Why is Addiction Considered a Mental Illness?
Help is here. You are not alone
Why is Addiction Considered a Mental Illness?
Table of content
Table of content
Give Us a Call and Let Us Guide You
If you or a loved one is dealing with an addiction, the Canadian Centre for Addictions is here to guide you.
We offer medical detox and multiple addiction treatment options in our
luxury treatment centres in Port Hope, Cobourg, and Ottawa.

Why is Addiction Considered a Mental Illness?

Why is Addiction Considered a Mental Illness?
Written by Seth Fletcher on October 23, 2015
Medical editor Victoria Perez Gonzalez
Last update: October 27, 2024

Addiction is more than a bad habit or a lack of willpower; it can be viewed as a war with one's mind, body, and soul. Imagine fighting something invisible that rewires your brain, controls your thoughts and drives you to engage in behaviours that harm you. 

Key Takeaways

  • Addiction is a Mental Illness: It alters brain function and self-control.
  • Brain Changes: Addiction rewires reward systems, making quitting hard.
  • Co-occurring Disorders: Often linked with anxiety and mood disorders.
  • Better Recovery: Recognizing it ensures better treatment and recovery.

This is what millions of people around the world experience daily as they struggle with addiction. The stigma of addiction is reduced by treating it as a mental illness, which opens doors to effective treatment, offering much-needed compassion and recovery support. In this article, we explore why addiction is classified as a mental illness, how it affects the brain, and why understanding this at both individual and societal level is crucial.

healthcare policy

What Defines a Mental Illness?

When we talk about what is mental illness, we refer to conditions that significantly alter the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Mental illnesses usually affect normal brain activities, including those that control emotions and decision-making. They might interfere with a person's daily functioning — at work, school, or in relationships.

A mental illness is generally diagnosed based on criteria such as:

  • Changes in mood, thinking, or behaviour that persist over time.
  • Significant distress or an inability to manage daily life.

Healthcare professionals look for patterns such as persistent sadness, anxiety, or changes in personality that hinder one's ability to live a fulfilling life. Mental illnesses are not mere phases or bad days; they are real health disorders that require understanding and treatment.

emotional regulation in addiction

That brings us to a question: “Is addiction a mental illness?”

Yes, it is. Addiction is considered a mental illness because it fundamentally affects how the brain functions. It impacts reward circuits, motivation, and self-control, making it extremely difficult for a person to stop harmful behaviour. Just like other mental health disorders, addiction requires proper treatment and care.

How Addiction Affects the Brain?

Addiction restructures the brain, especially the areas that influence motivation, reward, and decision-making. One of the most significant changes involves brain chemistry, specifically in the reward system. When a person uses addictive substances or engages in addictive behaviours, the brain receives an influx of dopamine, a chemical that produces feelings of pleasure. This surge reinforces the behaviour, linking the substance or activity with a positive reward.

Over time, these brain chemistry changes disrupt the brain’s natural balance, making the reward system less sensitive. As a result, the person needs more of the substance or behaviour to experience the same pleasurable effect, leading to compulsive use. This loss of control is a key sign that addiction is a mental illness. Changes in dopamine levels can also affect motivation and mood regulation, making it difficult to enjoy activities that would normally be pleasurable.

compulsive behavior

Addiction also affects other neurotransmitters like serotonin and glutamate, which are crucial for mood regulation and cognitive function. Long-term substance use disrupts these chemicals, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and impaired decision-making. This imbalance further fuels the compulsive nature of addiction, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without intervention.

Addiction also alters brain pathways responsible for self-control and judgment. These changes make it extremely difficult to stop using substances, even when a person desires to quit. The prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making and impulse control, becomes compromised during addiction, leaving the individual unable to resist urges or make rational choices regarding substance use.

Treating an Addiction

This is why addiction therapy is so important. It helps reteach the brain, making it healthy again and re-engaging the individual with life. Addiction therapy often includes behavioural interventions and, in some cases, medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings. The goal of such treatments is to repair the brain’s reward system and strengthen the pathways involved in self-control and decision-making.

The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of reversing some of the negative brain changes. However, recovery is typically a long process. How well a person recovers depends on factors like the length of addiction, the substances involved, and individual resilience. With the right therapy and support, people can regain control of their lives and improve their quality of life, although the journey to recovery can be challenging.

Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders?

