Substance abuse and mental illness have been a big issue within the United States for a long time. The National Bureau of Economic Research has reported that those who have been diagnosed with a mental illness will consume about 69% of the nation’s alcohol and 84% of the nation’s cocaine. These statistics, to me, are rather frightening.
Depression is the leading mental illness that is most frequently tied with substance abuse. People who are depressed may drink or use other drugs in order to feel better, as they want to escape their feelings of guilt or despair. Yet, substances like alcohol can increase these feelings of sadness, as alcohol is considered to be a depressant. Conversely, people can experience the effects of depression after the drugs wear off, leaving the user to turn back to drugs as they enjoy the feelings they get from using the drug.
Signs of depression may include: lack of interest, changes in sleep patterns and appetite, feelings of guilt, lack of energy, and suicidal thoughts. Among individuals with recurrent depression, roughly 16.5% have alcohol abuse disorder and 18% have a drug use disorder. Drug use symptoms can imitate those symptoms of depression, so it can be difficult to identify the signs. But either way, attention should be given to those who are showing these symptoms.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, whether it be from drug abuse or a mental illness, I would highly encourage treatment. Having a loved one who has passed away due to these issues, this topic is very important to me, and I hope I can help others through these difficult times. Comprehensive treatment is available for both depression and substance abuse. Therapy and even medication has greatly improved in America, and stigma around mental illnesses have decreased. I believe people deserve to be heard and supported if needed, and shouldn’t be afraid to seek the help they need. Counseling, medical support, and peer support for addiction are great sources to help those who suffer cope with addiction and depression.
Feel free to donate to https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/donate/
All donations help support the suicide prevention association.
https://archives.drugabuse.gov/news-events/news-releases/2014/01/severe-mental-illness-tied-to-higher-rates-substance-use
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health/index.shtml
This is a very touching topic and I am so sorry to hear that you were personally affected by this epidemic of drug and alcohol abuse. It is such a difficult problem to approach because it must be done with care but also force. A gentle suggestion is usually not enough to change the life of an addict, but it is such a sensitive topic that it must be spoken of with care.
Though this is a minor aspect of your blog post, I would like to point out that the term “depressant” when referring to drugs, alcohol, and their effects on people, does not mean that it makes people depressed. Rather, it means that it depresses the systems of the body (such as cardiovascular or nervous systems) leaving the consumer with a slower breathing rate, heart rate, or reduced appetite. Otherwise, you established a good ethos by including notable sources in your introduction.
It’s so important to discuss mental illness and substance abuse. Mental illness is more open in today’s society, but anyone rarely speaks about its connection to drug abuse. Offering a link to donate to such a good cause is amazing. Spreading awareness is one of the best things you can do.
I am so sorry to hear how this has affected you personally. I can connect to it too as I have had many friends who have had to cope with depression as well as having two very close friends who have been sadly impacted by the issues of substance abuse. This topic is sadly not talked about to the degree it needs to be and I think you are doing great work by bringing it up on your blog. Change starts with small drops that make ripples in a large pool. Keep up the great writing!