9.4 Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Question 1

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Answer 1

• Drugs and alcohol are used as an escape from reality or coping for depression, anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem.
• Accounts for more deaths/illness/and disabilities then preventable conditions.
• Accounts for many ER visits and has legal implications
• Creates a economic burden including healthcare expenditures.
• One of the most expensive community and public health issues in the US.

Question 2

Multi-causation Model

Answer 2

Three Layers
- Host
Inherited traits of the host can increase risk of dependence (non-modifiable)

• Personal Factors
  Substance abuse is a choice (modifiable personal factor)
• Environmental Factors
  Misuse of substances among peers, homelife, or local culture
• Consider all factors when treating substance abuse

Programs
- Education
- Local law enforcement
- Treatment