Did you know that you can face both mental health challenges and substance use issues at the same time? The two are closely related and often overlap. 

While society has come a long way in understanding and accepting mental health struggles, struggling with substance use or having a substance use disorder still carries a lot of stigma. However, it's important to address both of these challenges and recognize the complex connection between them. If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health or substance use difficulties, gaining a better understanding of the interrelationship can make all the difference.

So how exactly are they related? Research has shown that people with mental health disorders are more likely to develop substance use disorders, and the reverse is also true. Here are a few key points about mental health and substance use:


 
Factors that contribute to mental health and substance use issues include biology, environment, and experiences. Some examples of specific factors listed above include adverse childhood experiences, traumatic events, family genetics, environmental factors, and neurobiology (e.g. neurotransmitter deficits). Spiritual factors also play a role in terms of someone feeling a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection in their life. It’s important to note that none of these factors explicitly cause mental health or substance use issues, but the more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to experience challenges. 
 

CBT for mental health and substance use challenges 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic technique based on the fact that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and that changing one element of the system can lead to positive changes in the others.

One technique used in CBT is to identify thought distortions, aka unhelpful thought patterns, and to learn how to reframe them. This technique can help people build resilience and develop healthier coping mechanisms. 

One example of a thought distortion is overgeneralization. Someone trying to change their substance use may think, “I’ve failed once, so I’ll fail again.” This is an unhelpful thought distortion that may keep someone from learning from mistakes and moving forward. 
 

The “multi-tool” approach to treatment 

While CBT is effective as one way to work through mental health or substance use challenges, it's important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. 
 


These tools may include a support group to hike alongside you, providing encouragement and camaraderie. Just as a hiker may take breaks to rest and recharge, it's important to allow yourself time to take care of your mental and physical health. 

As with any challenging hike, it's also helpful to have an experienced guide who knows the terrain well. A mental health or substance use professional can serve as that guide, providing knowledge and expertise to help navigate the twists and turns of mental health and substance use issues. They might introduce you to different techniques to add to your toolbelt, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and more. With the right tools and support, you can better navigate the rugged terrain of mental health and substance use challenges.
 

ALAViDA offers tools to help you 

If you're looking to make changes to your substance use behavior, ALAViDA can offer the help you need. Our iCBT modules (internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) are one of the primary support options we provide, along with optional group coaching and tracking tools available through the TRAiL platform. 

Ready to explore your relationship with alcohol and substances? All OTIP members, including RTIP, Home/Auto, and Life Insurance customers have complimentary access to the ALAViDA TRAiL. 

Sources: 
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP20-07-01-001, NSDUH Series H-55). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/