Does poor mental health contribute to any form of addiction?

Mental health is often misunderstood, usually by people who do not suffer any form of mental illness. Addicts are often seen as bad people, wilfully selfish and lacking self control. Most often, people attribute poor mental health to addiction; usually of drugs, but I want to broaden the conversation on addiction by discussing the possible link between addiction and mental illness.

Addiction can be defined as a chronic, progressive disease of the brain, and as such, mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety can co-occur with addiction. It is important to note that addiction does not happen over night. They are usually unhealthy behaviours that are maintained over a long period of time such that, one becomes totally dependant on the unhealthy behaviour at the expense of their health, finances, relationships and normal functioning. Similarly, having a mental health condition usually hinders one’s ability to function at work, maintain a stable home and social life or handle life's stresses.

Thus, one may ask, does poor mental health contribute to any form of addiction?

In terms of psychological symptoms, individuals who have developed addictions have a disrupted hierarchy of needs, hence, they have a tendency to act against their own self-interests. This is why one’s traumatic experience with rape or any form of sexual abuse could result in developing poor mental health. There have been cases where victims of sexual abuse have been addicted to violent sexual affairs because that is the only way they have been able to cope with the psychological trauma they experienced in the past. Instances such as addiction to pornography and explicit contents are also habits of dealing with poor mental health.

Addiction can also take the form of drug abuse or alcoholism. Often, these habits turn to addictions. There are certain habits which can be termed as bad and these include the examples cited above. Usually, bad habits are not considered as harmful as it is usually a coping mechanism till one cannot go days/weeks/months without it. Substance abuse may sharply increase symptoms of mental illness or even trigger new symptoms which is evidenced by the increased risk for psychosis among users of marijuana. As such, addicts become most likely incapable of controlling their impulses, which is also a symptom of many other mental illnesses.

Addiction problems and mental health conditions don’t get any better when they are ignored, they are more likely to get worse. It is very important to note that road to recovery takes a long process. There are certain steps to take to conquer your demons, repair broken relationships, and get on the road to recovery. With the right mental health experts to aid with support, self-help, love and care from family as well as treatments, you can overcome a co-occurring disorder/addiction and regain your sense of self, and get your life back on track. Nonetheless, a careful and strict attitudinal change can be of great benefit and impact.

About the Writers

Samuel Atingabili is a Public Health researcher in China with interests in Physician burnout, aged care and rural health. He is also the owner and manager of Slim Fit Suits and Tuxedos on Facebook. You can also connect with his business page on Instagram:@jnelsuits

Sandra Kissi is a Business Marketing Graduate from Central University, Ghana and has a wealth of experience in Multimedia Production. She also manages a Tiling Company in Ghana and occasionally lends her voice to mental health advocacy.