Addictions and Mental Health

  Professional Courses

Addiction and mental health issues often co-exist together, though it is not a simple cause and effect relationship. While the use of some substances are known to induce psychotic symptoms, addictions may cause psychosocial problems that can lead to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. It is often difficult to disentangle the overlapping symptoms of addictions and other mental illnesses, thus making diagnosis and treatment complex. As addiction and mental health issues are often assessed and treated separately, many suffering from both tend to fall through the cracks. 

This workshop will look at the co-relationship between addictions and mental health, and help participants recognise the subtleties that are often overlooked in treatment. It aims to highlight how mental health issues and addictive behaviours may perpetuate one other; the pitfalls to avoid when working with these individuals and why correct and early screening are critical to ensuring effective treatment. The workshop also helps participants learn how to set basic and achievable clinical goals while coping with the challenges their clients may face. This workshop is a must for social service and health care professionals working with addiction clients.