Saturday, February 2, 2008

Drug Addiction goes Hand in Hand with Mental Health Problems(via Worldwide Drug Addiction News)

The interactions between anxiety or depression and substance abuse are complex. Substances may be used as coping mechanisms by people with mental health problems. Substance use can trigger or worsen anxiety or depression.

The US National Co-Morbidity Study reported that 29% of the general population aged 15-54 had both an alcohol and/or drug problem and a mental disorder in the past year. British Columbia data (2002) indicate that over 79% of people aged 15-64 receiving addictions treatment services are also receiving mental health services. Also 20-40% of people with mental illnesses also have been treated for an alcohol and/or another substance use disorder.
Numerous studies in different countries confirm that having either a substance use problem or another mental disorder increases the probability of having both types of problems at the same time. It would seem that most people undergoing treatment for drug addicition might also seek treatment for their mental health concerns.

 
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