Mental Health & Addiction

There may be twice as many people struggling with mental health issues than previously thought, according to a new study completed by two Duke University psychologists in partnership with colleagues from the U.K. and New Zealand and published in the journal Psychological Medicine. Anxiety, depression and substance dependency were all found to be much more common than health professionals thought, according to data from a long-term study of more than 1,000 New Zealanders from birth to age 32.

Part of the reason for the discrepancy may be the fact that mental illness is vastly underreported because of the stigma attached to psychological disorders. Studies to track the incidence of anxiety, depression, alcohol dependence and marijuana dependence are costly, which means they are very rare.

"If you start with a group of children and follow them their whole lives, sooner or later almost everybody will experience one of these disorders," the Knut Schmitt-Nielsen professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University said in a statement.

Mental health and addiction professionals have long recognized that there is often a connection between mental issues and addiction. Some struggling with mental disorders or depression will use illegal drugs, alcohol or prescription medication to self-medicate rather than seek treatment from a trained professional. Then when help is sought, there is an addiction AND a mental issue to treat. Fortunately, facilities like La Paloma offer a “dual diagnosis” approach that addresses both areas at one time, with a better chance for long-term recovery.

If you or a family member are struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol and a mental issue, call La Paloma at our toll-free, 877-345-1887. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.