Treating substance abuse and mental health issues as ‘mutually‐exclusive’ entities: Best practice or an outmoded approach to intervention?

Abstract

Addressing the psychological distress of individuals experiencing substance use disorders has too often been relegated to the 'too hard basket', leaving those affected with little choice but to receive treatments aimed solely at addressing their drug and alcohol issues. Conversely, individuals receiving support for psychological issues are often underdiagnosed with regards to any comorbid substance misuse problems. In fact, to date, no definitive treatment model exists that gives equal focus to the treatment of both psychological well-being and substance-related addictions. This is not to suggest, however, that existing treatment programmes for substance misuse are not impacting positively on clients' mental health, rather that further research is needed in order to determine what it is that is supporting such improvements. The aim of this study, therefore, was to address this imbalance by examining the correlation between substance dependence and psychological well-being. Using a descriptive correlation design, the Severity of Dependence and Kessler 10 scales were administered to 37 inpatient and outpatient clients at a rural drug and alcohol rehabilitation service, at intake and 2 months into treatment. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and paired-samples t-tests. Positive correlative factors of improvement between substance dependence and psychological well-being were found for both groups. In light of these findings, the authors recommend that future research be undertaken to investigate the causal factors for this correlation.

Police detentions of ‘mentally disordered persons’: A multi-method investigation of section 136 use in Sussex

“…Substance misuse needs to be assessed with greater sophistication, acknowledging the connection between substance abuse and psychological distress and substance abuse. 28 Therapeutic options that provide consistent support allowing people with complex and multiple needs to navigate a journey towards recovery from highly traumatic backgrounds are likely to be the only long-term solution. Sustained multi-agency input is critical if the police are to have any choice other than the use of s136 with individuals for whom acute distress leads to recurrent attempts to end their life, often in extreme ways that can endanger others as well as themselves.…”

Facilitators and barriers to integrating physical health care during treatment for substance use: A socio‐ecological analysis

“…The sites were selected because they represented a diverse group of NGOs delivering AOD treatment, located across both urban and regional locations. Site 1 was located in rural NSW and provided a 24‐bed residential rehabilitation service (2–12‐months) (see [14]). The site also included a detoxification unit, employed nursing staff and had a visiting general practitioner (GP) who provided two half‐day clinics per week at the unit.…”

Correlates of Illicit Drug Use Among Indigenous Peoples in Canada: A Test of Social Support Theory

“…A closer examination of the matter suggests several considerations exist to exacerbate this problem. First, it has been suggested that Indigenous peoples are essentially societally disconnected, not engaged in national politics nor participate in mass sports activities and events (Monchalin, 2016; Webber, Clark, & Kelly, 2016). In addition, Aboriginal peoples endure greater intervals of unstructured leisure time, experience a lower quality of life, and lack access to quality health care for common illnesses.…”

“…Similarly, Afifi, Nicholson, Martins, and Sareen (2016) and Hartshorn, Whitebeck, and Prentice (2015) reported that substance use disorder is comorbid with arrest, conduct disorder, and depression among Indigenous adolescents in both the United States and Canada. Additional research with Aboriginal peoples reveal that illegal drug usage is related to mental disorders (Melchior, Prokofyeva, Younes, Surkan, & Martins, 2014; Tu, Ratner, & Johnson, 2008; Webber et al, 2016), suicide (Frederick et al, 2012; Torchalla, Strehlau, Li, & Krausz, 2011)and varying indicators of poor health status (Newbold, 1998).…”