What's the Connection Between Mental Health and Substance Use?

Kris Samson
May 21
2 min read

People with a substance use disorder (SUD) are often misunderstood, particularly those with co-occurring mental health conditions.

Breaking the stigma and seeking needed care can lead to deeper understanding, acceptance, and healing.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse: What’s the Connection?

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According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), tens of millions of people in the United States have mental illness, but only about half get the help they need. The other half suffers in silence.

There are many reasons for this disparity. Some individuals may be hesitant to seek mental health care due to their own or broader social attitudes towards mental illness.

There are also environmental challenges, with one-third of Americans living in an area with mental health professional shortages. However, the leading barrier to accessing mental health care is affordability.

Given these gaps in care, some people turn to substances such as drugs and alcohol to cope with depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, drug and alcohol use may cause brain changes that make mental illness worse.

For example, alcohol is a depressant which can disrupt the balance of chemical messengers in the brain, slowing down the signals between the brain and body. This imbalance can ultimately affect your mental health and contribute to a cycle of dependence.

Supporting Individuals with Substance Use Disorder

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There isn’t a magic bullet or one-size-fits-all approach for addressing SUD. Even for those seeking SUD treatment, 40% to 60% of people experience relapse, with the rate being higher for those in their first year of recovery.

However, awareness about the connection between mental health and substance use is growing at the same time we see increasing resources and treatment options for individuals with SUD.

Below we highlight a handful of approaches to supporting individuals with SUD.

1. Therapy and Mental Health Counseling

Any type of mental health counseling can address underlying mental health issues that may perpetuate substance use. There are more specialized approaches depending on an individual’s needs.

For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy aims to change thinking patterns that can lead to harmful behavior.

2. Family Support

Family therapy is also a tool to support individuals in recovery, recognizing the role of family systems on behavior. Therapists work with families, helping them understand their loved one’s thought patterns and behaviors.

This approach guides a comprehensive strategy that extends outside of healthcare walls, ensuring optimal support.

3. Developing Healthy Hobbies

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Individuals with SUD are often encouraged to seek hobbies because they serve as a therapeutic outlet. They also give people something to do, so they are less likely to use drugs and alcohol out of boredom.

Engaging in healthy hobbies can also improve self-esteem and help build community.

One place to start could be picking up an old hobby or thinking about your strengths and finding opportunities to foster them.

4. Companionship

Companionship can play a crucial role in the recovery journey for individuals with SUD. Sober companions help foster health by building relationships and accountability.

Positive relationships through companionship create opportunities for individuals to build trust and develop new coping strategies, which contribute to long-term recovery success.