The Little Blue Book

(3) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Major depression and comorbid substance use disorders. (4) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Comorbidity of mental disorders with alcohol and other drug abuse (5) www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS) ALCOHOL, DRUGS and DEPRESSION Alcohol’s depressant effect on the brain is well-understood; also well-known are the deep and dramatic lows that can accompany persistent drug use. Symptoms of depression often sit alongside heavy use of these substances. The effect of alcohol in large doses on brain function, chemical neurotransmitters and hormonal systems is “known to be involved in the development of depression and anxiety disorders”. 1 While establishing which came first, the mental illness or the drug problem, is not easily identified (the directional pathway), there is broad medical consensus that mental illness may contribute to substance use and addiction, and that substance use and addiction may contribute to the development of mental illness. Also true is that both mental illness and misuse of drugs, alcohol and other substances share common risk factors (such as genetic vulnerability, family history, stress, domestic violence, childhood trauma, abandonment, etc.). (1): KOOB, G.F. Neurobiology of addiction, 2000). And the ‘knock-on’ effect of psychological distress has a savage impact on those affected. • Nearly one-third of patients with major depressive disorder also have substance use disorders 3 • Of those with an alcohol disorder, 37% also suffer mental disorder • Of those with drug disorders (other than alcohol), 53% have a mental disorder 4 • Those suffering both depressive disorder and substance-use disorders have a higher risk of suicide and greater social and personal impairment 4 • Substance use disorders, involving harmful use of, or dependency on, alcohol or other drugs, affect 5.1% of Australians aged 16-85 years (but more common in men (7.0%) than in women (3.3%). 5 For ‘frontline’ personnel in high-anxiety, high-stress work environments (medical workers, paramedics, police, fire-fighters and other emergency responders), the psychological risk is amplified. Did you know? ! 85 ADA Australia PostScript Section 2 Section 1 Section 3