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Domestic Violence, Substance Misuse and Mental Ill-health: The Toxic Trio
Within research examining adverse childhood experiences, the toxic trio describes the risk of child abuse and neglect stemming from a child’s exposure to domestic violence, parental mental health issues and/or learning disability, and...
Mental Health and Smoking Cessation
Smoking rates among people with a mental health condition are significantly higher than in the general population.
Research has also found that individuals with mental health issues who smoke are more likely to smoke heavily and extract...
The Self-Care Matrix: A Unifying Framework for Self-Care
We are seeing a global rise in long-term noncommunicable diseases, linked with our inability to protect our own wellbeing.
The World Health Organization defines self-care as:
"the ability of individuals, families and communities to...
The Problematic Relationship Between Youth Anxiety and Later Alcohol Use
Researchers have continuously debated the link between anxiety and alcohol use. However, despite the previous examination of the direction and strength of the association, the form of the relationship remains unclear.
A recent systematic...
Responding to Global Stimulant Use: Challenges and Opportunities
Stimulants drugs increase the activity of the central nervous system producing feelings of euphoria, increased confidence, sociability, energy, and wakefulness.
In a recent paper, published as part of the Lancet series on drug use...
Alcohol Use Disorder Series from the Lancet Journals
Executive Summary
Alcohol use disorders are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and of immense importance to all mental health professionals. This new Series puts heavy drinking and alcohol use disorder in clinical and...
What is the Link Between Unemployment and Alcohol Use?
Youth unemployment has remained stable at a high-level in many countries over the past several decades.
Over the same period, evidence has emerged which suggests that unemployment can negatively affect an individual’s mental and physical...
Prevalence of Binge Drinking in Singapore
The prevalence of binge drinking- the consumption of an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time- is increasing across Asia.
Previous research has shown revealed links between heavy drinking and poor mental health outcomes...
Alcohol Use by Adolescents in Ghana
Harmful alcohol consumption during adolescence poses a major public health issue as it affects several aspects of young peoples’ health and wellbeing.
A recent study, published in the Journal of Mental Health and Prevention, has examined...
Intention to Reduce Drinking Alcohol and Preferred Sources of Support
Although rates vary from country to country, harmful alcohol use can be considered a global public health concern. The Global Drug Survey (GDS) is the world's largest annual survey of substance use.
A recent study, published in the Journa...
Sustainable Financing Options for Mental Health Care in South Africa: Findings from a Situation Analysis and Key Informant Interviews
Abstract
Background
With the implicit neglect for the integration of mental health services into general health service development in South Africa, there is an urgent need for an understanding of the ways in which existing reforms may be...
Barriers in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
The US is experiencing a public health crisis. In the US in 2016 alone, there were over 63,000 drug poisoning deaths. Despite these concerning figures, it is estimated that fewer than 20% (3.8 million) receive treatment and for those who do...
Age‐Varying Effects of Cannabis Use Frequency and Disorder on Symptoms of Psychosis, Depression and Anxiety in Adolescents and Adults
A recent study, published in the Journal of Addiction, has examined the association of cannabis use, cannabis use disorder and symptoms of psychosis, depression and anxiety in an adolescent and adult sample. The researchers also examined...
The Relationships Between Stimulant Use and Gambling Among Adolescents
Adolescence is a period of time where young people are more likely to seek independence and novel experiences, experiment with their expression and identity and have less regard for risk. Given the natural surge in sensation-seeking...
Exploring the Public Stigma of Substance Use Disorder
Illicit drug use disorder is one of the most stigmatised health conditions in the world. Stigmatisation is the mark of shame, disgrace or disapproval. It can affect people’s self-esteem and confidence, help disrupt their family...
Benzodiazepine Use Is High while Use Disorder Rates Are Low
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...
Examining the Links between Adolescent Brain Development, Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder
Adolescence is a time where young people go through dramatic changes in body and behaviour. It is an age where young people are most likely to take risks, partake in reward-seeking activities and experience the first symptoms of mental ill...
Mindfulness, Cravings and Alcohol Demand

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...
Internet-Delivered Drug and Alcohol Treatment
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