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‘The Addiction Was Making Things Harder for My Mental Health’: A Qualitative Exploration of the Views of Adults and Adolescents Accessing a Substance Misuse Treatment Service

Author

Listed:
  • Liam Spencer

    (Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK)

  • Hayley Alderson

    (Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK)

  • Steph Scott

    (Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK)

  • Eileen Kaner

    (Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK)

  • Jonathan Ling

    (Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Sunderland SR1 3SD, UK)

Abstract

The relationship between substance use and mental health is complex, and both constitute a global public health burden. In the UK, the estimated annual financial costs of alcohol-related harm and illicit drug use are GBP 21.5 billion and GBP 10.7 billion, respectively. This issue is magnified in the North East of England, where treatment access is low and a large proportion of individuals experience socioeconomic deprivation. The present study aimed to explore the experiences of adults and adolescents accessing a substance misuse treatment service in the North East, in order to inform policy makers, commissioners, and providers of substance misuse treatment and prevention. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with an opportunistic sample of n = 15 adult participants (aged 18 years and over) and n = 10 adolescent participants (aged between 13 and 17 years). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, anonymised, and analysed thematically. Five key themes were identified: (1) initiation of substance use, (2) early life experiences, (3) the bi-directional relationship of mental health and substance use, (4) cessation of substance use, and (5) accessing treatment. Future preventative interventions should focus on providing support to individuals who have been exposed to adverse childhood experiences, with treatment provision for individuals experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use issues taking a more holistic approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Liam Spencer & Hayley Alderson & Steph Scott & Eileen Kaner & Jonathan Ling, 2023. "‘The Addiction Was Making Things Harder for My Mental Health’: A Qualitative Exploration of the Views of Adults and Adolescents Accessing a Substance Misuse Treatment Service," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(11), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:11:p:5967-:d:1157082
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lotte C Houtepen & Jon Heron & Matthew J Suderman & Abigail Fraser & Catherine R Chittleborough & Laura D Howe, 2020. "Associations of adverse childhood experiences with educational attainment and adolescent health and the role of family and socioeconomic factors: A prospective cohort study in the UK," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(3), pages 1-21, March.
    2. Daniel Demant & Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios & Julie-Anne Carroll & Jason A. Ferris & Larissa Maier & Monica J. Barratt & Adam R. Winstock, 2018. "Do people with intersecting identities report more high-risk alcohol use and lifetime substance use?," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 63(5), pages 621-630, June.
    3. McNamara, Patricia & Harvey, Andrew & Andrewartha, Lisa, 2019. "Passports out of poverty: Raising access to higher education for care leavers in Australia," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 85-93.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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