When someone has substance abuse problems or mental health concerns, it can be difficult (if not impossible) for them to lead the life that they want. Living with both at the same time can make it that much more challenging.

The truth is that co-occurring disorders can affect each other, regardless of which came first. For example, should an addict have a mental health concern, that can make their addiction that much worse. Then, even if they should progress through the program, it significantly raises the risk of a relapse.

Someone who’s struggling with depression or anxiety may abuse drugs or alcohol because those can ease the symptoms, if only for a time. If that’s the only way that the person feels relief from their mental health concerns, then it’s all too easy for them to become addicted and develop dependence. Unfortunately, that then makes the symptoms they were attempting to deal with all that much worse.

Of course, underlying mental problems can be exacerbated by substance abuse, too. Genetics, environment, and so much more can contribute to mental disorders. When substance abuse worsens them, everything can be that much more challenging to deal with.

We’re often asked: “Which came first, the mental health issues or the substance abuse?” The truth is that there’s no one hard and fast rule. Every situation, every person is different. That’s the way we treat clients at Conquer. Every client receives a treatment that’s specific to them and their needs.