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. 

Report: Mixing Alcohol with Energy Drinks

Book
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VicHealth has released a report summarising a recent investigation into Australia’s consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks and its harmful consequences. The key findings include: Young people in metropolitan areas drink alcohol and...
Mixing Alcohol with Energy Drinks

Teenage Binge Drinking and Future Offspring’s Brain Development

Scientific article
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Frequent binge drinking during your teenage years can affect the brain functioning and development of your future offspring, according to new research published by Loyola University. Indeed, the study suggests that excessive alcohol...

Marijuana Linked to Psychosis

Scientific article
The increased use of marijuana as well as the debate over decriminalisation and legalisation has left many with questions about the potential dangers of cannabis. A new study found that people who used marijuana were more likely to develop...

Substance Abuse and the Transition to Adulthood

Scientific article
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Transitioning from childhood to adulthood can be a particularly difficult time for a lot of young people. A new study published in Emerging Adulthood investigates the way that adolescent substance users view this change in relation to their...

Mental Health Issues and Drug Use Disorder in Young People

Book
This new report analyses treatment services provided to youth with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders across Australia. Awareness of the complex relationship between mental health problems and substance abuse can help...
Alcohol and Other Drug Use by Young People with a Mental Illness

Animal Assisted Interventions in the Treatment of Addictions & Mental Health

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Ottawa
, 
Canada

Animal Assisted Interventions (AAIs) are increasingly being offered in the primary health care field in Canada, including in addictions and mental health, and range from therapy dogs in counseling sessions to non-riding therapeutic programmes with horses. However, there is little awareness and sharing amongst programmes and limited documented evidence about AAI effectiveness.