Drug Abuse and Mental Illness

When we think of drug abuse, we tend to think; Ice, Meth, and Heroin. However drug abuse incorporates much more than that: alcohol, prescription medication, caffeine & tobacco.

It is a sobering revelation that Australia places a very high place in drug use within the world – quite alarming considering our population is not that big compared to other countries (For a visual aid, visit: http://www.unodc.org/wdr2014/en/interactive-map.html).

Drug abuse and mental illness has a complex relationship that can bind a person in the tightest of grips. Drugs are often used as a way of self-medicating to cope with the symptoms of mental illness; other times abuse of drugs can cause mental illness – creating an unrelenting cycle.

The effects this cycle has on society is incredibly destructive: relationship breakdowns, increase risk of mental illness for those trying to help their loved ones trapped in the cycle, unemployment, criminal activity, decreased physical health and too often – death.

Drug abuse/addiction can affect anyone – those from high-, low-, and middle- socioeconomic environments. Some can hide it really well (high-functioning) and others have completely lost control.

Is there hope? There is always hope for change – knowing how to achieve that and putting the actions into practise are the hardest parts. Identifying the root issue is a powerful step to regaining control, however as most addictions come from a place of pain – this step is not easy. Guilt and shame are the key ingredients to enforcing addiction and they will need to be faced head on.

However with the right support – the painful experience of facing the root causes, are nothing compared with what pain the addiction is causing you right now.

The best plan of attack is to engage in holistic treatment

Attending a 12-step group (incredibly powerful to receive support from those who have been in a similar situation and what they have found helpful);

Receiving counselling from trained professionals who can provide you with tools and skills to fight this fight and to treat any mental illness that is tied into the drug abuse;

Receiving medical intervention from your GP – ensuring there is no physical/chemical imbalance influencing your usage or that has been caused by drug abuse; and finally

The support of friends and family – bridges may be broken and need healing; including your support team in family therapy is essential for redemptive healing.

Addiction and mental illness loudly shouts lies that tell you – “you aren’t good enough”, though a quiet, yet sturdy voice continues to tell you – “you are valuable”. This causes a conflict – you know you are valuable and you shouldn’t treat yourself this way. The guilt and shame grab onto the lies and twist the truth to try to make sense of it all which then causes you to continue to self-harm as the loudest voice “must be true”.

It isn’t, and deep down I think you know that. Take your first step today and tell the lies to stop – and listen to that quiet, sturdy voice. It isn’t easy, though the best things in life are very rarely easy at all.

By Jessica Mannion
Cred. Grad. Cert. CFT and Cert IV TAE

Search for a registered counsellor in your area:

www.theaca.net.au

12-Step Groups:

AA – http://www.aa.org.au/members/twelve-steps.php

Al-Anon (family and friends of alcoholics) – http://www.al-anon.org/australia/

Nar-Anon (Narcotics Anonymous) – http://www.naranon.com.au/meetings_list.html

Mental Health support:

Black Dog Institute (specialising in Mood Disorders) – http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Beyond Blue – http://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Helpful books:

“A Hunger for Healing” by Keith Miller – http://www.amazon.com/Hunger-Healing-Classic-Christian-Spiritual/dp/0060657677

“Willpower is not enough” by Washton and Boundy – http://www.amazon.com.au/Willpower-Not-Enough-Understanding-Overcoming-ebook/dp/B00CD360Z6

Image courtesy of: www.rgbstock.com/ /xymonau