The Nexus of Substance Use, Addiction, and Mental Health
Substance use and addiction can profoundly impact mental health, creating a complex and interconnected challenge for individuals. Prolonged substance abuse can alter brain chemistry, leading to mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis. The cyclical nature of addiction often exacerbates pre-existing mental health conditions or gives rise to new ones. Conversely, individuals may turn to substances as a way to self-medicate underlying mental health issues.