Regardless of which disorder occurred first, someone who has alcoholism and a co-occurring mental health condition needs comprehensive treatment that addresses both disorders. Treating only the alcoholism or the mental illness while ignoring the other concern can be a recipe for disaster. Substance use disorder (SUD) is a broader term that includes drug abuse and alcohol abuse. SUD and AUD are behavioral health conditions that can benefit from treatment by addiction medicine experts. Alcoholism is a complex condition with biological, genetical, psychological, and social components that can occur due to both genetic and environmental factors. Many people are unsure whether alcoholism is considered a chronic disease, a mental illness, or both.
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- The co-occurring mental health issues can lead to a cycle in which the user is drinking to alleviate symptoms of a disorder (for example, depression).
- But the brain changes are not a malfunction of biology, which is the defining feature of disease.
Only treating one issue leaves the door open for the other to continue causing problems. Getting sober won’t matter if mental health issues like depression or anxiety are still causing the urge to drink. Once the drinker has entered into the problematic drinking phase of drinking, the next phase is known as severe alcohol abuse.
Which Mental Disorder Is Most Commonly Comorbid With Alcohol Use Disorder?
When these three parts of the brain are disrupted, it significantly increases the desire for the person to drink alcohol as well as increases their feelings of stress and reduces impulse control. Live Oaks Wellness is a luxury drug and alcohol detox & rehab in the Bay Area near San Francisco providing evidence-based treatment and lasting outcomes. Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH is an experienced leader in the field of Substance Use Disorder treatment. He works with patients suffering from Substance Use Disorder to evaluate their medication needs and prescribe treatments accordingly.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
- A person who has an alcohol use disorder may intend to have just a drink or two, but because of losing control over alcohol consumption, they end up drinking large quantities, perhaps drinking to the point of intoxication.
- Understanding these risks can help in making a plan for prevention and getting the necessary treatment and support.
- Some people with an underlying mental health disorder resort to alcohol as a means of self-medication.
- When considering the answer to the question, “Is alcoholism a mental disorder?
Dopamine binds to receptors in the reward circuit to stimulate pleasure. However, the levels of this happiness hormone Sobriety never exceed a certain threshold. DBT teaches you skills to identify, understand, and regulate your emotions.
Alcoholism and Other Mental Health Issues
- In fact, many treatment professionals are integrated providers, trained in both addiction and mental health treatment.
- Additionally, the brain reduces dopamine receptor sensitivity, leading to diminished pleasurable effects and a need for higher alcohol doses to achieve the desired reward.
- Alcoholism and other types of addiction are also frequently referred to as behavioral health disorders.
- Dual diagnosis treatment not only helps individuals break the cycle of alcohol abuse but also provides the necessary tools and support to manage their mental health effectively.
- The evidence indicates that they can be reversed by changes in behavior and environment.
In short, the need for addictive substances becomes hardwired in the brain, to the point that the brain can’t distinguish between healthy rewards and drug rewards. Understanding the difference between mental health and behavioral health can be helpful when trying to find the best source of treatment for yourself or a loved one. But no matter which term you use, what’s most important is understanding that alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease that often requires professional care. Medical treatment of drug addictions and alcoholism involves several evidence-based approaches. Treatment centers develop a customized plan for each patient depending on the severity of the alcohol use disorder and the presence of another co-occurring disorder. Environmental factors influencing alcoholism are also taken into account.
Dual diagnosis treatment employs a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of alcohol and mental health. It typically involves a combination of therapies, medications, and support systems tailored to address both conditions concurrently. By treating both issues simultaneously, individuals are better equipped is alcoholism considered a mental illness to achieve lasting recovery. AUD does not discriminate; it affects individuals of all backgrounds, genders, and ages.
