Alcoholism and mental disorders, a connection

More than 20 years ago, a young member of my family became an alcoholic. I sought treatment for the person and counseling for myself to learn as much as I could. My counselor explained the connection between alcoholism and mental disorders. At the time, I was the entertainment and lifestyles reporter at the Advertiser-Tribune in Tiffin. My assignments included coverage of Mental Health and Recovery Services and activities of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The local chapter of NAMI was offering a free educational program called Family to Family. The 12-week course was for families affected by addiction and mental illness. The first night, I received a large notebook full of material and met other people with the same concerns I had. Early on, we learned that chemical disruptions in the brain are believed to be the cause of mental illness and addictions. They are diseases, much like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Although mental disorders can be triggered by traumatic events and other environmental factors, symptoms also can appear for no obvious reason. The discomfort from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental conditions may cause a person to self-medicate with alcohol and/or drugs in an effort to feel better. As drug use increases, addiction follows and takes over the person's life. Eventually, drugs and alcohol no longer give the sufferer relief. He or she may turn to self-harm or worse, suicide. The Family to Family classes contained material about: various kinds of mental disorders; names and types of drugs that are typically abused; the effect of drugs and alcohol on the brain and other organs; medications and therapies to treat mental illnesses and addiction; how these disorders can affect the entire family; and many other related topics. After completing the course, I participated in NAMI support groups. I continue to do so whenever they are offered. My loved one is in recovery, but mental illness and addiction can never be "cured," only managed day to day. Family support is vital to keeping recovery on-track. In two weeks we will observe Memorial Day. Keep in mind members of the military who have taken their own lives as a result of the stress and trauma they endured to secure our nation. The American Psychological Association says veterans are 1.5 times more likely to commit suicide than non-veteran adults. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This message is to encourage the public to learn more about mental disorders and addiction and to know that recovery is difficult yet possible. NAMI can help with finding resources for treatment and provide assistance to struggling individuals and families. Sincerely, MaryAnn Kromer Tiffin