The fact that drug addiction can develop and be sustained by mental health problems is a concept a lot of individuals are not aware of. Many believe that drug addicts lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop using drugs simply by choosing to. In reality, most individuals do not have control over the development of addiction, as the changes that occur in the brain from substance abuse modify their ability to exercise self-control. This change makes it so an individual is driven to continue drug use despite being aware of adverse consequences and, in many cases, experiencing an increasing level of discomfort from the effects of drug withdrawal.
Substance abusers have been said to diagnose themselves with a personality disorder automatically. Mental health problems are often a catalyst for substance abuse; individuals diagnosed with a mental health disorder may turn to drugs as a form of self-medication. The short-term euphoric effects produced by stimulants or the tranquilizing effects produced by depressants can be seductive to these individuals, pushing them into the recurrent use of substances into abuse. Statistics show that individuals who are diagnosed with a mental health disorder are more prone to developing a substance abuse problem at some point in their lives. Although drug use can be a temporary form of escape from the symptoms of mental health disorders and can provide an immediate sense of relief, there are several negative “downers” associated with relying on self-medication to cope with uncomfortable feelings or pain.