Empowering families affected by substance use

Substance use is often related to mental health.

Substance use can trigger mental health problems.
Substance use may worsen symptoms of an existing mental disorder.
Substance use, or states of intoxication and withdrawal from substances, can mimic or imitate the signs and symptoms of various mental disorders.
Substance use can hide a mental health problem that already exists.

People with concurrent disorders tend to have poorer results from treatment and have more serious problems. They also tend to have more difficulties with employment, finances, housing, relationships and the law. But, it is important to recognize that help is available, and there is hope. Using an integrated treatment approach offers the best chance for recovery.