How to Cope With Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Mental health issues like anxiety and depression and the use of substances are linked closely. The use of substances can lead to psychotic reactions that are prolonged but one is not a direct cause of another. Individuals who have mental health problems such as bipolar disorder and depression and substance abuse problem is said to have a co-occurring disorder or a dual diagnosis. An individual dealing with the abuse of substances has such a difficult time and it even gets more difficult when the same individual is struggling with the problem of mental health. Patients with a co-occurring disorder, both the substance addiction and issues of mental health have unique 

Specific symptoms that get in the way of their ability to function at school or even at work, maintain a stable relationship at home, relate with other people, and handle difficulties in life. The co-occurring disorders also affect each other which makes the situation even more complicated. Lack of treatment of the problems of mental health leads to the worsening of the problem of substance abuse and when the problem of substance abuse increases the problems of mental health increase as well. The purpose of this paper is to understand the relationship between mental health and substance abuse and how these social problems are addressed in society. 

Literature Review 

According to Haskell et al (2016), disorders associated with substance abuse and mental health are public health concerns that are health, economically, and socially costly. In their study, they also found out that such disorders accounted for over 183 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The problems of mental health usually co-occur when an individual has the issues of substance use and these issues intersect commonly with the experiences of violence and trauma. Although most individuals who have the problems of substance use and mental health are not violent, the study done by Haskell et al (2016) indicate that these individuals have higher rates of present and past trauma and abuse in their lives. 

Haskell et al (2016) found out that mental health problems and substance health problems lead to partner and non-partner aggression, on-going or current both as perpetrators and victims. Mental health problems have been associated with the spousal problems are more evident than it is with those who do not experience the violence. 

According to Haskell et.al (2016), the mental health and substance abuse issues create a need for services for those individuals who experience them especially for those with concurrent problems. A recovery-oriented model usually highlights the essentiality of self-determination, awareness, hope, and purpose for the individuals who have the experience of these issues. The recovery-oriented services and outcomes which are reported by the individuals who acquire the services include fostering opportunities to be able to engage in relationships, support of the material needs which are basic, and engagement in active activities as citizens of a country. 

Those individuals who acquire the services of mental health and substance abuse issues required to be treated with dignity, respect as well as much attention so that they can keep on seeking such services to get better. Discrimination is great and obvious among people who have the issues of mental health substance use as identified by Barry et al (2014) in their study on stigmatization and discrimination amongst people with these issues. The reason for the increased cases of substance abuse issues as well as mental health issues is because people have not taken the problem as serious conditions that require medical attention. 

People view mental health differently compared to their views on substance abuse. Barry et al (2014) in their research found out that the addiction to substance use is treated often as a category of mental health issues and that those people who use substances are treated negatively as compared to those people who suffer from mental health issues. These people are usually not provided with insurance coverage or funding by the government and they also receive less support as compared to the people with issues of mental health. 

Few people and society generally view the use of substances as if it is not a medical condition that requires to be treated and instead views use of substances as a failing that should be overcome personally. As compared to mental illness Barry et al (2014) found out that addiction to substance abuse is viewed as a shortcoming on the part of the individual morally and is often reinforced by the fact that drugs are illegal. People fail to realize that mental health problems and substance abuse are related hence the people who use substances are not supposed to be condemned. 

Claro et al (2015) found out that there exists a correlation between the severity of the problems of substance abuse and that of mental illness symptoms. About one of every five people who use substances suffer from psychosocial and psychological problems, job loss, interpersonal problems, legal problems as well as mental problems. In the research, they also found out that bipolar disorders which are mental health issues are closely related to the use of substances. 

Jiang, Wu, & Gao (2017), In their research found out that motivational interviewing is effective especially when delivered in different modes other than the face to face counselling in treating and preventing the abuse of substances and the behaviors that are associated with abuse of substances. Telephone motivational interviewing is a promising intervention mode in preventing and treating abuse of substances. Other modes such as group and internet based motivational interviewing are also effective. 

Mental health illnesses such as anxiety disorders can be treated and prevented using the use of both Cognitive Behavior Therapy and motivational interviewing. They both improve various treatment aspects starting with symptoms reduction, treatment dropout rate, and initial engagement as investigated by Marker & Norton, (2018). 

Key Points 

The studies have discussed the relationship between mental health and substance abuse by identifying that the two are closely related. Mental health problems have been associated with the abuse of substances in which people who abuse drugs have disorders such as bipolar, co-occurring, depression, and anxiety. High rates of people who suffer from mental illnesses abuse substances they also tend to be violent and aggressive. Most individuals with mental health disorders like comorbidities are those who abuse substances. 

The studies also discuss how people who have substance abuse issues and mental illnesses are treated in the society identifying that most people who have mental health issues are discriminated against especially even in the coverage by insurance. Most people in society view those people with substance abuse and mental health issues as being immoral and failure which can be overcome with time. This makes people view substance abuse and mental health issues as issues that do not require medical attention. 

The studies also discuss mental health and disorders of substance abuse as significant concerns of public health and the necessity of services to address such issues. Many individuals with these problems need services which they should be offered with respect and dignity, without being judged and with the proper support so that they can feel normal to make sure that the stigma they experience is reduced. Mental health problems that are related to substance abuse should be handled as early as possible which means early intervention is needed. The individuals suffering from mental health illnesses and substance abuse-related issues should be treated early to prevent the situation and condition from becoming severe. 

