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.
Statistics show a strong association between substance abuse and violence. Additionally, there can be apparent underlying mental illness risk factors involved with violence among those who abuse substances. Understanding these risk factors is essential to negate the risks for those struggling with both conditions.
Understanding Substance Abuse in Mental Illness
Substance abuse refers to the excessive and harmful use of psychoactive substances such as alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medications. There are several types of substance abuse, including alcohol abuse, which involves the excessive consumption of alcohol. Drug abuse encompasses the misuse of illicit drugs or prescription medications for non-medical purposes.
Substance abuse significantly impacts specific mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder by exacerbating psychiatric symptoms. It often leads to poorer treatment outcomes and higher relapse rates in affected individuals.
Additionally, individuals with mental illness are more likely to turn to substances to self-medicate. Understanding this relationship is crucial for providing effective interventions and support to mitigate the harmful effects of substance abuse on mental health conditions.
Violence in mental illness is not uncommon, and some substances have a greater likelihood of provoking violent behaviors. Therefore, those with co-occurring disorders may face even more of a chance of acting out violently.
Common substances linked to mental illness and violence include alcohol, opioids, and stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines. These substances can exacerbate psychiatric symptoms and impair judgment. This heightens the risk of aggressive behavior and violence in individuals with mental health disorders.
Exploring the Link Between Substance Abuse and Violence
Research consistently demonstrates a strong link between substance abuse and violence in individuals with or without mental illness. Studies show that substance abuse significantly increases the likelihood of aggressive behavior and violent acts. This is particularly evident in cases of substance-induced psychosis.
For example, as many as half of men charged with domestic violence have a substance abuse disorder. In one study, more than one in four people who reported using substances in the prior year also reported committing a violent crime.
Some acts of violence among those who base substances are related to feeding the addiction. For instance, some people may become violent to obtain substances or money for substances. However, many cases of violence stem from the influence of the substance itself.
Likewise, violence and aggressive behaviors can come from long-term substance abuse. Individuals who abuse methamphetamine, for example, are known to deal with violent or aggressive behaviors. These effects are sometimes due to damage caused to the brain by the chemicals in the drugs.
Identifying Violence and Mental Illness Risk Factors
Identifying risk factors for violence in individuals with co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness is crucial for prevention. The more loved ones know about risk factors, the more likely they will take interventional measures to protect the individual and those around them.
A few risk factors can include:
- Personality traits: A history of aggression and impulsivity heightens the risk for violence associated with substance abuse and mental illness.
- Environmental influences: Exposure to violence or even being a victim of violence in the past or present can exacerbate the risks.
- Sociocultural risk factors: Exposure to violence or violent activity within a sociocultural group may elevate the risks of violence in mental illness, including substance abuse.
- Substance availability: Some individuals may become violent when influenced by certain substances, such as alcohol or methamphetamine.
- Access to weapons: Weapon access may amplify the likelihood of violent behavior for someone who is using substances and portrays mental illness symptoms.
Protective Factors and Interventions
Supportive relationships and social support networks play a crucial role as protective factors against violence in individuals with co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness. Having a solid support system can provide stability and encouragement. This reduces the likelihood of engaging in violent behavior.
Integrated treatment approaches are also essential for addressing both substance abuse and mental health issues simultaneously. By treating these conditions together, individuals receive comprehensive care that addresses the underlying factors contributing to substance abuse-related violence.
Rehabilitation programs for substance abuse often offer interventions focused on violence prevention as well. These programs focus on coping skills, anger management techniques, and alternative behaviors to manage conflicts non-violently. The overall aim is to empower individuals with the tools they need to break the cycle of substance abuse and violence.
Implementing strategies and interventions to address substance abuse-related violence requires a multifaceted approach. Combined protective factors, integrated treatment, and rehabilitation programs can be effective. By addressing the root causes of violence and providing comprehensive support, individuals can overcome the challenges associated with co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness.
A Final Word from Pathways: Help for Co-Occurring Disorders Makes a True Difference
The intricate interplay between substance abuse and violence in mental illness underscores the critical need for a multifaceted approach to violence prevention. Addressing both substance abuse and mental health concerns concurrently during treatment is paramount to prevent the risk of violence.
Individuals with co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness require comprehensive assessment, tailored treatment plans, and robust support systems. Their complex needs may be more complicated, but the right treatment plan can support recovery and long-term well-being.
At Pathways, we take an individualized approach to creating a treatment plan to address each individual's needs. If you would like to know more about the programs available at Pathways for co-occurring disorders that can help, reach out for more information.
