Mental health problems among young people in substance abuse treatment in Sweden

Abstract

Background: Young people with substance use problems face a high risk of co-occurring mental health problems, something that may involve a more difficult life situation, social problems as well as worse treatment outcomes. The aim of this study is to analyse self-reported mental health problems among young people receiving outpatient treatment for substance use problems in Sweden. We explore what types of mental health problems are more or less predominant, and whether there are significant differences between boys and girls. In addition, we analyse how various mental health problems covary with indicators of substance abuse severity. Methods: The study is based on structured interviews with 1970 young people enrolled at outpatient clinics in 11 Swedish cities. The data was analysed through frequency-and averages-calculations, Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Self-reported mental health problems were common among the young people in the study. A relatively large percentage of the total group (34-54%) reported problems such as concentration difficulties, sleeping difficulties, anxiety and depression. At the same time, many of the young people did not report any symptoms and only a small group, about 20%, reported diagnosed mental health disorders. The results show substantial gender differences, with girls reporting significantly higher levels of mental health problems. Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated significant associations between severity of drug use problems and anxiety, concentration difficulties, aggression, hallucinations and mental stress caused by experiences of trauma. Conclusions: Treatment needs are diverse within this group of young people who use drugs. Since girls report higher levels of all mental health problems, and a larger burden of psychosocial risk factors than boys, they are likely to require more comprehensive treatment interventions. The link between more severe drug problems and mental health problems points to the importance of exploring this relationship in treatment. A multidisciplinary approach, in which co-occurring problems can be addressed simultaneously, may be the best treatment form for many young people with drug problems.

Prevalence and comorbidity in a Swedish adolescent community sample – gambling, gaming, substance use, and other psychiatric disorders

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Community Action Plan for Adolescent Substance Use Prevention: The First Step to Creating a Community Participatory Action

“…Reviewed literature shows that psychoactive substance users have physical, physiological, psychosocial and psychiatric problems [15]. There is significant evidence that teenagers who use substances are more likely to develop substance use disorders and psychiatric illnesses as adults [16]. Early alcohol and cigarette use has been linked to a higher chance of school failure, poor academic progress, and school dropout, according to research [17].…”

Optimizing the role of youth cadre through education about the impact of drug abuse on adolescents

“…Most drug abuse occurs among adolescents, whereas they are generations in productive ages in a life cycle. The adolescents of productive age will become the nation's next generation so they must be directed and guided so that they do not get trapped in drug abuse that will damage the nation (Lander et al, 2013;Richert et al, 2020). Middle school and high school/vocational school students are a group of adolescents who are prone to this case.…”