Case Examples 

The following are case examples of persons with mental disorders and substance abuse and how they were helped back to their normal life with the help of professionals. The individuals mentioned under these case studies have been helped deal with the mental disorder and the drug abuse challenges that they experienced. The case studies were retrieved from the Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) document on mental disorders. 

M is a 32 years old gentleman referred to Nottingham Community Housing association by Assertive outreach team. M was at risk of becoming homeless because of the failing relationship with his girlfriend who had to provide him with a place to live. M had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had challenges with substance misuse. In addition to his condition, M was diabetic, HIV positive and had hepatitis B. However, M’s mental conditions and the drug use put him in a more risk compared to the other health problems. Mr. M had lost his house Tenancy which had forced him to move to Forest Road to stay with his girlfriend. Both Nottingham Community Housing association and Assertive outreach team carried out a thorough assessment to ensure that all the needs of M were identified and addressed. Both teams enjoyed their responsibility and contingency plans. M is helped back to a good life and start a new life. 

AB aged 35, was a man with mental health and a history of alcohol misuse. In addition, AB had been financially exploited resulting in financial debts which caused threats from the money owners. AB lived in a house that was aiming for a poor state and because of money problem M was about to lose the tenancy. Community Mental Health Team sent AB to Nottingham Community Housing Association. The assessment report of AB included waking in the local area at night shouting and threatening people of the local community. The team from CMHT worked together with NCHA to provide joint counseling sessions and also M was introduced to medication by CPN. The healthcare givers were able to focus on the needs of AB by providing support. The two groups were also interested to provide general physical and mental wellbeing of the individual. There was a recommendation to move AB to areas where the patient was a bit safe and less risk of abuse. AB resulted in excess drinking after moving to a new environment. However, AB made a decision to change came in time as M engaged Dual Diagnosis team for assessment purposes. AB reduced his drinking and gradually and his life became stable. He went back to employment, and we supported his desire to attend college and started teaching English as a second language. 

Discussion 

From these above, there is a relationship that exists between mental disorder and substance misuse. People with mental illnesses are more likely to engage in substance abuse or substance abuse can result in some mental problems. However, mentally ill persons who engage in alcohol abuse can be helped by organizations working with the community. 

The solution of mental disorder and substance abuse is the acceptance of the problem and seeking professional help. As identified in the first case study M had different health conditions but the riskiest was identified as his mental health and substance abuse. When M began getting help from professionals M took control of his health and M began taking the medication seriously. Similarly in the 2 nd case study AB had drinking challenges and had mental disorder problems. However, after making the decision to take his substance abuse problem down he started detoxification and continued therapy. 

Mental illness and substance abuse are a social problem that can hinder the growth and development of a person as well as impact the entire society in general. Extensive research has been done on substance abuse and mental health disorders which have identified that there exists a form of relationship between the two. Society understands the menace of substance misuse and how mental problem issues have escalated in the recent past and has led to the development of different help centers. Rehabilitation centers, community-sponsored help centers are example of places where people with mental challenges are taken for assessment and treatment processes. Research indicated that substance misuse and mental health problem are a great risk to a healthy life. 

Summary and Conclusion 

There is a close link between mental health challenges and substance abuse. Available data indicate people suffering from mental problems such as anxiety or depression are likely to engage in substance abuse. These people have are commonly neglected in society and they end up using more substances and their mental health deteriorates. These persons are rendered homeless in the long run and may end up in the streets. With the help of society, these problems are easily addressed as there are helpful resources that have been created by Federal and state to help people facing these problems. When treated individuals can go back their normal life with continued support for these persons not to fall back into substance abuse. 

References  

Claro, H. G., Oliveira, M. A. F. D., Titus, J. C., Fernandes, I. F. D. A. L., Pinho, P. H., & Tarifa, R. R. (2015). Drug use, mental health and problems related to crime and violence: a cross-sectional study. Revista latino-Americana de enfermagem , 23 (6), 1173-1180. 

Haskell, R., Graham, K., Bernards, S., Flynn, A., & Wells, S. (2016). Service user and family member perspectives on services for mental health, substance use/addiction, and violence: a qualitative study of their goals, experiences, and recommendations. International journal of mental health systems, 10(1), 9. Barry, C. L., McGinty, E. E., Pescosolido, B. A., & Goldman, H. H. (2014). Stigma, discrimination, treatment effectiveness, and policy: public views about drug addiction and mental illness. Psychiatric Services, 65(10), 1269-1272. 

Jiang, S., Wu, L., & Gao, X. (2017). Beyond face-to-face individual counseling: A systematic review on alternative modes of motivational interviewing in substance abuse treatment and prevention. Addictive behaviors , 73 , 216-235. 

Marker, I., & Norton, P. J. (2018). The efficacy of incorporating motivational interviewing to cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety disorders: A review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review , 62 , 1-10. 

Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA). Mental health case studies. Retrieved from https://careandsupport.ncha.org.uk/assets/_managed/cms/files/HWCS/Case%20Studies/Mental%20Health.pdf