NURS2172-RMIT-Franco-Ass2-Sub1-BARD-V.02

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1 “SOME DRUGS ARE GOOD AND SOME DRUGS ARE BAD” ARE THERE ANY GOOD DRUGS FOR MENTAL ILLNESS? A STUDY ON ALCOHOL Franco Minari Australian Politics Trainer’s Name RMIT University Melbourne, VICTORIA 3053 12 th of September 2023

2 Contents Introduction ......................................................................................................... 3 Impact On People With A Co-Occurring Diagnosis Of Mental Illness ................ 4 Impact On The Person’s Recovery And Treatment Outcome ............................ 4 Use Of The Drug As A Therapeutic Agent .......................................................... 4 Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 5 References ......................................................................................................... 5

3 Introduction Alcohol and mental illness are two complex and interrelated issues. While alcohol can be used as a coping mechanism for mental health symptoms, it can also exacerbate these symptoms and hinder recovery. This essay will explore the impact of alcohol use on people with mental illness, focusing on the following objectives: To outline the mechanisms by which alcohol affects the brain and its impact on mental health symptoms. To examine the evidence linking alcohol use and mental illness, including the risk of co-occurrence and relapse. To discuss the challenges of treating co-occurring alcohol use disorder (AUD) and mental illness. To identify evidence-based interventions for addressing AUD in people with mental illness. To consider the implications of these findings for clinical practice and policy. The essay will begin by providing an overview of the neurobiological effects of alcohol and its potential to worsen mental illness symptoms. It will then review the epidemiological evidence on the co-occurrence of AUD and mental illness, highlighting the risk factors for developing both conditions. The essay will also discuss the challenges of treating co-occurring AUD and mental illness, such as medication interactions, treatment adherence, and stigma.

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4 Next, the essay will provide an overview of evidence-based interventions for addressing AUD in people with mental illness. These interventions may include integrated treatment approaches that combine medication, therapy, and psychosocial support. The essay will also discuss the importance of harm reduction strategies for preventing relapse and promoting recovery. Finally, the essay will consider the implications of the findings for clinical practice and policy. It will argue that clinicians should be aware of the risks associated with alcohol use for people with mental illness and be equipped to screen for and assess AUD. The essay will also highlight the need for policies that support integrated treatment for AUD and mental illness, as well as harm reduction strategies.

5 Impact On People With A Co-Occurring Diagnosis Of Mental Illness The impact of alcohol use on people who have a co-occurring diagnosis of mental illness is significant and multifaceted. Alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms of mental illness, interfere with treatment, and increase the risk of relapse. It can also lead to a range of other problems, such as social isolation, financial hardship, and employment difficulties. Numerous studies have demonstrated the strong link between alcohol use and mental illness. A meta-analysis of 28 studies found that alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are twice as common in people with mental illness as in the general population (Grant et al., 2004). Another study found that people with AUDs are more likely to have a co-occurring mental illness than people without AUDs (Kessler et al., 2005). The mechanisms by which alcohol affects mental illness are complex and multifaceted. Alcohol can alter the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which play a role in mood regulation. It can also disrupt sleep, impair cognitive function, and increase stress levels. These effects can worsen the symptoms of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Alcohol can also interfere with the effectiveness of medications used to treat mental illness. For example, alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants,

6 antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. It can also increase the side effects of these medications. Additionally, alcohol use can increase the risk of relapse in people who are in recovery from mental illness. Alcohol can trigger cravings for other substances, and it can also make it more difficult to cope with stress and other triggers for mental illness. The consequences of alcohol use for people with mental illness can be severe. Alcohol can lead to social isolation, financial hardship, and employment difficulties. It can also increase the risk of suicide, self-harm, and violence. In conclusion, the impact of alcohol use on people who have a co-occurring diagnosis of mental illness is significant and multifaceted. Alcohol can worsen symptoms, interfere with treatment, and increase the risk of relapse. It is important to raise awareness of the risks of alcohol use for people with mental illness and to provide effective treatment and support services. Impact On The Person’s Recovery And Treatment Outcome Alcohol use can have a significant impact on a person's recovery and treatment outcome. It can interfere with the therapeutic process, increase the risk of relapse, and lead to a range of other problems that can make recovery more difficult.

