Problem:
Read topic and classmates reply. Respond to classmate in a 150 word paragraph using a recent reference from 2023-2026 with web link for access,, different from classmate, to explain/support and ask relevant question to further the conversation. Cite and reference in APA 7th edition format:
Topic-
How would you explain the challenges regarding which disorder came first, the mental illness or the addiction? Provide an example to support your explanation. Need Assignment Help?
Classmate-
To explain the challenges of which disorder came first, the mental illness or the addiction is an extremely complicated question to answer. Technically one can trigger the other or they both can share the same roots that contribute to it such as trauma, and genetics. Meaning that addiction can mask the mental illness while, yet it can also worsen underlying mental health issues. An example would be alcohol withdrawal, which could cause symptoms that look like depression or anxiety. By self medicating people who have anxiety or depression use drugs and alcohol to escape the symptoms.
Those using heavy drugs or alcohol can damage and alter their brain chemistry, which will then trigger mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Leading to comorbidity. It is important to treat both conditions simultaneously because one will lead to the relapse in the other. People who have substance use disorders often have other mental disorders and may have changed their brain chemistry triggering a mental illness. Risk factors related to a person's genes, characteristics, social environment and life circumstances can contribute to both substance abuse and mental disorders. (NIDA, n.d.)
According to National Institute on Drug Abuse, establishing causality or directionality is difficult because behavioral or emotional problems may not be severe enough for a diagnosis, but mental health issues may prompt drug use. Further stating that people's memory of when the addiction began may be imperfect making it difficult to determine whether the substance use or the mental health issues came first. National Library of Medicine, (2020)
References:
National Institute On Drug Abuse NIDA
National Library of Medicine Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report, 2020.