When it comes to mental health, self-medicating can be a dangerous game.
People who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, or other mental health issues may turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. Unfortunately, this can lead to addiction and further complicate any existing physical and mental health problems.
Let’s take a closer look at the dangers of self-medicating for mental health issues and how it often leads to addiction.
Self-Medication is Common but Risky Behavior
Self-medication is often used as a way to cope with depression, anxiety, or other psychological disorders. People will use drugs or alcohol in an attempt to numb their pain or block out uncomfortable thoughts and feelings.
While this behavior may work in the short term by providing temporary relief from emotional or psychological distress, it can ultimately prove detrimental in the long run.
It is important that individuals recognize the risks associated with self-medicating and seek professional help instead of relying on addictive substances as a form of treatment.
The Cycle of Addiction Starts with Self-Medication
Self-medication can quickly spiral into addiction before individuals even realize what is happening. The brain becomes accustomed to having drugs or alcohol in its system and starts craving more of the substance after just one use.
This leads people who are already struggling with emotional distress down a dangerous road where they rely on substances as their primary coping mechanism.
As addiction sets in, individuals become more isolated from friends and family members and struggle to find help for their problems because they feel ashamed of their behavior.
Treating Mental Health Issues Without Drugs or Alcohol
It is important for individuals struggling with mental health issues to seek professional help rather than turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of treatment.
Seeking professional help can provide people with tools that will allow them to cope without turning towards substance abuse as an escape route from reality.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one example of an effective treatment option available for those suffering from depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders that do not involve using drugs or alcohol as a remedy.
Other forms of therapy such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy have also been shown to be successful treatments when addressing mental health issues without resorting to self-medication habits that could lead down the path toward substance abuse disorder.
Get The Help and Support You Need for Your Mental Health at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center
Dealing with issues of addiction and mental health is not easy. In fact, it can be quite overwhelming for most people, even with proper care.
However, getting expert help to aid in your recovery can make a very big difference. At Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, we understand how hard it is to recover from mental health disorders.
This is why we have invested heavily in building a team of recovery experts at our state-of-the-art facility that will help facilitate your journey toward a better, more fulfilling life.
If you or someone you know needs help for addiction or co-occurring disorder issues, please give us a call. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center offers the most comprehensive dual diagnosis addiction treatment in the Mid-Atlantic area. If we aren’t the best fit for you or your loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at (866) 929-2159 or email our team at info@marylandaddictionrecovery.com. For more information on all of our drug addiction, alcohol addiction and co-occurring disorder services and recovery resources, please visit our website at www.marylandaddictionrecovery.com.