Published May 4, 2021
Have you been getting help with for a problem with substance use, problem gambling, or a mental health disorder, but just cannot find an emotional footing to make progress? First, don’t be hard on yourself. That struggle is completely normal. Second, we suggest you and your support network step back and think bigger. Are there other critical factors in your life that you have not considered?
Ongoing research indicates a strong correlation between substance use, gambling, and mental health disorders, but many people still approach each of these issues independently. Consider this:
- About 50% of those who experience a problem with their mental health during their lives will also experience a substance use disorder and vice versa (Source: DrugAbuse.gov, “Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report”)
- that translated into 9.2 million US adults in 2018 (Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “National Survey on Drug Use and Health”)
- Research has shown that about 43% of people with a gambling disorder also have a personality disorder (Source: Vaddiparti, K., & Cottler, L. B. (2017). Personality disorders and pathological gambling. Current opinion in psychiatry, 30(1), 45–49.)
Individuals who struggle with their mental health, use of substances, or gambling may want to know which came first. Or if one caused the other. The often-frustrating answer is you may never know. It’s a classic “chicken or the egg” scenario:
- The long-term impact of your substance use or gambling may have altered your brain chemistry, resulting in a diagnosis of a mental health disorder
- You may have been struggling with your mental health for some time and turned to substances or gambling to “treat” yourself or “help cope.” For example, those with anxiety may turn to depressants like marijuana or alcohol; those with depression may use stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.) or engage in gambling to boost their mood.
- Even more complicated, you may have a family history of problems with mental health and/or substances or gambling due to a variety or genetic or environmental risk factors.
Whatever the case for you, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Living with a mental health, substance use and/or gambling disorder is more common than you think. In fact, recognizing you have multiple conditions to treat is a critical first step toward leading a healthier life. That’s why it’s so important to find providers that see all of you – and treat you as a whole person.
At Your Life Iowa, we understand the complexities of mental health, substance use, and gambling disorders. Long-term recovery support and counseling is key. At Your Life Iowa, we can connect you to support groups, counselors and even physicians who can help you design a holistic treatment and recovery approach. Call, message or text Your Life Iowa today for care that is compassionate, fully informed and judgment free.