The Intersection of Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health: Understanding and Healing

↑↑↑ Sometimes the intersection looks like this. ↑↑↑

Substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health challenges often go hand in hand, creating a complex web that can feel overwhelming. If you or someone you love is navigating this, know that you’re not alone... and there’s hope. In this post, we’ll explore how these two issues intertwine, why they often coexist, and what steps can lead toward healing. I'm trying a new style of blog writing today, so please share your thoughts in the comments below.

"Addiction is a sign, a signal, a symptom of distress. It is a language that tells us about a plight that must be understood." —Alice Miller 

The Connection Between SUD and Mental Health

It’s no secret that substance use and mental health are deeply connected. Many people with mental health conditions, like depression, anxiety, or PTSD, turn to substances as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or quiet their minds. On the flip side, prolonged substance use can worsen or even trigger mental health issues, creating a cycle that’s hard to break. I lived like this through most of my life.

Research shows that about half of people with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental health condition, often called a dual diagnosis. Why does this happen? Here are a few reasons:

• Self-Medication: Someone struggling with anxiety might use alcohol to calm their nerves, or a person with depression might turn to stimulants for a temporary boost. While this might feel like relief in the moment, it often deepens the underlying issue.

  
  

• Brain Chemistry: Substances like alcohol, opioids, cannabis, or cocaine alter the brain’s reward system, which can disrupt mood regulation and make mental health symptoms worse over time. All of these are highly disruptive to our sleep patterns as well.

  
  

• Trauma and Stress: Experiences like trauma, abuse, or chronic stress can increase the risk of both SUD and mental health disorders, as they often share common roots.

I want to add here that current research shows that about half of people with substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental health condition. But based on my journey and the stories I’ve heard from others, I believe we’re only scratching the surface. Every person with SUD may be grappling with an underlying mental health struggle—whether it’s trauma, unresolved pain, or an undiagnosed condition—that’s driving their substance use. While the data hasn’t caught up to this yet, I think it’s a perspective we need to explore. If we start looking at SUD as a symptom of deeper emotional wounds, we might open the door to more compassionate, effective ways to heal. I believe the available research data will show this in the future...

—Understanding this connection is the first step toward breaking the cycle—

The Vicious Cycle

One of the toughest parts of SUD and mental health struggles is how they feed into each other. For example, someone with bipolar disorder might use substances during a manic episode, only to crash into depression afterward, which can lead to more substance use to numb the pain. Similarly, withdrawal from substances can mimic or intensify symptoms of anxiety or depression, making it hard to know where one issue ends and the other begins.

This cycle can feel like being stuck in quicksand—the more you struggle, the deeper you sink. (Watch the first story in this video to see why I know about quicksand —YouTube Video Link.) However, here’s the good news: recognizing this pattern is a powerful step toward making a change.

"Addiction is craving fulfillment from something that cannot provide fulfillment. In this sense, it is not different than the basic mechanism of ignorance that keeps everyone in bondage. With substance addiction, the mind/body sets up a vicious cycle that perpetuates the dependence." —Deepak Chopra

Breaking the Cycle: Steps Toward Healing

Recovery from SUD and mental health challenges is possible, but it often requires addressing both issues at the same time. Here are some practical steps to consider:

1.) Seek Professional Support

A therapist or counselor trained in dual diagnosis can help untangle the knot of substance use and mental health. Integrated treatment, which addresses both conditions simultaneously, has been shown to be highly effective. This might include therapy, medication, recovery coaches, or support groups tailored to your needs.

2.) Explore Therapy Options

Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help you understand your triggers, develop healthier coping skills, and rebuild your emotional resilience. For example, CBT can help reframe negative thought patterns that drive substance use, while DBT focuses on managing intense emotions.

3.) Build a Support System

Connection is a cornerstone of recovery. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a certified peer recovery coach, a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery, other mutual aid groups focusing on multiple pathways (like the groups at 217 Recovery), or a family member, having people in your corner makes a huge difference. Sharing your story with others who relate can reduce shame and remind you that you’re not alone.

4.) Practice Self-Care

Small, consistent acts of self-care can help stabilize your mood and reduce the urge to use substances. This might look like:

• Getting enough sleep

• Eating balanced meals

• Moving your body through exercise or gentle activities like yoga

• Practicing mindfulness or meditation to manage stress

  
  

5.) Address Underlying Trauma

For many, trauma is at the root of both SUD and mental health struggles. Trauma-focused therapies, like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), have been found to help safely process painful experiences, reducing their grip on your life.

Reducing Stigma, Offering Hope

One of the most significant barriers to recovery is stigma. Too often, people with SUD or mental health challenges feel judged or misunderstood, which can keep them from seeking help. But here’s the truth: these are medical conditions, not personal failings. Just like someone with diabetes needs treatment, someone with SUD or a mental health condition deserves care and compassion.

If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Recovery is a journey, not a race. Every small step—whether it’s reaching out to a therapist, attending a support group, or simply being honest with yourself—counts.

"It’s O.K. to not be O.K., and it’s O.K. to talk about it." —Naomi Osaka

Resources to Get Started

If you’re ready to take the next step, here are some places to turn:

• 217 Recovery: Call the office or stop by to speak with one of our Certified Peer Recovery Coaches at 231-421-1903, located at 945 E. Eighth St., Ste. B, Traverse City, Michigan 49686, or click 217recovery.com to visit the website.

• Addiction Treatment Services: Call their access line at 1-800-622-4810 for free and choose option 1 to speak with someone about getting help.

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Call their national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Visit nami.org for resources and local support groups.

• Crisis Support: If you’re in crisis, text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line or call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Substance use disorder and mental health challenges can feel like heavy burdens, but they don’t define you. With the right support, tools, and compassion, it’s possible to find a path to healing that works for you. You’re stronger than you know, and every step toward recovery is a victory.

If you or someone you care about is navigating this, what’s one small step you can take today? It might be as simple as reaching out for a conversation or jotting down how you’re feeling. Whatever it is, know that you’re worth the effort.

If you’d like to share your story or learn more, drop a comment below or reach out to me at mitchell@217recovery.com. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Until next time.