Pathways Real Life Recovery News

Drug addiction is a complex yet treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. It leads many down a path of destruction, wreaking havoc on lives and relationships. However, with the right drug rehabilitation program, recovery is possible and within reach.

Mental illness refers to a broad range of conditions that affect a person's thinking, emotions, behavior, or mood. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are all examples of mental illness.

Without question, living with either substance abuse disorder or mental illness is challenging. However, for many people, these conditions develop together in such a deeply intertwined way that it can be difficult to determine which issue is causing symptoms. Co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness can be notoriously more complex than an isolated issue.

Mental health disorders and substance abuse are both complex issues. However, when the two occur at the same time, proper diagnosis and treatment grow even more complicated.

Substance abuse among individuals with mental illness is widespread. Unfortunately, co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse can lead to exacerbated symptoms of both conditions. However, another often-overlooked outcome of mental illness paired with substance abuse is violent tendencies and aggressive behaviors.