Alcohol and Associated Psychiatric Disorders

Alcohol and Associated Psychiatric Disorders Mental illness is a common occurrence among the people dependent on some substance.

Alcohol being the most abused substance, a lot of drinkers also suffer from some mental disorder. The co-occurrence of a psychiatric disorder and alcoholism can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging and difficult. Some patients reaching emergency rooms (ER) in insurmountable circumstances, especially when their mental condition is too severe to control. Under such circumstances, any underlying alcohol or substance abuse problem can be diagnosed only through careful probing.

One can measure the magnitude of the problem by the fact that the risk of developing a mood disorder significantly increases among people dependent on alcohol compared to others.

The primary reason behind the comorbidity of mental illnesses and alcoholism is structural and functional changes in the brain due to the persistent use of alcohol. Such co-occurring diseases, commonly known as dual diagnosis, affect the key regions of the brain, like the frontal lobe systems responsible for functions like planning, decision-making, concentration, etc.

Being inextricably intertwined, it is difficult to assess which came first – alcoholism or a psychiatric disorder. However, as both impact and abet each other, it is necessary to tailor a treatment that addresses both the disorders simultaneously. Some of the most common psychiatric disorders associated with alcohol abuse are: Major depression: As alcohol is a known depressant, it slows down many vital organs, fogs thinking and creates confusion. While a few drinks might invigorate the drinker, it takes control of the person over time and makes him or her sadder. If a person develops the habit of gulping down a few drinks daily, it is more likely that he or she will develop a major depressive disorder.

Bipolar disorder: Alcohol is a bad indulgence for people grappling with bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness. As alcohol consumption elevates depressive tendencies,

www.recovermentalhealth.com

it can prove dangerous for bipolar disorder patients. Similarly, when a bipolar disorder patient is going through the elevated phase of mania or hypomania, alcohol tends to make him or her more irresponsible and headstrong. A 2013 review suggested that about 45 percent people with bipolar disorder also have an alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Anxiety disorder: Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions among Americans. For most Americans, alcohol is the most prevalent ways for alleviating anxiety. However, this has unwanted side effects. The entire practice of combining alcohol and antianxiety medicines like benzodiazepines can turn deadly by causing reduced motor skills, respiratory depression, extreme drowsiness, etc. Instead of using alcohol as a means to cope with anxiety or depression, it is better if an individual uses common relaxation techniques, such as yoga and tai chi, or consumes green tea, chamomile tea and other antioxidant-rich natural products.

Antisocial personality disorder: People with an antisocial personality, who are more likely to be on the wrong side of law, generally start indulging in substance abuse earlier than their peers. As in the case of other psychiatric disorders, it is difficult to determine whether increased isolation and other disruptive tendencies result in someone abusing substances or vice versa. Most addictive substances, such as alcohol, heroin, cocaine and weed, alter brain functioning and neurotransmitters, which is responsible for the development of many common mental illnesses, such as mood disorders.

Integrated treatment to address comorbid disorders It is possible to recover from a comorbid mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD) through the identification of the disorders in time. For this, an integrated approach needs to be adopted, which takes care of both psychiatric disorder and SUD simultaneously. Since the rate of suicidal ideation is quite high among people addicted to drugs and alcohol, it is essential to plan a treatment combining medications, therapy, counseling, etc. to address the root causes of dual diagnosis, like alcoholism and depression.

If you or your loved one has been abusing alcohol or any other addictive substance for a long time, contact the Recover Mental Health to seek professional help related to substance abuse treatment centers in your vicinity. For credible information on the treatment options available at alcohol abuse treatment centers, call at our 24/7 helpline number 866-593-2339.

Our representatives will be more than happy to share details related to the mental health treatment centers that offer dual diagnosis treatment.

www.recovermentalhealth.com