Mental Health

A person’s emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, influencing how individuals think, feel, behave, and cope with life’s challenges. In the context of substance use disorders, mental health is closely interconnected with patterns of substance use, as mental health conditions can increase vulnerability to substance misuse and substance use can also affect mental wellbeing. Addressing mental health alongside substance use is therefore essential for effective prevention, treatment, and recovery, often requiring integrated, person-centred approaches that support overall wellbeing and functioning. 

Benzodiazepine Use Is High while Use Disorder Rates Are Low

Scientific article
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Benzodiazepines, such as sedatives and sleeping aids, are a widely prescribed group of medicines designed for short-term treatment. Although most people manage benzodiazepines as prescribed, some individuals misuse the drugs and can develop...

Mindfulness for Chronic Pain and Prescription Opioid Misuse

Scientific article
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Opioid medication for chronic pain can be an effective treatment. Most patients take the medication as prescribed, however some individuals can become addicted to the drug, leading to opioid misuse. Prescription opioid misuse is a...

Integrated Mapping of Local Mental Health Systems in Central Chile

Scientific article
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[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To describe the availability of local mental health (MH) services in small MH catchment areas in Central Chile, using a bottom-up approach. Methods. MH services of 19 small MH catchment areas in five health districts...

Dying for a Drink

Book
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Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) has published its latest report, ‘ Dying for a drink’. Scottish people tend to consume more alcohol than people in England and Wales. Alcohol is a harmful substance and, consumed in excess...

Mindfulness, Cravings and Alcohol Demand

Scientific article
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Young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 who are in college are more likely, compared to their non-college peers, to drink to excess. College drinking remains a significant public health concern with consequences including poorer academic...

How Alcohol Can Change How Memories Are Formed

Scientific article
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Consuming alcohol often comes with negative side effects, such as nausea or headaches, however we have a tendency to remember the positive experience of drinking rather than the negative consequences. Understanding how alcohol influences...