Mental Health Issues and Drug Use Disorder in Young People

This new report analyses treatment services provided to youth with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders across Australia. Awareness of the complex relationship between mental health problems and substance abuse can help professionals identify, prevent and treat co-existing mental health and substance abuse problems. The report includes the following stats relating to concurrent disorders:

• 48% of young people with a mental health issue also have a drug use disorder
• One in four young people report using alcohol or other drugs to deal with mental illness
• 24% of teenagers who suffer from severe depression smoke cigarettes
• 34% of teenagers with severe depression drink alcohol 

Click on the link to read about key solutions to these issues.