating treatment options. Many individuals may feel reluctant to seek help due to fear of judgment or discrimination.


You can find more information about addiction treatment here:

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