Mental health and substance use

Abstract

This chapter introduces the intersections between mental health care and drug and alcohol care. It addresses the implications for holistiC health care needs related to dual drug and alcohol use, and concurrent mental illness. It tells the contemporary, real-life story of a person who developed an episode of psychosis following consumption of premixed alcohol and caffeine drinks. The chapter also describes change models applied to substance use and recovery, such as motivational interviewing and stages of change readiness. Both common and less common drugs and their misuse affect the physical, social, cognitive and mental health dimensions of people with mental illness. Reflective exercises guide readers to conSIder how they will be able to promote mental health and well-being and minimise drug.related harm to individuals and communities in a practice context.