Substance use disorders always have a root. From past trauma and life changes to physical injury, these factors can trigger people to turn to alcohol and other drugs to cope.
One of the biggest contributors to substance use is brain health, also commonly known as mental health.
Read on to see how brain health can spur, increase, and prolong substance use, learn about treatment recommendations, and discover how ASAC helps address each issue to aid in recovery.
Brain Health and Substance Use in Lockstep
In 2021, 46.3 million people in the United States aged 12 and older (or 16.5% of the population) reported a substance use disorder in the past year, while nearly 19.4 million had both a substance use disorder and brain health condition, such as depression, acute anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
There are three primary reasons why substance use disorders and other brain health disorders may occur together.
- Common, shared risk factors, including genetics, family history, and past experiences.
- Brain health disorders can enhance the rewarding effects of substances and prompt use as a form of self-medication.
- Substance use may cause brain-structure changes, making a person more susceptible to developing a brain health disorder.
For someone struggling with substance use, a brain health issue can be classified as a co-occurring disorder that can often appear simultaneously. An individual experiencing a brain health crisis will often use substances during the experience, exacerbating consumption and increasing the likelihood of a dangerous situation.
While the path to recovery isn’t typically linear—regardless of someone’s circumstances—co-occurring disorders often make treatment more difficult and complex.
Current treatment guidelines recommend people with co-occurring conditions access treatment for both concerns. Integrated treatment plans are considered the gold standard. But in 2021, of those in treatment, only 6% received integrated brain health and substance use care.
How ASAC Helps
Our personalized approach to treatment makes the difference in helping people confront both substance use and brain health concerns.
Everything starts with an initial conversation. By prioritizing one-on-one interactions with patients, we keep our approach human and tailor treatment to circumstances. Our focus is on treating the whole person by simultaneously addressing substance use and brain health disorders, including access to brain health medication, therapy, and specific counseling.
Self-paced treatment plans are developed based on a patient’s specific needs. That might include medication assisted treatment (MAT), residential treatment, or transitional housing during recovery. Patients in ASAC treatment services often participate in multiple levels of care prior to completion.
We also encourage involving supportive family and loved ones during treatment and recovery. Reassurance from loved ones during this time helps build a sustainable support system.
Our strong community relationships and network can connect patients with other services and resources they might need, making treatment comprehensive, consistent, and intentional.
This commitment continues with our recovery services, providing a bridge to help patients achieve stability.
Through integrated treatment—along with broader awareness of the thread between brain health and substance use disorders—we can create safer, healthier, and more productive communities.
If you or someone you know needs help with substance use and brain health disorders, you can reach out now.
Sources:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health