A 39-year-old member asked:
Will someone recover from mental illness caused by drug abuse?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Pamela Pappasanswered
Psychiatry 43 years experience
Very complicated: Your question has many moving parts, all of which are interconnected. Recovering from drug abuse ; mental illness requires personal commitment, medical interventions, ongoing psychological/psychosocial treatment, and family ; community support. All these pieces are necessary, and the breakdown of any one of them can impact overall outcome. When they all join together, recovery may be possible.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 35-year-old member asked:
Is there a mental illness that causes someone to be really creative?
2 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in

Dr. Gabriela Coraanswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Creativity & Illness: Mental illness doesn't cause creativity (we make a diagnosis when there is worsening of functioning and creativity is a positive attribute). However, some conditions such as a manic state in bipolar disorder may enhance creativity. In addition to creativity, someone in a manic state may need no sleep, may become more productive but may also become angry easily. Consult a physician for a diagnosis.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Can drug abuse cause mental health problems?
1 doctor answer • 13 doctors weighed in

Dr. Adriana Cordalanswered
Psychiatry 37 years experience
Yes.: Drug abuse has been associated with a number of different mental health problems. Mood changes (depression, anger outbursts), impulsive behavior, psychosis, anxiety, social withdrawal, lack of motivation are all common consequences of drug abuse. There are studies that show specific mental health problems associated with certain drugs.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Martin Raff commented
Infectious Disease 57 years experience
But unfortunately you may have preexisting mental health problems if you became a drug abuser.
Mar 21, 2012

Dr. Adriana Cordal commented
Psychiatry 37 years experience
Provided original answer
True, it can work both ways. Once the abuse starts, the original problem if present will most likely get worse.
Mar 21, 2012
Last updated Jan 20, 2014
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