There is a very strong relationship between addiction and mental health. Some people use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate the symptoms of a mental illness such as PTSD or depression, whereas others develop the symptoms as a direct result of substance abuse

Watching a loved one destroy their lives through drug or alcohol abuse can be extremely painful. However, understanding how addiction illness affects a person’s behavior can go some way to making it easier to find the right treatment. Addiction is characterized by an uncontrollable compulsion to abuse substances. The sufferer will be unable to quit using drugs or alcohol despite the extensive damage it may be doing to their lives.

One of the most beneficial aspects of addiction treatment for individuals and their loved ones is counseling. Research shows that people are more likely to succeed in sobriety if they feel they are supported and counseling goes a long way to providing this. However, there are different types of counseling and each has their own benefits for people in rehab. Here we take a closer look.

Dependency can be reliance on a substance, activity or person where an individual treats something or someone as more important than themselves.

Opioids and heroin have specific effects on the brain that can make them particularly difficult drugs to detox naturally. According to research, there are a few natural opioids produced by the body including endorphins that effect specific protein receptors in the brain to give a feeling of wellbeing. This is the reason why physical activity often gives you a buzz or ‘high’ feeling.

Dependency can be reliance on a substance, activity or person where an individual treats something or someone as more important than themselves.

It is important to remember that despite seeking drug and alcohol treatment, it doesn’t guarantee you a life of sobriety.  Living with addiction becomes habitual to sufferers and represents a comfort zone they are reluctant to leave, but once committed to rehab and recovery; these issues can seem less overwhelming.