History is filled with wonderfully creative individuals who came to tragic ends. The commonality of artists struggling with alcohol, drugs or mental illness leads people to begin linking the two. But does creativity really correlate with addiction or mental health issues like depression and bipolar disorder? Is there a scientific connection?
The answer is both yes and no.
Some famous artists were thought to be more brilliant because of their liberal use of “mind expanding” substances like absinthe or psychedelics, while the public witnessed these drugs dull the genius of others. Others question whether a painter like Vincent van Gogh would have been able to generate the same work, if his suspected mental illness had been diagnosed and treated. Would his gift have shriveled, as his health improved, or would treatment have allowed him to reach new heights of creativity and productivity?
It’s a myth that addressing an addiction or mental health issue will negatively affect creativity. Sobriety or balanced mental health does not change your genetics which are responsible for that creativity. Those in recovery usually find their mind is clearer, making them more able to respond to and follow through on their natural creative impulses. In contrast long-term substance use can permanently damage creativity. Extended drug use can affect the brain in ways that may not be completely recoverable even after years of sobriety.
There may not be a direct link between substance abuse or mental illness and creativity, but science hints at a link between addiction and traits that are a prerequisite for creativity.
Addiction often runs in families, but studies have shown that only 40 percent of a predisposition to addiction is genetically determined. A family history is no guarantee that anyone will have a problem later on, and there is no single addiction gene. There are several genes involved in conferring addiction risk, and the experts still haven’t identified them all. The ones we are currently aware of affect the signaling of the release of dopamine.
You don't become addicted because you feel pleasure strongly. Addicts feel pleasures weakly and are often using in an attempt to try to achieve the same level of good feelings that occur in others naturally. A low-functioning dopamine system can make an individual more likely to misuse substances and to engage in risk-taking, novelty-seeking and compulsions. While these aren’t necessarily creative behaviors, they are starting points that can lead to creativity.
Before you get too concerned that you’re doomed to a life of danger and drugs, keep in mind that these behaviors aren’t always negative. Risk-taking and novelty-seeking are common traits among inventors, business leaders and other successful individuals who have made great contributions to our world.
In the end at least part of your risk for addiction is up to you. You have the choice to use or to find other, healthier outlets to compensate for genetic and other factors that might put you at risk for substance use. If you do find yourself struggling with addiction or mental health issues, treatment is readily available.
If you or someone you love needs treatment for alcohol or drug abuse and a co-occurring mental health disorder, call La Paloma today. We are here to take your call 24 hours a day and can answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.
