Research shows that mental illness is related to strongly related to addiction of different substances such alcohol and cocaine. A large group of the individuals who have mental disorders has a common characteristic in that they had the same history of drug addiction. Mental illness can occur in different forms such as anxiety, stress disorders, and depression (Weaver et al., 2003). Some of these mental states are responsible or causing the victims to consider drugs as the only solution. This results in addiction, a condition which makes the illness worse. Addiction and mental illness co-exist due to several reasons. The primary reason is that most types of mental conditions result in drug abuse as the victims try to escape from the reality.
Experts suggest that both mental illness and drug addiction are conditions that are characterized by similar symptoms. These conditions tend to affect the life of the victim since he or she becomes less effective in his or her daily routines. The education of a student who suffers from this state becomes affected negatively since the level of concentration is significantly minimized. Workers are unable to concentrate on their jobs and most of them end up losing their working opportunities. Victims who experience co-occurring disorders tend to have more difficulties. This is because their family members are affected in the process.
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Substance use disorders are associated with several adverse effects. Families end up being destroyed, the society loses valuable members and crime level tend to rise significantly due to substance abuse. In the past years, experts have attempted to come up with a way to prevent the connection between the two conditions. Therapy sessions are considered as the best cure that can be provided to victims of mental illness (Weaver et al., 2003). Their activities can be closely monitored to ensure that they do not engage themselves in activities that encourage drug abuse since this contributes to addiction. According to Weaver et al. (2003) rehab centers can also be used by the government to help those who are addicted to abstain from drug abuse. By taking care of the issue of drug abuse, some of the mental disorders can be cured effectively.
Reference
Weaver, T., Madden, P., Charles, V., Stimson, G., Renton, A., Tyrer, P., ... & Paterson, S. (2003). Comorbidity of substance misuse and mental illness in community mental health and substance misuse services. The British Journal of Psychiatry , 183 (4), 304-313.
