May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to have more honest conversations about what people are really facing and how we can better support them.
One of the most important truths to understand is this: mental health and addiction are deeply connected.
According to SAMHSA, Nearly half of individuals struggling with substance use are also navigating a mental health condition at the same time. Similarly, the National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that the overlap is high because both conditions often influence and reinforce one another. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress don’t exist in a vacuum and for many, substances become a way to cope, numb, or manage what feels overwhelming.
That’s why addressing addiction without addressing mental health often misses the mark.
At First Call, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the substance use.
Getting to the Root Cause
Addiction doesn’t start in isolation. It often grows from unmet needs, unprocessed trauma, and a lack of healthy coping strategies.
Our approach focuses on understanding why… not just what.
We walk alongside individuals and families to provide education, resources, and support that address both substance use and the mental health challenges that often accompany it.
Prevention Starts with Mental Health
In our prevention programs, we don’t just talk about drugs and alcohol, we talk about life.
We teach young people how to:
- Build self-confidence
- Develop healthy coping skills
- Manage stress and emotions
- Make informed, empowered decisions
Because when young people have the tools to navigate life’s challenges, they are less likely to turn to substances in the first place.
Recovery Requires Integrated Support
In the justice system, the connection between mental health and substance use is impossible to ignore.
That’s why many communities, including ours, have shifted from separate systems like drug court and mental health court to a more integrated approach: Wellness Court.
This model recognizes what we see every day: people don’t experience these challenges separately, so we shouldn’t treat them that way.
Through our reentry programs, we support individuals as they rebuild their lives—addressing both substance use and mental health so they have a stronger, more sustainable path forward.
Moving Forward Together
Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that we need to move beyond silos.
If we want to reduce addiction, we have to talk about mental health.
If we want to support recovery, we have to address the whole person.
At First Call, that’s exactly what we do—every day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health and Addiction
1. How are mental health and addiction connected?
Mental health and addiction are closely linked. Many people use substances to cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress. Over time, substance use can also worsen mental health symptoms, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break without support.
2. What does “co-occurring disorders” mean?
Co-occurring disorders—also called dual diagnosis—refer to when someone experiences both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time. This is common and requires an integrated approach to treatment.
3. What percentage of people with addiction also have mental health issues?
About half of individuals with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental health condition, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
4. Which mental health conditions are most common with substance use?
The most common include anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder. Trauma is also a significant underlying factor for many individuals.
5. Does treating mental health help with addiction recovery?
Yes. Addressing underlying mental health challenges is critical to long-term recovery. When people learn healthier ways to cope, they are less likely to rely on substances.
6. What are healthy coping skills to prevent substance use?
Healthy coping skills include things like managing stress, building self-confidence, practicing mindfulness, talking to trusted people, and learning how to regulate emotions—all of which are core components of prevention education.
7. How do you help teens build resilience against addiction?
Prevention programs focus on building life skills like decision-making, emotional awareness, and confidence, so young people can navigate challenges without turning to substances.
8. What is the difference between drug court, mental health court, and wellness court?
Drug court focuses on substance use, mental health court focuses on psychiatric needs, and wellness court combines both—recognizing that many individuals are dealing with both challenges at the same time and need coordinated support.
9. Can someone recover from both addiction and mental illness?
Yes. Recovery is possible with the right support, resources, and treatment. Integrated care that addresses both mental health and substance use leads to better outcomes.
10. Where can I find help for mental health and addiction in Kansas City?
Organizations like First Call provide education, resources, and support for individuals and families navigating both mental health and substance use. Or call 288