Mental Health & Substance Use
Understanding How Mental Health and Substance Use Can Influence Each Other
Mental health and substance use can influence one another in several different directions. This resource explores that relationship without assuming that one problem necessarily caused the other.
It looks at short-term relief, longer-term effects, overlapping symptoms, anxiety and low mood, psychosis, medication considerations and the concept of “dual diagnosis” or co-occurring mental-health and substance-use needs.
It also considers why effective care may need to address both areas alongside physical health, housing, relationships and other circumstances.
Useful for: understanding co-occurring needs, improving assessment and formulation, and avoiding the assumption that somebody must completely resolve either their mental health or substance use before receiving help with the other.
Space to Breathe Therapy
