Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical and mental health condition, not a moral issue. AUD was known as “alcoholism” until 1994, when the American Psychiatric Association (APA) discarded that term in favor of “alcohol abuse” and “alcohol dependence.” The organization updated the terminology again in 2013 to “alcohol use disorder”. The APA no longer clinically uses “alcohol abuse” and “alcoholism” because they’re less accurate and contribute to stigma around the condition. What is the connection between alcoholism and mental illness? Read on to learn why AUD is considered a mental health condition, which mental health conditions commonly occur alongside it, and treatment options.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
AUD involves more than just drinking frequently. It includes both a physical and mental dependency that can disrupt everyday life. People with AUD often experience intense cravings and may struggle to interact normally with others without alcohol. By officially classifying AUD as a mental health condition, professionals have helped to reduce judgment around the disorder. Treatment options, including alcohol rehab WV, provide support for individuals aiming to regain control over their lives. Some common symptoms of AUD include:
- Intense cravings for alcohol
- Loss of control over drinking amounts
- Continued use despite negative effects on health and relationships
Understanding Mental Health Problems
Mental health problems refer to a range of conditions that prevent affected individuals from interacting as normal with others as well as with their environment. The term “mental health problem” covers everything from mild anxiety disorders to severe mental health conditions like schizophrenia, each of which can impact the likelihood of developing alcohol-related issues. This type of condition can seriously affect a person’s ability to deal with life, eventually getting so bad that the individual may need to stay in long-term care. Some of the most common types of mental health issues include:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Psychosis
- Personality disorder
Each of these conditions can impact how a person copes with stress, emotional pain, and social pressure—factors that can increase alcohol misuse.
How Alcoholism and Mental Illness Are Connected
Alcoholism involves a physical addiction, but, as mentioned above, it also interferes with the person’s mental state to such an extent that they may struggle to interact normally with the environment, so it is for this reason that it is referred to as a mental health problem. As well as physical dependence, the individual also has psychological dependence, which means that they experience cravings and just cannot cope without alcohol. The overlap of mental illness with alcoholism is common; individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, or trauma may turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication. However, alcohol use often worsens these mental health issues, creating a self-perpetuating cycle. The need to continue with the behavior involves a mental compulsion, and it involves denial. For those facing co-occurring conditions, a residential treatment center West Virginia offers specialized programs that target both mental health and addiction
When alcohol becomes a coping mechanism for mental health issues, it reinforces dependency through relief and escaping, making the problem worse. For example, a person dealing with intense anxiety might drink to ease their symptoms temporarily, yet over time, alcohol worsens the anxiety. The brain begins to associate alcohol with short-term relief, and the individual may drink more frequently or in larger quantities to achieve the same effect.
This cycle of alcohol use to manage mental health symptoms doesn’t just lead to dependence; it also intensifies the symptoms of the original mental illness. Alcohol, as a depressant, worsens the feelings of depression and can intensify feelings of hopelessness or sadness, especially when used regularly. Consequently, it becomes difficult to determine whether the mental health issue led to alcohol use or vice versa, further complicating treatment. Addressing both conditions at once through dual diagnosis treatment WV allows individuals to break the cycle. Comprehensive care targets the underlying mental health issues while helping the person build healthier coping mechanisms and gradually reduce alcohol dependence.
Alcohol’s Impact on Brain Function
Recent scientific studies have confirmed that continuing alcohol use causes changes to the brain and that those changes may be permanent. Alcohol is a depressant, signaling the central nervous system to slow down motor, cognitive, and other vital functions. As a result, the body’s reaction time is slower, and balance, judgment and coordination decline. These declines can cause serious physical risks, such as increased likelihood of injury, impaired decision-making, and severe health consequences if left unaddressed. Addictive substances like alcohol affect the pleasure and reward center of the brain, triggering an increase in dopamine levels. This is particularly dangerous for alcoholism and mental illness
Dopamine, known as the “happy” chemical, is naturally released by the brain in reaction to a pleasurable experience, reinforcing that experience as “good.” This dopamine response doesn’t only reward the initial behavior; it also encourages repeated actions, leading to a pattern of misuse. Alcohol causes unnaturally high levels of dopamine to be released, delivering an intense response and strongly ingraining the desire to repeat the experience.
Recognizing Alcohol Use Disorder: Key Questions to Ask Yourself
Alcoholism is a substance use disorder that develops gradually over time, and when dealing with alcoholism and mental illness it can be difficult to differentiate when a problem begins. It can be difficult to pinpoint when social drinking progresses into problematic alcohol abuse. Many individuals may start by drinking to relax or socialize, which can slowly escalate into a coping mechanism for managing mental distress. The following 11 questions can help determine whether you have alcohol use disorder (answer yes or no):
- Do you end up drinking more or for longer than planned?
- Have you tried to quit drinking and failed?
- Do you spend a lot of time drinking or dealing with the after-effects of alcohol?
- Do you experience intense cravings for alcohol?
- Is drinking alcohol interfering with your ability to perform at your job or take care of your family?
- Has drinking led to problems in your relationships?
