Statistics show that nearly 22 million people in the United States are dealing with a substance use disorder and a mental health issue. [1] Recognizing the signs of this dual diagnosis, having both a substance use disorder and mental health issue, is essential so that young adults can get the help they need to treat both conditions simultaneously. Ember Recovery offers youth substance abuse treatment in Cambridge, IA, that includes dual diagnosis treatment. As we explore the symptoms and causes of addiction and mental health struggles, we’ll also take a closer look at how Ember Recovery helps young adults facing these conditions.
Youth Substance Abuse Treatment in Cambridge, IA: Symptoms of Drug Addiction and Mental Health Issues
For some young adults, mental health issues lead to drug addiction as they look for ways to deal with feelings of depression and anxiety. For others, substance use leads to mental health issues as substances can alter mood and emotions.
Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Recognizing when someone has problems can lead them to get the help they need quickly. Seeking professional help early can prevent further damage and help young adults get back on track.
Here are some red flags that your loved one may be battling a substance use disorder:[2]
Problems at School
Poor grades, missing assignments, or a new disinterest in school activities can signal a substance problem, especially if your loved one was previously a good student.
Neglected Appearance
Many people dealing with a substance problem often have a lack of energy and may have unexplained weight loss or weight gain.
Behavioral Changes
Any drastic changes in behavior, such as being withdrawn from activities and sudden manic episodes, can signal a problem.
Money Issues
If your loved one suddenly starts asking for money without explanation, or you notice money missing, they may use it to support their habit. Noticing missing items in the home can also be a result of them stealing items to sell to get money for their addiction.
Youth Substance Abuse Treatment in Cambridge, IA: Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
The symptoms of mental health issues can vary depending on the issue someone is facing. Anxiety disorders and depression are the most common mental health issues.
Some symptoms of these and other mental health issues include:[3]
- Feeling sad
- Extreme mood changes
- Low Energy
- Trouble sleeping
- Confusion
- Change in eating habits
- Excessive anger
- Suicidal thoughts
Your loved one may be experiencing one or several of these symptoms that can signal a mental health issue that requires treatment.
It’s essential to recognize that alcohol and drug use can make symptoms of a mental health problem worse. Substance use can make mental illness worse and ignite new symptoms. It is also possible for substances to interact with antidepressants and other medications to treat mental illness. This can make managing symptoms more challenging and can impede recovery.
Causes of Drug Addiction and Mental Health Issues in Young Adults
Young adults may experience drug addiction and mental health issues for a variety of reasons. The reasons fueling their problems are different from those of older adults. Young adults face different challenges that require special care.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure can play a significant role in a person’s decision to use substances. Research shows that peer pressure not only affects children and teenagers, but adults also succumb to peer pressure to drink and use substances.[4] For those in college, this is especially true because of the many parties and social events where alcohol is present. They may feel as though they need to use these substances to fit in and make friends.
Academic Pressure
The pressure to succeed academically can also weigh heavily on young adults, leading to anxiety as well as substance use. Many teens feel as though they need to be at the top of the class, which can lead them to try substances to ease the edge.
Being Away from Home
Those college students who go away to school can also feel sad and lonely. This can cause depression and substance use as young adults try to control their feelings.
Stressful Life Experiences
Stressful life experiences, such as experiencing trauma, can also lead to drug use and mental health issues. These types of experiences can take a toll on a young person, leading them to feel depressed and looking for an outlet to express their emotions.
Low Self-Esteem
Some young adults may experience self-esteem problems, which can lead them to use substances or have mental health issues. When you don’t feel good about yourself, you may not care what you do to your body. This is why many people may turn to substances. The brief high they get from using these substances may mask their pain, but only for a short time, which is why they feel as though they need more, leading to an addiction.
Low self-esteem can also lead to mental health issues. If someone is feeling bad about themselves, they may get depressed or have anxiety in social situations. This can lead to isolation and mental health problems.
Ember Recovery Offers Youth Substance Abuse Treatment in Cambridge, IA
Ember Recovery offers youth substance abuse treatment in Cambridge, IA, so that young people can get the help they need to get back on track. Early intervention is critical, which is why it’s crucial to seek help as soon as you realize there is a problem.
We offer residential programs, including dual diagnosis treatment. Dual diagnosis treatment at Ember Recovery includes a thorough evaluation of mental health and substance use history, as well as support and education for family members. Our team addresses the relationship between substance use and mental health conditions. Once a patient completes their inpatient program, follow-up programs are available. Ember Recovery is with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth recovery and to prevent relapse.
Contact us today to learn more about how Ember Recovery can help you get on the path to sobriety and prevent relapse.
Sources:
[1] https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders [2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112 [3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968 [4] https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-09060-2
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.