Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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'Drone strikes
- Author:
- DALY Max
- Journal article citation:
- Druglink, 27(6), November 2012, pp.8-11.
- Publisher:
- Drugscope
- Place of publication:
- London
In this article, the author reports on the results of the Druglink Street Drug Trends 2012 survey. The survey, undertaken between September and November 2012, was based on information from police forces, drug action teams, frontline treatment services and user groups in 20 towns and cities, and from interviews and questionnaires involving drug experts, national drug services and drug workers across the UK. The article focuses in particular on the survey findings concerning use of mephedrone. It reports that despite a ban in 2010 mephedrone is becoming a significant problematic drug, and that more people are requesting help with physical and psychological problems associated with their mephedrone use. It notes mephedrone's relatively low cost, easy availability and reliable potency, and that it is being taken by a more diverse population. It discusses trends in use of the drug and possible reasons for this, and includes a brief user case example and a Barnsley case study report for Addaction on mephedrone injecting. It also reports on other major trends revealed in the 2012 survey.
Invisible wounds
- Author:
- BROOKS Laura
- Journal article citation:
- Druglink, 24(3), May 2009, pp.12-13.
- Publisher:
- Drugscope
- Place of publication:
- London
Many former soldiers struggle with drug and mental health problems after leaving the army. This article looks at the experiences of two former soldiers, one who became addicted to sleeping tables and another who began using heroin after suffering flashbacks. The article also questions whether enough services are available to help veterans cope.
Reefer blockers
- Author:
- DALY Max
- Journal article citation:
- Druglink, 21(3), May 2006, pp.10-13.
- Publisher:
- Drugscope
- Place of publication:
- London
This author looks at some of the reasons why teenagers develop problems with cannabis use. He explains how thousands of young people are smoking themselves numb in order to cope with unhappy times. The article includes a summary of findings from the Young People's Heavy-end Cannabis Use research in Greater Manchester, which is carrying out interviews, focus groups and outreach with at least 150 young people.
The impact of employment on perceived recovery from opiate dependence
- Authors:
- LOWE Elizabeth, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Drugs and Alcohol Today, 18(4), 2018, pp.206-216.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Less than 15 per cent of people starting opiate substitution treatment (OST) in England are employed, but few gain employment during treatment. Increasingly punitive approaches have been tried to encourage individuals with substance dependence into employment in the hope of facilitating recovery. It is not clear which factors are associated with the successful maintenance of employment whilst receiving OST, and whether this group can be said to be “in recovery”. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study of the OST population in one English region was conducted between January and April 2017. Measures of physical health, employment patterns, drug use, mental health, recovery capital, and dependence severity were administered to 55 employed and 55 unemployed clients. Findings: Those in employment had higher levels of “recovery capital”, better physical and mental health, fewer drug problems, and less severe dependence, despite reporting heroin use at a similar level. Three variables were significantly associated with employment: longest period of employment (OR=1.01, p=0.003); number of chronic medical conditions (OR=0.44, p=0.011); and number of days of psychological problems in the last month (OR=0.95, p=0.031). Practical implications: These results suggest that abstinence may not be required in order to maintain stable employment when OST is in place. Different treatment strategies are required for clients receiving OST already in employment compared with those who are unemployed. Originality/value: This is the first UK study to the author’s knowledge to focus on people receiving OST who are also in employment. (Publisher abstract)
Substance misuse in life and death in a 2-year cohort of suicides
- Authors:
- GALWAY Karen, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 208(3), 2016, pp.292-297.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Background: Although substance misuse is a key risk factor in suicide, relatively little is known about the relationship between lifetime misuse and misuse at the time of suicide. Aims: To examine the relationship between substance misuse and subsequent suicide. Method: Linkage of coroners' reports to primary care records for 403 suicides occurring over 2 years. Results: With alcohol misuse, 67% of the cohort had previously sought help for alcohol problems and 39% were intoxicated at the time of suicide. Regarding misuse of other substances, 54% of the cohort was tested. Almost one in four (38%) tested positive, defined as an excess of drugs over the prescribed therapeutic dosage and/or detection of illicit substances. Those tested were more likely to be young and have a history of drug misuse. Conclusions: A deeper understanding of the relationship between substance misuse and suicide could contribute to prevention initiatives. Furthermore, standardised toxicology screening processes would avoid diminishing the importance of psychosocial factors involved in suicide as a ‘cause of death’. (Publisher abstract)
A question of commitment – improving practitioner responses to domestic and sexual violence, problematic substance use and mental ill-health
- Authors:
- HOLLY Jennifer, HORVATH Miranda A.H.
