Comorbidities and addiction are quite a common pair. What this means is that you've chosen to self-medicate...
Comorbidities and addiction are quite a common pair.
What this means is that you've chosen to self-medicate a co-occurring illness with drugs or alcohol.
When you choose to get sober, these illnesses can stand in your way of achieving a full recovery unless they're also treated at the same time.
Therefore, it's important to know what some of them are.
Among Americans, obesity is quite common so you may not think of this as one of the comorbidities and addictions.
While one of the main reasons for obesity is our foods, genetics also play a role.
Regardless of the root cause of obesity, some people are desperate to lose weight, turning to stimulants (e.g., cocaine, meth, ecstasy).
Obesity causes many health issues, both physical (e.g., impaired breathing, heart strain) and mental (e.g., poor self-image, isolation) alike.
While these things can cause death, stimulants can make this happen faster.
Therefore, these comorbidities and addictions must be taken seriously.
The word addiction on a wooden background
Chronic illnesses are debilitating
They can also be very painful.
Therefore, this is quite common with comorbidities and addiction.
While some people can manage taking pain pills without abusing them, others can't.
Many think they can slightly increase the amount they take without issue.
However, this can quickly spiral out of control and result in the abuse of more problematic drugs like heroin, meth, or fentanyl.
Yet another reason comorbidities and addiction must be taken seriously.
Although comorbidities and addiction exist around physical health, many of them involve mental illness.
This is because there's been such a stigma on seeking therapy that some people will try to self-medicate instead.
Drugs like marijuana, ketamine, delta 8, and alcohol are relatively easy to get.
Abusing these drugs can lead to even bigger issues as you're disrupting the production of important mood-related chemicals in your brain (e.g., dopamine, serotonin).
Two of the most common comorbidities and addictions are depression and anxiety.
These affect the way you see life and also limit your ability to succeed.
Since some people struggle to find good mental health treatment, they turn to stimulants like cocaine and meth.
This frequently happens when they've been depressed or anxious for a long period.
At this point, the gray matter in their brain has grown to where it's now impeding the neurological pathways.
These are necessary for clear thought.
When you have comorbidities and addiction, it's important to seek help right away so you don't make the situation worse for yourself.
At Overcomers Counseling, we have addiction specialists available who can provide you with important resources while also teaching you healthy coping mechanisms.
When you're ready, take some time to reach out to us.
We'll be there for you.
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/comorbidity-substance-use-disorders-other-mental-illnesses
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2713155/
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
Some common signs of alcohol abuse include drinking more than intended, neglecting responsibilities, and continuing to drink despite negative consequences
Alcoholism refers to a disease that is characterized by a strong craving for alcohol and an inability to control one's drinking.
Treatment for alcohol abuse often includes counseling, support groups, and medication. With the right help, your spouse can recover from alcoholism and go on to lead a healthy and happy life.
Dealing with someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol can be difficult. It is important to remember that addiction is a disease, and the addict is not responsible for their behavior. You can offer support and understanding, but it is important to set boundaries. You can also get help for yourself through therapy or counseling.
If you think you might be struggling with alcohol abuse, the first step is to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you assess your drinking habits and recommend treatment options. There are also many different types of treatment programs available for alcohol abuse, so you can find one that fits your needs and circumstances. Additionally, support groups can be a valuable resource for anyone struggling with alcohol abuse. These groups provide a safe space to share your experiences and connect with others who are facing similar challenges.
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that leads to problems in one's personal, professional, or social life.