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7 Alcohol can interfere with the therapeutic process in a number of ways. It can impair cognitive function, making it difficult to participate in therapy and learn new coping mechanisms. It can also worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression, making it more difficult to address these issues in therapy. Additionally, alcohol can lead to risky behaviors, such as violence, self-harm, and suicide, which can disrupt the recovery process. Alcohol use also increases the risk of relapse. Alcohol can trigger cravings for other substances, and it can also make it more difficult to cope with stress and other triggers for relapse. According to a study published in the journal Addiction, people with AUDs who drink alcohol are more likely to relapse than those who abstain. Alcohol use can also lead to a range of other problems that can make recovery more difficult. These problems can include: Health problems: Alcohol can damage the liver, brain, and other organs. It can also increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Social problems: Alcohol can lead to social isolation, relationship problems, and financial hardship. Legal problems: Alcohol use can lead to drunk driving arrests, public intoxication charges, and other legal problems. Employment problems: Alcohol use can impair job performance and lead to absenteeism. It can also lead to job loss.

8 The impact of alcohol use on recovery and treatment outcome varies depending on the individual and the severity of their AUD. However, even a small amount of alcohol can have a negative impact on recovery. Therefore, it is important for people who are in recovery from AUDs to abstain from alcohol altogether. Use Of The Drug As A Therapeutic Agent Alcohol has been used as a therapeutic agent for centuries. In ancient times, it was used to treat a variety of ailments, including anxiety, depression, pain, and insomnia. In the 19th and 20th centuries, alcohol was used as a sedative, hypnotic, and anesthetic. While alcohol can have some sedative and anxiolytic effects, there is no evidence that it is an effective treatment for any mental health condition. In fact, alcohol use can worsen the symptoms of many mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Alcohol can also interfere with the effectiveness of medications used to treat mental illness. In addition to its potential to worsen mental illness, alcohol can also lead to a number of other health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Alcohol abuse can also lead to social problems, such as relationship problems, financial hardship, and employment difficulties.

9 In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the risks of alcohol use. As a result, alcohol is no longer considered a safe or effective therapeutic agent. There are now a number of safe and effective treatments available for mental health conditions. These treatments include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

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10 Conclusion In conclusion, alcohol use can have a significant impact on people with mental illness. Alcohol can worsen symptoms, interfere with treatment, and increase the risk of relapse. It can also lead to a range of other problems, such as social isolation, financial hardship, and employment difficulties. The neurobiological effects of alcohol interact with the underlying neurobiology of mental illness, exacerbating symptoms and amplifying the risk of relapse. Alcohol use can also interfere with the effectiveness of medications used to treat mental illness. The co-occurrence of AUD and mental illness presents unique challenges for treatment. Integrated treatment approaches that combine medication, therapy, and psychosocial support are essential for addressing the needs of this population. Harm reduction strategies, such as motivational interviewing and relapse prevention planning, can also be helpful in preventing relapse and promoting recovery. Clinicians should be aware of the risks associated with alcohol use for people with mental illness and be equipped to screen for and assess AUD. Screening should be conducted at regular intervals, and interventions should be tailored to the individual's needs.

11 Policy changes are also needed to improve the prevention and treatment of AUD in people with mental illness. These changes should include increased funding for integrated treatment programs, expanded access to harm reduction services, and reduced stigma associated with AUD and mental illness. By understanding the complex interplay between alcohol and mental illness, we can develop effective interventions that promote recovery and well-being. Addressing AUD in people with mental illness is essential for improving their overall health and quality of life.

12 References 2022 Australian Reconciliation Barometer - Reconciliation Australia. (2022, November 22). Reconciliation Australia. https://www.reconciliation.org.au/publication/2022-australian-reconciliation- barometer/

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