2e. Depression, Anxiety & Substance Use Disorders

Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety can contribute to substance use and SUDs. For example, people may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate.  The substances make anxiety and depression symptoms worse over time. Changes in the brain affect the brain’s reward centers, making the response higher. That makes the person more likely to use the substance.

People who are at risk for suicide frequently experience mental disorders and SUD and other factors including painful losses, violence and social isolation. This group is also far more likely to resort to suicide, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.