It’s easy to deem addiction a lack of willpower. It is, however, a mental health condition called substance use disorder, or SUD.

The symptoms can range from moderate to extreme. The most severe symptoms are addiction — alcoholism, drug abuse, etc.

More than 3.7 million people over the age of 12 received some kind of treatment for SUD in the past year while another 21 million needed substance abuse treatment. Given these numbers it is likely we all know someone battling an addiction.

To promote and support evidence-based treatments of recovery practices and celebrate the dedication of those who work in recovery, September has been declared National Recovery Month.

How It Started

The recognition began in 1989 as Treatment Works! Month. It was a way to honor the work of addiction professionals. In 1998 it was renamed National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month to honor the individuals suffering from SUD and not just the professionals.

It didn’t become National Recovery Month until 2011. That change recognized the work done by people in behavioral health.

Besides celebrating the work of these professionals, it is also a way to educate the public about mental health and substance use disorders. The national opioid crisis, increased overdose rates, and the need for mental health resources have put a glaring spotlight on the connection between mental health and SUD.

More Than Addiction

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there is a co-occurring mental disorder in in about half the people who experience a SUD. These disorders could include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, personality disorders, and schizophrenia, among others. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has more information in its report, Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders.

Despite the co-occurrence, that doesn’t mean that one caused the other. There are several possibilities, according to NIMH, why they occur together.

• Common risk factors — Mental disorders and SUDs may be genetic as they sometimes run in families. Environmental factors like trauma or stress could cause genetic changes that are passed down through a family.
• Mental disorders can lead to substance use — Self-medication with drugs or alcohol for anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can lead to an SUD. The temporary benefits, however, will make continued substance use more likely.
• Substance use contributes to mental disorders — Brain structure and function can be altered using some substances which can lead to the development of brain disorders.

Diagnosis and Treatment

It’s best to treat the mental disorder and SUD together. This requires evaluation by a health care provider for each disorder. It can be difficult to make an accurate diagnosis with overlapping symptoms. However, with an accurate diagnosis in hand, you can get the treatment you need.

Treatment can include:

• Behavioral therapy
• Community treatment
• Family therapy
• Medication

Getting Help

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator for finding substance use and mental health treatment facilities and programs. SAMHSA also offers FindTreatment.gov for finding substance use disorder treatments and programs across the country.

For additional resources about finding help, visit:

NIMH: Help for Mental Illnesses page

National Cancer Institute: Smokefree.gov and their smoking quitline: 1-877-44U-QUIT (1-877-448-7848)

You Can Count on Us

AltaMed wants you to know that you are not alone. Our Behavioral Health team is available to provide short-term therapy to help you overcome any immediate challenges. We can also link you with mental health services if you need long-term therapy. There are licensed clinical social workers who speak English and Spanish available in our Los Angeles County and Orange County locations.

To learn more about our services, call us today at (855) 425-1777.