Homelessness, Mental Health Afflictions, Problematic Substance Use, and Associated Criminality

2021 ◽  
pp. 258-287
Author(s):  
Jayesh D'Souza
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged ◽  
Transformative Justice ◽  
Government Response ◽  
Substance Use Problems ◽  
Problematic Substance Use ◽  
Problematic Substance ◽  
Justice Model ◽  
Sheer Number

Homelessness and related community ailments have plagued society for a number of years, and governments have found it difficult to get these under control. The sheer number of homeless with mental health afflictions and problematic substance use problems leaves no doubt about the need for a stronger, more urgent government response. Community ailments such as these have led to increased crime rates and incarcerations and overcrowded prisons without a lasting solution in sight. This chapter uses the transformative justice model, with the expectation it produces better results than current models, by examining the source of homelessness, mental health afflictions, and problematic substance use and their bi-directional relationship with crime. This inter-jurisdictional study compares the current situations in the state of California and the province of Ontario, which have a high percent of homeless populations. It proves that special attention to vulnerable populations such as racialized groups, the socioeconomically disadvantaged, and youth is warranted.

scholarly journals Mapping, assessing and promoting multiple psychological senses of community (MPSOC) through clinical pathways for treating substance use problems

2021 ◽  
pp. 145507252098597
Author(s):  
Nina Kavita Heggen Bahl ◽  
Anne Signe Landheim ◽  
Hilde Eileen Nafstad ◽  
Rolv Mikkel Blakar ◽  
Morten A. Brodahl
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Clinical Pathways ◽  
Collaborative Study ◽  
Social Situation ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Social Situations ◽  
Recovery Processes ◽  
Substance Use Problems ◽  
Problematic Substance Use ◽  
Problematic Substance

Aim: The recent nationally implemented clinical pathways for the treatment of substance use problems in Norway require mapping and assessing of patients’ needs, challenges, and resources. However, there is a lack of tools for systematically mapping and assessing patients’ social situations and social networks as part of the national guidelines. The aim of this article is to present a tool developed to map and assess the patient’s social situation, and to propose approaches for promoting multiple psychological senses of community (MPSOC) through clinical pathways for treating substance use problems. Methods: The proposed tool and approaches are developed based on findings in a previous in-depth collaborative study of MPSOC and recovery among people with substance use problems who received help and services from Norwegian municipalities. Findings: The findings suggest that multiple communities (geographical, relational and ideal) and senses of communities (within and outside treatment) simultaneously can influence individual recovery processes from problematic substance use in both positive as well as negative ways. As such, these community dimensions are of central importance to include in mapping and assessing of patients’ social situations, as well as in the promotion of MPSOC through clinical pathways. Conclusions: The suggested tool and approaches can increase the likelihood of achieving key aims of the national clinical pathways. Most important, mapping, assessing and promoting MPSOC through clinical pathways may promote long-term recovery processes and positive recovery capital for persons with substance use problems.

scholarly journals Alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use trajectories from age 12 to 24 years: Demographic correlates and young adult substance use problems

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 253-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Nelson ◽  
Mark J. Van Ryzin ◽  
Thomas J. Dishion
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Early Adolescence ◽  
Early Adulthood ◽  
Marijuana Use ◽  
Rapid Onset ◽  
Substance Use Problems ◽  
Problematic Substance Use ◽  
Problematic Substance

AbstractSubstance use trajectories were examined from early adolescence to young adulthood among a diverse sample of 998 youths. Analysis of longitudinal data from ages 12 to 24 identified distinct trajectories for alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use. Modeling revealed 8 alcohol, 7 marijuana, and 6 tobacco use trajectories. Analyses assessed risk for substance use problems in early adulthood within each trajectory, as well as overlap among alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use trajectories. Findings confirmed that adolescents with early- and rapid-onset trajectories are particularly vulnerable to the development of problematic substance use in early adulthood. However, analyses also identified an escalating high school onset trajectory for alcohol and for marijuana use that was equally prognostic of problem use in adulthood. Moreover, tobacco use in early adolescence was associated with developing high-risk marijuana and alcohol use patterns. Random assignment to the Family Check-Up intervention was found to reduce risk for membership in the high-risk marijuana use trajectories, suggesting that family-based approaches delivered during adolescence can prevent escalations to problematic substance use. These findings suggest the importance of developmental heterogeneity and equifinality in considering prevention for alcohol and drug use.

Improving Services for People with a Psychotic Disorder and Problematic Substance Use: A Multifaceted Approach to Project Evaluation

2001 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nandi Siegfried ◽  
Peter Sainsbury
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Formative Evaluation ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Clinical Services ◽  
Multifaceted Approach ◽  
Problematic Substance Use ◽  
Problematic Substance ◽  
Project Objectives

Objective: The objective of this study was to conduct a multifaceted formative evaluation of the Central Sydney Area Health Service (CSAHS) Psychosis and Substance Use Project. Method: Four evaluative methods were used: (i) description and interpretation of the Project's documented processes and outcomes; (ii) a benchmark comparison of the Project processes and outcomes against three of the 11 National Standards for Mental Health Services; (iii) a survey of the Project's key stakeholders; and (iv) interviews with 12 purposefully sampled key informants. Results: The Project achieved its aim to develop a strategy to improve services for people with comorbid psychosis and problematic substance use. Three of the five Project objectives were fully achieved: examination of current clinical services, development of a clinical services plan, and development of a staff education programme. The Project partially achieved two objectives: development of an information system, and a research agenda. The Project and CSAHS performed well when measured against three of the National Mental Health Standards. Project participants perceived the Project to have been successful and worth continuing, identified some shortcomings and made recommendations for the second phase. Conclusions: The participatory approach to the Project and the evaluation was successful. With some improvements the Project is worth continuing into a second phase. A multifaceted approach and qualitative research methods are useful for formative evaluation of health service programmes.

A Review of Comorbidity: Major Mental Illness and Problematic Substance Use

1998 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 707-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nandi Siegfried
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Empirical Evaluation ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Comorbid Condition ◽  
Problematic Substance Use ◽  
Problematic Substance ◽  
Drug And Alcohol

Objective: The aim of this paper is to critically review the literature on major mental illness and problematic substance use in order to provide clinicians and policymakers with evidence to support proposed directions for management of the above. Method: The available literature was accessed using computerised databases and manual searching. Results: The predominantly North American-based literature is largely descriptive. Those studies which attempt empirical evaluation are limited by methodological weaknesses which include small sample sizes, short follow-up periods, inadequate measurement of substance use, lack of experimental design, and treatment drift over time. However, there is consensus among most studies regarding prevalence rates and treatment. Conclusions: Problematic substance use is the most common comorbid condition among people with a major mental illness and is associated with poorer patient outcomes. There is evidence to suggest that the integration of mental health and drug and alcohol services will result in improved detection, assessment and management of comorbidity. Integration refers to the provision of comprehensive services by a single service with staff who are competent in both mental health and drug and alcohol skills. A tolerant, non-confrontational approach to substance use is most appropriate for people with a major mental illness. Treatment programs need to recognise the longitudinal nature of substance abuse and dependence. More research needs to be conducted in this field in order to establish guidelines for effective management.

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