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Dual Diagnosis, 5(2), 2012, pp.59-67.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The Against Violence & Abuse project aims to develop good practice for responding to survivors and perpetrators of abuse who also have a dual diagnosis. This article reviews what is already understood to be best practice in this area, and presents the initial learning from the project evaluation. In line with other research, levels of routine enquiry or enquiry about experiences of violence were low amongst staff from all organisations participating in the project. In comparison staff seemed somewhat more likely to enquire about substance misuse and mental health issues. Wide variation in attendance at training was found with a complex relationship between training and confidence emerging. The authors concluded that a lot more training, organisational support and research is needed to ensure that professionals who have contact with women who have experienced abuse, have mental health or substance use problems are asking their clients about all three issues, ensuring victims with complex needs having access to the necessary protection and support.
Double trouble
- Author:
- EATON Lynn
- Journal article citation:
- Health Service Journal, 4.01.06, 2006, pp.22-24.
- Publisher:
- Emap Healthcare
Patients who are both mentally ill and addicted to drugs or alcohol are very difficult to treat. This article looks at the slow progress in the NHS in providing care and services for this group. The article also briefly highlights two good practice examples from Turning Point and The Priory Group.
Psychiatric patients and HIV infection: a new population risk?
- Authors:
- STEFAN Martin D., CATALAN Jose
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 167, December 1995, pp.721-727.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Assess the evidence that psychiatric patients are at increased risk of infection with HIV and discusses some of the clinical implications. Surveys of HIV seroprevalence and risk behaviours among psychiatric patients were obtained from a manual and computer search. Most studies report an increased prevalence of HIV infection among psychiatric patients compared to the general population. Risk behaviours, and obstacles to risk reduction, are identified. Concludes that there is a strong case for investigating the seroprevalence of HIV in psychiatric settings in the UK. Issues relating to HIV and AID are likely to assume increasing importance in general psychiatric practice.
Dual dilemma: the impact of living with mental health issues combined with drug and alcohol misuse
- Author:
- TURNING POINT
- Publisher:
- Turning Point
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 12
- Place of publication:
- London
Short report providing an update on the challenges facing people with mental health problems issues who also misuse drugs and/or alcohol. The report presents key facts and figures which highlight the number of people affected and the cost to services. It also looks at the impact of substance misuse on the symptoms of mental ill health. Despite government initiatives and policy guidance to develop more integrated services for people with substance misuse and mental health problems, it reports that joint commissioning is rare. The report the highlights some of the challenges to effective service delivery are identified, which include: the lack of a joined up approach, failure to diagnosis or recognise need, and lack of access to services. The paper then makes suggestions to improve funding, commissioning and provision of services for people with co-existing needs. These include greater collaboration of services, partnership working between staff, drug and alcohol awareness training for mental health staff, and the need for early intervention and prevention. The report makes recommendations for the government, commissioners and providers and calls for them to work together to improve service provision. (Edited publisher abstract)
Child maltreatment and high risk families
- Authors:
- TAYLOR Julie, LAZENBATT Anne
- Publisher:
- Dunedin Academic Press
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 110
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
Examines why most child maltreatment occurs within the context of high risk families. Although physical abuse can occur in any family, it is prevalent in particular sectors of society, where families may be vulnerable to a combination of complex risk factors such as domestic abuse, alcohol and drug (mis)use, and mental health issues. These factors are present in 34 per cent of Serious Case Reviews (SCRs). Physical abuse is a significant issue throughout the UK. Yet, while neglect and other forms of abuse are receiving focused attention, physical abuse may languish under the misconceptions that it is no longer a problem, is addressed elsewhere, or is just too overwhelming an issue. The physical abuse of children can involve regular, violent treatment at the hands of parents or carers over a number of years. Its physical effects may last for days and may result in actual physical injury. The authors provide an increased understanding of risk, analysis, impact, learning and the current landscape of service delivery in relation to the physical abuse of children living in high risk families for professional, postgraduate and policy-making audiences. (Edited publisher abstract)