Addiction and Mental Health
Many people who abuse drugs or alcohol also have mental health issues. They often have depression, anxiety, PTSD or bipolar disorder.
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Researchers call this a dual diagnosis. Doctors believe that addiction makes the symptoms of a mental illness worse, and that it can make it more difficult for people to get better.

Addiction is a mental illness
Addiction is a mental illness that alters a person's mood, thinking and behavior patterns. It often disrupts relationships and interferes with daily living, including work, schooling and social activities.

People with addiction have distorted thoughts, abnormal behaviors and changes in their personality, as well as problems controlling impulses. They also may have increased tolerance to a substance and require more of the drug to feel the same effect as before.

Psychiatric experts have classified addiction as a mental illness because it disrupts normal brain function. It interferes with a person's ability to control impulses and is linked to other mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder or PTSD.