Alcoholism is a widespread problem that is commonly associated with co-occuring mental health concerns. Anxiety, PTSD, depression, grief and personality disorders like bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder are frequently accompanied by substance abuse as individuals with these concerns often attempt to self-medicate through drinking.

The effects of cocaine can leave a host of concerns in their wake. When you are high on coke or crack, the overactivity in your brain and body lead to rapid heart rate and racing thoughts. It’s common to develop anxiety disorders and mood disorders as a result of these symptoms.

Cough syrup slows mental processes significantly. Over time, as the brain becomes used to functioning at a lower level, sober brain activity feels overwhelming and can be tied to mental health concerns like anxiety, uncontrollable and unpredictable moods, depression or anger issues.

These drugs are known for their ability to produce extreme feelings of euphoria and sociability. They are often used as “party” drugs and may be appealing to individuals who struggle with social anxiety or depression. Over time, ecstasy and MDMA (also called “molly”) may worsen symptoms as an individual relies on these drugs to avoid feeling anxious or unmotivated.

The rush that comes from taking the risk of gambling is highly addictive for many people. Often, these individuals develop problems with mood control including unpredictable mood swings or anger management problems as they experience the drastic ups and downs of “winning” and “losing” in their habit.

Hallucinogens cause a mental detachment from reality that some individuals associate with liberation, but the truth is that these mind-altering drugs can be addicting and that the mind is much freer without them. Using these drugs continuously can disrupt natural brain processes and lead to anxiety, depression, poor cognition and mood disorders.

Heroin is a dangerous drug related to opioids like Vicodin and fentanyl. Heroin addiction is often coupled with personality disorders, depression and anxiety that worsen or develop as the brain can’t function normally while sober. Heroin also results in physical symptoms like malnutrition and weight loss, which can lead to body image problems that last into recovery and beyond.

While many people don’t believe that marijuana is addictive or dangerous, it is possible to develop a marijuana use disorder if you become dependent on its effects. It has been tied to the development or worsening of anxiety and depression symptoms, especially with prolonged and regular use.

Meth is a powerful stimulant that causes several issues with the brain and body. Anxiety is frequently paired with long-term meth use due to the intense boosts of energy and brain activity that the drug produces. Meth is also known for causing drastic weight loss and skin and dental problems, which lead to low self-esteem and body image disorders during and after drug use.

Opioids include prescription painkillers like Oxycontin (OxyCodone), fentanyl and hydrocodone (Vicodin). These substances are known for being highly addictive and for quickly leading to overdosing, which is known to be fatal. They are also known for their dangerous withdrawal symptoms and should only be treated by medical addiction professionals.

Many people believe that prescription drugs are less dangerous than “street” drugs, but this is not true. Addictive prescription drugs can include medications taken for anxiety (benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium), ADD/ADHD (stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall) and chronic pain (opioids like OxyContin and Vicodin), and when used improperly they can worsen the symptoms they were intended to treat.

Sex addiction is often tied to trauma (PTSD), relationship issues and codependency. Individuals who struggle with sex addiction use sex to feel pleasure and to mimic feelings of love and intimacy that they have difficulty finding elsewhere. Sex addiction may also be coupled with body image concerns or mood disorders that flare up when sexual gratification is unavailable.