5 Mental Illnesses That Commonly Occur with Alcohol Abuse

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Those who suffer from mental illnesses commonly turn to alcohol in an effort to self-medicate and escape their symptoms. On the other hand, those who suffer from alcohol abuse are at higher risk for mental health problems.  Suffering from mental illness and addiction at the same time is known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders, which can be effectively treated at most alcohol rehab centers.

If you’re suffering from mental illness and use alcohol to help you cope, understand you’re not alone and that help is nearby. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-948-8417 Sponsored to speak with an addiction counselor about your options for alcohol rehab and addiction treatment.

Here are five mental illnesses that commonly occur with alcohol abuse.

1. Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression or bipolar depression, is a condition where you experience brief bouts of mania or extreme excitability, followed by longer bouts of depression. During the manic phase, you may experience constant elation or euphoria, a reduced need for sleep and increased energy. During the depressive phase, you may experience symptoms such as feelings of sadness, thoughts of suicide and lack of energy.

Those with bipolar disorder may abuse alcohol during the manic phase when they feel more sociable, as well as during the depressive phase to mask depression symptoms.

The Benefits of Mental Health Counseling during Residential Treatment for Alcoholics

There are many options available to alcoholics to help them deal with detoxification and help them to become clean. However, the detoxification process will be for nothing if the patient does not get an opportunity to deal with the psychological ramifications of the addiction. There are many benefits of mental health counseling while the addict is going through residential treatment for alcoholism. Supportive Counselors on Hand Nothing is more important to a recovery than the support an alcoholic has and with a mental health counselor on hand to help them, they will receive plenty. The threat of a relapse is…

2. Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a disorder that affects your ability to think, feel and behave.  A person with schizophrenia may suffer from hallucinations, delusions or disorganized thinking that can lead to a disconnection from reality. This disconnection makes everyday life extremely difficult, especially because many people with schizophrenia do not believe they have a mental illness or need help.

Those who suffer from schizophrenia may abuse alcohol to help them improve their social interactions and to relieve other symptoms associated with their illness.

3. Major Depression

Major depression, also known as clinical depression, is diagnosed when you have persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. It can impact your daily life, keeping you from normal day-to-day activities, and, in the most severe cases,  it may lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Common symptoms of major depression include:

• Anxiety
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feelings of guilt
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Sadness
• Excessive crying
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite
• Sudden changes in weight
• Loss of concentration
• Thoughts of suicide

Those who suffer from major depression often turn to alcohol with hopes of improving their mood and avoiding distressing emotions.

4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD occurs when you experience or witness a traumatic injury, accident or event from which you continue to experience the symptoms of trauma for more than a month or impacts daily functioning.  A person with PTSD may suffer from intrusive thoughts, avoid reminders of the event, exhibit signs of depression, have heightened arousal or reactivity and dissociation.  Those with PTSD may abuse alcohol in an attempt to numb their pain and escape the negative feelings that resulted from the trauma.

5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a condition where you experience uncontrollable obsessions and compulsions.  A person with OCD has unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that lead them to repeat behaviors (compulsions) to ease their anxiety.  For example, they may worry about getting sick, so they wash their hands over and over in an attempt to quiet their fears. This begins a cycle that can lead to major disruptions in daily life.  Those with OCD may abuse alcohol to relieve the feelings of anxiety associated with their condition.

If you or someone you love is suffering from alcohol abuse and mental illness at the same time, understand that you’re not alone. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-948-8417 Sponsored to speak with an addiction counselor who can help you find rehab centers that treat co-occurring disorders.