The Correlation of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder
Just as complex as the trillions of cells that keep our bodies functioning are the effects and correlations of mental health and substance use disorders. The effect of substance use disorder and psychiatric illnesses impact individuals biologically, psychologically, and sociologically, however, the correlation among mental illnesses and substance use disorders are not clearly defined. Due to a lack of knowledge of substance use as a disorder and the correlation with mental health, the individuals who suffer from these conditions are marginalized and pushed to tattered edges of their social strata. Mental health and substance use disorder can create devastating effects on the individuals as well as their micro, meso, exo, and macrosystems, which perpetuate the negative effects and realities of these individuals. In our current times with the mass amount of substance use the plagues our society, and the continued high volume of mental health, it is critical that we gain an understanding of the correlation between mental health and substance use disorders to better treat and support those whose realties are filled with unknown pain and exile. Mental health and substance use disorder and their affects are clearly related, however, the question that remains is whether or not substance use disorders can create the manifestation of mental illnesses?
Mental Illness Mental illnesses are vast and far-reaching, and
A difficult challenge to the juvenile justice system and child welfare system is working with adolescents with comorbid difficulties, causing these adolescents to becoming at risk for incarceration and involvement with the juvenile and adult justice system. The juvenile justice system appears to be having a challenging time in determining how to respond and treat adolescents with mental health and substance use. "Many
The third model of substance use disorders presented is the disease of the human spirit. This model suggests that as we enter the burdens and trials of life and become ungrounded with pain or voids in our lives we allow ourselves to feel pity and open ourselves up to our inwardly sinful nature. “It is at this point that some recoil in horror and become spiritual narcissists: self-centered, unwilling to see any reason to deny the “self” any desire or pleasure” (Doweiko, 2012, p. 357). This model believes that all individuals “all start out with hope, faith and fortitude” but when exposed to the ills of the world some “turn to chemicals to fill the perceived void within or to ease their pain” (Doweiko, 2012, p. 361).
According to the Diagnostic Statistic Manual 5 (DSM-5) substance use disorder is when the individual has a dependency on alcohol or drug, followed by penetrating craving and antisocial behavior to acquire the substance. The terms substance abuse and substance dependence refer to substance use disorder, which has been separated into three classifications as follows
Mark’s psychosocial and biological predisposing vulnerabilities ultimately lead to the increase likelihood of his substance abuse disorder. A disorder he wasn’t aware that he was facing because his intentions for the substance were to merely ease his stressors.
About 24 million Americans over age 12 (or 9% of the population) have used an illegal drug (mostly marijuana) or abused a medication in the past month, (APA 2013). A drug is (1) any substance that affects the physical or mental functioning of a living organism, especially one used for the treatment or prevention of an ailment or disease or (2) a stimulant or narcotic taken otherwise than medically
There are numerous reasons, yet too many to discuss in this essay, but for the sack of the reader only a few will be mentioned. One is the medical profession; drug addicts don’t realize the damage done to their brains with long term use and the way it alters brain functionality which brings mental illness into the equation. (qtd The Real Drug Abusers). (136). The turn in research processes has now brought forth the claims that drug addiction is a disease. Drug abuse and mental illness are now on the same plane. More research is needed to make the connection more apparent. Second, Stigma is another reason for lack of rehabilitation patients. Those individuals that believe a drug addict is this way because of choice, make an addict feel unworthy. They feel rejected by their family and loved ones and it keeps them from coming close in order to try and get help. Shame, disgrace, dishonor, and humiliation, leaves them in a state of nowhere to go. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse: CASA) reported out a third reason and a crucial one, why addicts don’t get treatment; and it
Mental disorders have been a factor associated with substance abuse, either having been there before or after the substance abuse. For example, the rates of substance use, dependence on a certain substance and coexisting mental disorders are higher among the homeless than among the general portion of society (Linden et al., 2015). For many people, substance use is a way of self-medication in order to deal with mental illness because they cannot afford treatment, as a coping strategy or to make connections among the homeless community (Nyamathi et al., 2010). Suicidal intentions are common among people with a depressive disorder and engaged in substance abuse, contrasted to those with a depressive disorder and low or no substance abuse (Nyamathi et al.,
Substance abuse including drugs, alcohol, or both is combined with an area of devastating social conditions, including family separation, financial problems, lost capacity, failing in school, domestic violence, child abuse, and crime. Furthermore, both social characters and legal responses to the use of alcohol and drugs make substance abuse one of the most complicated public health issues. Understanding these aspects is key to lowering the number of people who
As the use of illegal drugs and alcohol continues, substance abuse across America has become a very serious social problem. It is mental illness that has an effect on different races, classes and genders. The affects of substance abuse has caused countless of people to feel heartache and develop feelings of hopelessness. With alcohol and drugs readily available through prescription or on the streets (Butler,2010), it is obvious why many are acquiring addictive patterns to these accessible substances, and that the continual abuse of these substances has a severe long-term effect. Characteristics such as age, gender, race, socio-economic class, sexual orientation, different social groups, and geographical location are contributing factors
Serious mental illness (SMI) impacts a person’s thinking, mood, capability to maintain relationships, and overall ability to maintain normal activities of daily living. Treatment is necessary for all individuals with a serious mental illness. Along with family and friends, the community is impacted when supportive treatment options cannot be obtained by a person with a SMI. The Omaha/Council Bluffs metropolitan area, along with the state of Nebraska, have challenges to overcome to ensure this population is adequately cared for. Any person with a mental health issue have a lot to overcome. Undoubtedly, the state of Nebraska needs to stay on track to help them overcome these obstacles.
The Unites States is at an epidemic status with substance use disorder patients. There are many reasons to why we all should be concerned as a nation; however, this very problem is an essential topic globally. 230 million drug users are found worldwide and 19.9 million of those are Americans that have used illicit drugs in the year 2007 alone (as cited in Michael’s House, n.d); Furthermore, America makes up 4 percent of the global population and our nation manages to occupy two-third of the illegal drug use worldwide (as cited in Buggle, 2013).
Substance abuse complicates almost every aspect of care for the person with a mental disorder. When drugs enter the brain, they can interrupt the work and actually change how the brain performs its jobs; these changes are what lead to compulsive drug use. Drug abuse plays a major role when concerning mental health. It is very difficult for these individuals to engage in treatment. Diagnosis for a treatment is difficult because it takes time to disengage the interacting effects of substance abuse and the mental illness. It may also be difficult for substance abusers to be accommodated at home and it may not be tolerated in the community of residents of rehabilitation programs. The author states, that they end up losing their support systems
Substance use is very common among people diagnosed with mental illness. This paper will examine the results of four studies by Shi (2014) and by Ortiz-Gomez et al. (2014), Marmorstien (2010) and Green et al. All of these studies examine substance use among individuals diagnosed with depression.
Moreover, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health (2011) stated that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) involves health systems, practices and products that are not part of conventional medicine. It also added, “Surveys show that 27–60 percent of chronic pain patients use CAM.” Nonetheless, clinicians are urged to learn about this alternative treatment for pain which raise the possibility of interactions with conventional treatments. Cheatle et al., reports that acupuncture, one of the most widely used CAM therapies for substance abuse, yoga, and optimal healing environment are some of the many options currently being used and studied in the literature as options for treatment of patients with SUDs (2014, p. 46-47). Researches
The effects of drug use can vary from person to person, but usually they fall along the lines of affecting the people around you, your body, your health, and drug use usually correlates with mental health problems. Due to the fact that drugs are chemicals, they can alter the brain and body permanently, even after the use has discontinued. In some cases, drug abuse can end in fatality.