Addiction frequently coexists with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. These co-occurring disorders can complicate both diagnosis and treatment. Because these conditions often interact with one another, it can be difficult to determine which condition developed first when someone suffers from both addiction and a mental health disorder.

impulse control

Common Co-Occurring Disorders

  1. Anxiety and Addiction: People with anxiety may turn to drugs as a form of self-medication to temporarily alleviate their symptoms. However, substance abuse can lead to addiction, which ultimately worsens anxiety symptoms. This creates a vicious cycle, where one condition feeds into the other, making recovery more difficult without proper intervention.
  2. Bipolar Disorder and Addiction: Those with bipolar disorder may be more susceptible to addiction. During manic or depressive episodes, individuals may use substances to control their extreme emotions or escape discomfort. Unfortunately, this can lead to dependency, further exacerbating mood disorder symptoms and complicating mental health stabilization.
  3. Other Mood Disorders: Individuals with other mood disorders are also at risk for addiction, as they may turn to drugs to cope with emotional distress or suffering.

Treating Co-Morbid Disorders

Treating co-occurring disorders requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the underlying mental health condition and the addiction. Integrated therapy, which treats both disorders simultaneously, is often the most effective strategy. This may involve:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): To change harmful thought patterns.
  • Medications: To manage mood or anxiety symptoms.
  • Support Groups: Providing peer support and encouragement.

Addressing both disorders at the same time helps break the cycle of mental health issues and addiction. It allows individuals to develop healthy coping mechanisms without relying on substances and fosters a deeper understanding of the connection between their mental health and addiction. With the right treatment and support, individuals suffering from co-occurring conditions can find a path to recovery that improves both their mental health and overall quality of life.

Why Recognizing Addiction as a Mental Illness Matters?

Decreasing Stigma

Recognizing addiction as a mental illness is essential for several reasons. First, it helps reduce the stigma associated with addiction. Many people still view addiction as a moral failing or a lack of willpower. This misconception is one reason why many individuals struggling with addiction do not seek help. By understanding that addiction is a mental illness, we can foster greater compassion and empathy, making it easier for people to access the support they need without fear of judgment or shame.

Ensuring Access to Effective Treatment

Another important reason for recognizing addiction as a mental health disorder is that it ensures access to effective treatment through drug rehab centres. Like any other mental illness, addiction requires specialized care. Treating addiction as a disease involves a comprehensive support system that includes behavioural therapy, medication, and social services, all of which are crucial for long-term recovery. Recognizing addiction as a disease underscores that it is not simply a matter of willpower but rather a complex brain disorder that requires treatment.

Impact on Healthcare Policy

This recognition also has significant implications for healthcare policy. When policymakers consider addiction a mental illness, they are more likely to allocate funding for treatment and provide access to additional resources. Supportive legislation and regulations can be put in place to ensure that individuals seeking help for addiction have access to the necessary services. Such policy shifts can translate into real-life changes, offering people battling addiction more opportunities for recovery.

Promoting Long-Term Recovery

Finally, acknowledging addiction as a mental illness enhances the prospect of long-term recovery. Effective treatment goes beyond merely stopping substance use; it focuses on addressing the root causes of addiction, building coping mechanisms, and creating a supportive network that encourages sustained success. This approach significantly increases the chances of maintaining recovery and helps individuals regain control of their lives, setting them on a positive path forward.

FAQs

How is addiction diagnosed as a mental illness?

Healthcare professionals diagnose addiction using criteria such as loss of control over substance use, continued use despite negative consequences, and significant impact on daily life. Doctors look for patterns of changes in physical condition, behaviour, and mood to determine whether addiction is present.

What are the treatment options for addiction?

Treatment for addiction typically combines approaches such as behavioural therapy, medication, and support groups. These interventions guide individuals toward long-term recovery by helping them manage withdrawal symptoms, address the root causes of their addiction, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Can addiction affect mental health beyond the addiction itself?

Yes, addiction can significantly disrupt mental health. It often exacerbates or triggers other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. The changes addiction causes in brain chemistry can make it difficult for individuals to regulate their emotions and maintain mental well-being.

How important is support in addiction recovery?

Support is critical for successful addiction recovery. Family, friends, and support groups provide motivation, encouragement, and a sense of community, which are essential for preventing relapse and maintaining long-term recovery.

Why is recognizing addiction as a mental illness important for healthcare policy?

Recognizing addiction as a mental illness influences healthcare policy by improving access to services, increasing funding for treatment programs, and shaping supportive legislation. This ensures that individuals battling addiction receive the necessary treatment for recovery.

Certified Addiction Counsellor

Seth brings many years of professional experience working the front lines of addiction in both the government and privatized sectors.

Dr. Victoria Perez Gonzalez is a highly respected doctor who specializes in the brain and mental health. She has extensive knowledge and experience in this field.

More in this category:
What Are the Risks of Being Codependent?
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab: What’s the Key Difference?
How Quickly Are Benzos Addictive When Used Daily?