Drug Addiction And Mental Health: 5 Things You Should Be Aware Off

We often hear experts talk about the relation of mental health with that of drug addiction.

 

But isn’t it used as a coping mechanism for mental health?

 

Or, that is what we have heard from former patients of addiction!

 

However, there is a lot of dimension to this statement. Yes, it is true that someone dealing with many mental health issues is more prone to drug addiction.

 

But, these drugs can also stimulate your headspace in the worst way possible and make you more addicted.

 

Plus, yes, they can worsen your mental health!

 

Thus, a trusted Los Angeles drug rehab center suggests that you should be well aware of the connection. If stress is pushing you towards these substances, and you find yourself unable to control them, you should get some help immediately.

How Can Drugs Affect You Mentally

According to the top experts, these are some of the ways in which drugs can make your mental health worse.

1. They Can Make You More Stressed

With the constant chemical reaction in your nervous system, your brain is even more active than normal.

 

Thus, if you have an overthinking issue or anything, you can imagine the mental exhaustion from all the thinking.

 

No, not all thoughts are positive because you are high; some are so negative that they can cause panic attacks.

2. They Can Make You Delusional

When you put yourself under Drug Rehab after so long, a few mental health issues are likely to attract.

 

Hallucinations because of delusional thoughts is one of them.

 

The chemicals make it impossible to understand the difference between hallucinations and reality. If you suffer from PTSD, you will see your worst traumas play in front of you at times like this.

3. Your Anxiety Won’t Fall

Do you think getting a little high will automatically cure your anxiety? Well, you are wrong because that is not the case at all.

 

Heart palpitations and thoughts can cause even worse anxiety.

 

When you are under drugs, your head goes in a loop with the same thought again and again.

 

Imagine it to be a bad thought which is draining all the dopamine out of your body and causing frequent panic attacks.

4. Clinical Depression Is Common

Clinical depression is more common than you think among patients who suffer from drug addiction.

 

This is because sometimes the chemicals feel normal and stop having the same euphoric effect.

 

You either take more which can lead to overdose, or you come back to reality which seems more harsh and depressing than before.

 

Some patients even feel this impending doom of hopelessness, which can also cause suicidal thoughts.

5. Will Make Withdrawal Worse

Yes, withdrawal is worse when you already have mental health issues, and you are battling drug addiction.

 

This is because you have added more problems to the list without properly working on the last ones.

Why Mental Health Is So Important (Keeping It In Check)

Now that we have understood the relationship between Drug Rehab and mental health, here are some of the reasons why you should keep it in check.

Why Is Mental Health So Important?

Mental health might have come into the limelight recently, but it was always there. If your body is an ecosystem, then mental health plays a big role in its functioning.

 

Biopsychologists have even tried to understand why certain diseases and ailments are caused by poor mental health.

 

Thus, addiction and mental health always go hand in hand. Someone who is content with themselves and knows how to cope with stress will never need addictive substances for escaping.

 

Taking care of your mental health doesn’t mean you are always positive and happy; it means you will know how to deal with the negative parts in a much healthier way than addiction.

How You Can Keep It In Check

Underneath mentioned are some of the ways in which you can keep your mental health in check.

1. Regular Therapy

We cannot stress this point enough!

 

It is so important for anyone to get to regular therapy.

 

No, you do not have to deal with a big mental health disorder or other problems to understand your mind.

 

It is always helpful to know from where your stress and negative thoughts originate and how to cope with them in a much healthier way.

2. Self Care Time

Self-care is more important than anything!

 

No matter how many friends you have or what responsibilities you hold in a relationship or family, you need to have a day out for yourself.

 

This is the day you do the things that make you happy. So take time out from work, and just concentrate on your well-being.

 

So have a skincare regime or simply watch a good movie

3. Digital Detoxification

This is not just for your work screen timing but also for your social media.

 

Social media is a healthy distraction in many ways, but it can also get toxic when you start comparing.

 

This can worsen your mental health. So, instead of mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, how about reading a book.

4. Mindful Activities

Mindful activities help you stay alert and at the moment, rather than being lost in your thoughts.

 

Some of the mindful activities you can try right now is mindful meditation for five minutes or simply penning your thoughts in a journal.

5. Conversations With A Loved One

There is nothing more helpful than a meaningful conversation with a loved one or friend. This is when you will realize how much you care about yourself, and you can also get a clear perspective from their suggestion.

 

Take some time out for your friends and family, and have a heart-to-heart.

Good Mental Health, Means Great Physical Health!

Good mental health is the start of everything fresh!

 

Once you start taking care of your mental health, you will find yourself understanding a stressful situation much better than panicking.

 

Thus, keep your mental health in check and make sure you are continuing that therapy every month.