- Have you cut back or given up previously enjoyed activities to drink?
- Have you put yourself or others in danger under the influence of alcohol?
- Do you continue to drink even though it’s causing physical and/or mental health problems?
- Do you find that over time, you need more drinks to get the same effects?
- Do you experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, restlessness, and trouble sleeping when the effects of alcohol wear off?
If you find yourself answering “yes” to several of these questions, seeking support from professional rehabs in WV can help you or a loved one address AUD with a structured, supportive approach.
How Mental Health Disorders Affect Alcoholism
Rather than thinking about cause and effect, it’s helpful to view the co-occurring nature of these conditions. Mental illnesses can contribute to substance use disorders, and substance use disorders can contribute to the development of mental illnesses. For example, individuals might drink because they’re depressed (to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders). On the other hand, excessive drinking could stimulate symptoms of depression or anxiety. This influence can trap individuals in a cycle of worsening mental health and increased alcohol dependency.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about half of all people who have one condition also have the other. When the conditions occur simultaneously, professionals refer to the diagnosis as a co-occurring disorder, comorbidity or dual diagnosis.
The Stigma of Alcoholism and Mental Illness
It is important to realize that while some individuals are open and honest about their well-being, others may deny having a problem at all. Denial is a common reaction for those who are not yet ready to get help. There are various explanations as to why someone may negate they have a problem. Common reasons include fear of judgment, shame, and societal pressure to handle their issues privately.
For instance, individuals struggling with alcoholism and mental illness are sometimes ashamed to admit there is something wrong. They might view their problem as a personal shortcoming or a failure that they are embarrassed to open up about. Alcoholism and mental health conditions can be a sensitive subject. In cases such as these, it may be beneficial to discuss the matter with an alcohol counselor or treatment provider. Seeking help from trusted professionals is a step toward recovery and mental wellness.
Addressing Denial as the First Step to Recovery
It’s essential that once a person stops using alcohol, they address any underlying mental health issues. If they do not do this, it can mean that life in recovery could become a real struggle; the individual could then use this as an excuse to relapse. Addressing mental health alongside addiction recovery helps individuals gain a balanced, resilient approach to managing stress and life’s challenges. There are many treatments available to help manage the symptoms of mental health conditions; the hardest part is acknowledging there is a problem that needs fixing.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to treating a dual diagnosis. Typically, a comprehensive recovery plan is the safest and most effective way to overcome a co-occurring disorder. These plans incorporate various therapies and aftercare programs that address both alcohol abuse and mental health condition.
Understanding Treatment Options for Alcoholism and Mental Illness
For anyone battling both alcoholism and mental illness, an integrated treatment plan that targets both conditions is necessary. This is especially true when both conditions are tightly interwoven, as each can worsen the other. Programs designed for dual diagnosis treatment help to build coping skills, manage symptoms, and create healthier habits. A dual diagnosis program might include:
- Individual therapy: Therapists help individuals identify their triggers and develop healthier responses to stress.
- Medication: To help reduce withdrawal symptoms, medication-assisted treatment can be beneficial.
- Support groups: Programs like group therapy for addiction provide shared experiences that create a strong support network.
Such programs address both mental health and substance use, which is key for lasting recovery. For many, access to a supportive community can make all the difference in navigating recovery.
The Role of Family in Recovery
Family members play an essential part in the recovery process. While it is not easy to witness a loved one struggling with alcohol and mental illness, supporting them during recovery can make a world of difference. Family therapy sessions help educate families on ways they can best support their loved ones, as well as how to avoid potential triggers that might disrupt progress.
In family-based programs, loved ones gain insight into the addiction process and how they can play a positive role in someone’s journey. Additionally, teaching young family members about the effects of alcohol misuse can encourage a healthy understanding of substance use. This can include learning how to educate kids on the dangers of alcohol so that they understand the potential impacts of substance use from an early age.
Preventing Relapse Through Aftercare Programs
Aftercare programs are necessary to prevent relapse. Those in recovery often require continuous support to help them cope with the daily challenges of staying sober. Effective aftercare might include:
- Regular counseling sessions
- Participating in support groups
- Practicing new skills learned during treatment
In addition, aftercare programs stress the dangers of social drinking for those who are in recovery, reminding individuals of the risks associated with even moderate alcohol use. Aftercare helps reinforce the skills and mindsets developed during treatment, providing a solid foundation for long-term recovery.
Contact Harmony Ridge & Take Control Of Your Life Today!
It is not easy to accept the alcoholism and mental illness effects on our lives, and it’s even harder to face them. The process may seem difficult, and you may feel the battle is already lost. However, we at Harmony Ridge Recovery Center are here to assure you that freedom from addiction is always worth pursuing. You and your loved ones deserve a fulfilling life, free from addiction, where you can thrive and prosper. If you’re ready to make this liberating step forward, contact us today and let us craft a better future together.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK571451/
https://sites.duke.edu/apep/module-2-the-abcs-of-intoxication/science-content/repeated-use-of-alcohol-can-cause-long-term-changes-in-the-brain/
