The relationship between substance abuse and mental health : an exploratory study

Abstract

This dissertation focused on exploring the relationship between mental health and substance abuse within the Maltese context, specifically in relation to marijuana, cocaine and synthetic drugs. It aimed to develop an understanding of dual diagnosis in Malta, to explore pathways that result in co-occurring mental and drug abuse problems, and to shed light on the challenges associated with the management and recovery of dual diagnosis patients. A qualitative approach was adopted, and data was gathered through semi-structured interviews conducted with six professionals who work in the addictions and mental health field. Findings indicated an increase in the prevalence of dual diagnosis in Malta that reflects similar trends in foreign countries. The incidence of dual diagnosis among women was found to be comparable to that among men, particularly in view of the number of admissions to the local female Dual Diagnosis Unit. Different explanations of how one can develop a concurrent drug use disorder and mental health disorder emerged and coincided with the main propositions of the self-medication hypothesis, the accumulative risk factors hypothesis and the neurobiological vulnerability theory. The interrelationship between cocaine, synthetic and cannabis use on the one hand and mental health problems on the other, emerged from findings in this study. This interrelationship justified the emphasis on treatment models that adopt a multidisciplinary and an integrated approach for increased likelihood of positive treatment outcomes. Conversely, challenges associated with an individual’s choice of drugs, personal characteristics and environmental factors were indicated as possible barriers to effective treatment.