substance abuse
High Rates of Substance Abuse Among Veterans with Mental Health Disorders
Previous studies have found high rates of substance abuse among U.S. veterans, and a new study finds the same among U.S. veterans with mental health disorders. The study, led by Dr. Ismene Petrakis of the Yale University School of Medicine, could be helpful in understanding the needs of veterans of different eras, and in targeting treatment programs.
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One in Five Americans with Mental Illness also Have a Substance Abuse Disorder
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has found that nearly 45.1 million Americans are currently suffering from a mental illness, with one in five also experiencing a substance abuse disorder.
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Problem Gamblers Have Increased Risk of Suicide, Personality Disorders
A new study from Montreal has found that pathological gamblers are more likely to commit suicide, and also tend to suffer from personality disorders. These findings could help develop improved suicide prevention programs.
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Teens’ Excessive Texting Linked to Substance Abuse, Sex
New research from the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine Master of Public Health program has found that excessive texting among teens is linked to risky health behaviors, including drinking, drug use, and sexual activity. Scott Frank, MD, MS, lead author of the study and director of the Master of Public Health program at Case Western, presented the study’s findings at a meeting of the American Public Health Association in Denver, Colorado.
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HHS Awards Millions to Behavioral Health Care Facilities
On Friday, September 24, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $26.2 million in grants to 43 different community behavioral health agencies across the country in an effort to expand and improve the availability of the public’s substance abuse treatment and mental health services.
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Stigma Still Surrounds People with Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Disorders
People who suffer from mental illness and substance abuse problems are still viewed in a negative light by many, despite a greater understanding of the neurobiological causes of these disorders. A study by researchers from Indiana University and Columbia University found that prejudice and discrimination against those with mental health problems, including addiction, have remained the same and may actually be increasing.
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Comorbid Substance Abuse and Mental Illness May Lead to Violent Behavior
Scientists have found that being diagnosed with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia does not necessarily make an individual more prone to violent behavior. Individuals with these psychiatric disorders who also abuse alcohol or drugs, however, do have a stronger relationship with violence, according to a new study.
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Army Experiencing Influx of Non-Deployable Soldiers Due to Mental Health Issues
After nine years in two ongoing wars, Army commanders are now more than ever being forced to leave behind thousands of soldiers declared unfit for duty due to not just injury and illness but also poor mental health. More than 13,000 active-duty Army soldiers have been found to be unfit for duty, according to a new report. With more soldiers becoming burnt out from an exhausting war, those at the front line are feeling the brunt of the crisis by having less help, more responsibilities, and surmounting anxiety.
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Veterans with Substance Abuse Disorders More Likely to Commit Suicide by Violent Means
Of the more than 30,000 suicides that take place in America each year, approximately 20% of them are committed by veterans, according to the Secretary of U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA). It is well known that veterans face multiple mental health risks following combat duty—including depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, homelessness, and suicide—and the risk rates have surged for current and returning Afghanistan/Iraq war military personnel. However, new data on veterans’ mental health has revealed an even more alarming statistic among this demographic. A U.S. study, which will be published in July issue of the Journal on Studies of Alcohol and Drugs, shows that veterans diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder who commit suicide are more likely to do so by violent methods than by nonviolent methods.
Anger and Aggressiveness Linked to Specific PTSD Symptoms in Veterans
A new study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health, Department of Veteran Affairs, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine reveals that focusing on particular symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may help health officials better treat anger and aggression issues among veterans returning home from the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
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