Drug use and Mental Wellbeing

About this course: The majority of people who use drugs also experience poor mental health at various points. But what is the true relationship between substance use and mental wellbeing? This course explores this complex issue and enables workers to address this interface in a holistic and confident manner.

Duration: one day or two day course

Appropriate for: This course is aimed at more experienced workers who want to explore the interface between drug use and mental health. It is suitable for drugs workers and mental health workers, housing workers or others who have some previous drugs awareness training.

Objectives: By the end of the course, participants will:

• Understand the interrelationship between drugs and mental health
• Be able to explore complex situations and identify drug and mental health components
• Understand different patterns of drug use amongst people with mental health issues
• Assess risk and respond appropriately
• Be aware of risk factors and interactions

The course includes:

• Exploration of "multiple needs" and "dual diagnosis"
• The effects of various drugs in mental health,
• Understanding the function of drugs on brain chemistry
• Understanding the function of brain chemistry on mental health
• The use of non-prescribed drugs to "self medicate"
• Key interactions between prescribed and non-prescribed drugs
• Assessing risk factors and reducing risk (2 day course)
• Promoting good mental health amongst drug users (2 day course)
• Services and strategies for working with drugs and mental health (2 day course)

Format: Taught sections, group discussion, work in small groups and pairs

Handouts: Handout on drugs and mental health, further reading

DANOS modules: AA1, AA4, AB2, AB5, AD1, AD4, AG2, AG3, AH4

Notes: This course is similar, in some respects to the "Drugs and Brain Chemistry" course. The "Drugs and Mental Health" course goes in to neuropharmacology in less detail and so is probably better suited to drugs and mental health workers who need a broad understanding of the relationship between drugs and mental wellbeing.

The one day course is probably best suited for workers in generic settings (community, hostels, outreach) and two day course is better for substance misuse workers, mental health workers and community workers in specialist settings.