In the world of mental health, few topics are as closely intertwined and often misunderstood as the relationship between mental health and substance use. Whether it’s alcohol, prescription medications or illicit drugs, substance use can both stem from and contribute to mental health challenges. As a clinician, I have seen deep and complex ways these issues have impacted the lives of my clients, and I believe it’s time we shed more light on this connection.
Mental health and substance use influence each other in powerful ways. For many people struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD or other mental health disorders, substances can seem like a temporary escape, a way to numb emotional pain, quiet intrusive thoughts or manage overwhelming feelings.
This is known as self-medicating. While it may provide short-term relief, over time, substance use can worsen mental health symptoms, create dependency and increase emotional instability.
On the flip side, substance use can trigger the onset of mental health symptoms in individuals who may not have experienced them before. For example, certain drugs can increase the risk of psychosis, worsen mood disorders and exacerbate anxiety. It becomes a cycle: emotional distress leads to substance use, which then leads to more distress.
When a person experiences both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, it’s called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Unfortunately, these individuals are often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. They may seek help for one problem, but the other remains unaddressed, making recovery more difficult.
It’s essential that we view these challenges holistically. Treating one without the other is like patching a leak without fixing the pipe. Recovery requires an integrated approach, one that honors a person’s full story and supports both their mental health and substance use treatment.
Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to healing. In many communities, especially communities of color, mental illness and substance use are still heavily stigmatized. Shame, fear of judgment, or mistrust in the healthcare system can keep people from seeking help.
As a Latina mental health provider, I understand the cultural dynamics that shape how we talk about and avoid these issues. We must continue to create spaces that are safe, culturally sensitive and grounded in empathy.
Healing is not linear, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people may benefit from therapy and medication, others from support groups, holistic practices or rehabilitation programs. What’s most important is that individuals are met with compassion and not condemnation.
If you or someone you love is struggling with both mental health challenges and substance use, know that you are not alone and that healing is possible. Reach out to a trusted provider, talk to someone you trust and take that first step toward reclaiming your life.
Mental health and substance use are not moral failures, they are health issues. The more we understand their connection, the more effectively we can support those in our families, communities and beyond. Let’s keep talking, keep learning and keep breaking the silence. Because your mental health matters, and so does your recovery.
If you are interested in receiving treatment for Substance Use Disorders in Merced County, please call: 209-381-6800.
(Christina Martinez, LCSW, is the Program Manager of the Los Banos Clinic of Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, located at 40 W. G. St., Suite C, in Los Banos.)
