What is the correlation between addiction and mental health disorders like Trauma, Bipolar, and PTSD

Dr. Bhatt explains the correlation between addiction and mental health disorders such as trauma, bipolar disorder, and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). These conditions often coexist in what professionals call dual diagnosis or comorbidity. Understanding the interplay between addiction and these mental health disorders is essential for effective treatment and management. Trauma and Addiction: Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that can lead to a lasting psychological impact. Individuals who experience trauma are at a higher risk of developing addiction. This is often due to the use of substances as a coping mechanism to manage the intense feelings of fear, anxiety, and depression associated with traumatic experiences. Substances may provide temporary relief from the pain of trauma but can lead to addiction as tolerance builds and dependence develops. Bipolar Disorder and Addiction: Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). The instability of emotions can make individuals with bipolar disorder more susceptible to substance abuse. During manic phases, individuals may engage in risky behaviors, including increased substance use, due to heightened impulsivity and poor judgment. During depressive episodes, they may turn to substances to alleviate their despair and emotional pain. This susceptibility to use substances as a form of self-medication si