Understanding the relationship between addiction and mental health is crucial to achieving lasting recovery in sober living.
Substance use and addiction can contribute to the development of mental illness and vice versa. (Source: NIH) At our sober living home, we understand the importance of addressing both of these issues in order to build a fulfilling and sustainable life in sobriety.
The Link between Addiction and Mental Health
Addiction and mental health issues are closely intertwined. Drug use that comes before the first symptoms of a mental disorder may produce changes in brain structure and function and can lead to the development of mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. Additionally, mental health issues can lead to addiction, as people may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their mental health problems.
What Causes the Relationship between Mental Health and Addiction?
People who suffer from mental health disorders often self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, which can worsen symptoms and lead to mental distress or substance abuse. (Source: NIH.)
Childhood trauma and genetics are both risk factors that can contribute to the relationship between mental health and addiction. (Source: NIH, NIH)
Other factors that impact both addiction and mental wellness include environmental facts such as where you live, your culture, and socioeconomic status and neurological factors such as how your neurotransmitters function and your brain’s maturity.
At our sober living home we consider all of these factors when providing treatment and support to all of the people who walk through our doors.
The Benefits of Treating Addiction and Mental Health Together
Because addiction and mental health issues are so closely linked, it’s important for every secondary care centre to treat them together in order to help patients achieve lasting recovery (Source: NIH). Treatments that you may receive in a living house may include rehabilitation, medication, support groups, and talk therapy.
When addiction and mental health issues are treated together, clients can experience a range of benefits, including:
How Sober Living Can Help
- Improved overall mental health and wellbeing
- Reduced risk of relapse
- Increased self-awareness and understanding of triggers
- Improved coping skills and emotional regulation
- Greater chances of achieving lasting recovery
At Liberty Home, we understand the importance of educating people about the link between addiction and mental health, which is why we offer tailored treatments designed to help individuals address their addiction and mental health disorders. These include community group sessions, support groups, physical activity, one on one therapy, therapeutic duties and volunteer programs.
Our sober living home helps provide an important step in transitioning into recovery. Our compassionate and highly trained staff understand the link between addiction and mental health and are committed to helping our patients heal from their experiences.
At Liberty Home, our goal is to provide the education and support people need to build a fulfilling and sustainable life in sobriety.
