Wondering if addiction is a mental illness? Learn the science behind addiction, how it’s treated, and why choosing the right treatment center like Nova Recovery Center is key to lasting recovery.
All illnesses have associated indicators and patterns of behavior that can differ among conditions. These indications can have an effect on an individual’s emotional, physical, and interpersonal wellness. Addiction is one such affliction that often entails typical behaviors in social connections that one can identify. But it’s important to know what to look for. You’ll notice a change in a person’s overall behavior when these signs begin to appear. After all, these will likely be new behaviors not previously exhibited by the addicted individual.
Addiction is a common and widespread problem today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 18.5 million Americans struggle with addiction at any given time. This means that roughly one in every 13 people in this country has an addiction problem. If you or someone close to you has an addiction, then you might be able to relate to the effects of mental illness on addiction even more than before. Many people assume that having an addiction automatically means that they have a mental illness as well – but does that really have anything to do with the two being connected? In this article, we will explore how addiction can exacerbate mental illness, and what you can do about it if you’re struggling with both simultaneously.