Essay Sample on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Adolescents in Alaska State

Introduction

Substance abuse leads to both long term and short term changes in brain functioning which eventually results in mental health problems. People who suffer from drug addiction often suffer from mental health disorders and vice versa. In Alaska, Mental health disorders and substance abuse can be attributed to crime, diseases, unemployment, homelessness, and domestic violence among others (Murthy, 2017). The issue of mental health disorder and substance abuse negatively affects the community as diverse effects are expected if nothing is done and therefore different actions are taken to address this issue.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Substance use among Adolescents in Alaska state has led to increased crime rates in the area. Crime increases when many addicts try to obtain money to purchase drugs through violent ways. The violence has led to more severe crimes such as murder and assault. Most of these Adolescents that abuse drugs become victims of mental health disorders thus making the community at more risk of cases of crime (Salam, Lassi & Bhutta, 2016). Also, families of Adolescents with mental Illness that results from wrong substance use are often subjected to financial struggles and domestic violence. The families of these adolescents spend a lot of money on the treatment of mental disorders therefore significantly causing an adverse effect on the community's economy.

The relevance of addressing the issue of mental illness among adolescents is significant because if nothing is done to address the issue, there can be increased direct community problems caused by mental health disorders among adolescents such costs on care, Disability costs, Mortality, and physical health problems. There can be reported more cases of discrimination, marginalization, and distress among Adolescents in the community.

Findings from the interview show that there is increased use of substances such as marijuana, Cocaine, Inhalants, and Ketamine among adolescents. Therefore, I can say that the issue of drug abuse among adolescents in Alaska is a leading mental health cause. From the interview that I carried out I found that adolescents are the leading group of people that are greatly affected by mental disorders. The cause is higher in adolescents because they engage in inappropriate substance use such as drug abuse. The pushing factor for drug abuse among adolescents is peer pressure, family stress, depression and in many cases social rejection. Through the findings, I take a stand that mental related issues in Alaska is a threat to the adolescents and the leading cause of this disorder is substance abuse.

An alternative prevention method includes the use of standardized screening tools in the identification of adolescents at high risk of mental illness that results from substance abuse are outlined in the Mental Health America and National Institute of Alcohol and Substance Abuse publications. Additionally, another action to be taken include the targeting of risk factors that are modifiable and improving on protective dynamics through, schools, family and other community prevention networks. School-based surveys to monitor the adolescents showing mental related health behaviors (Salam, Lassi & Bhutta, 2016). The recommendations should be preferred to the existing ones since these commendations are a direct way of addressing issues of substance abuse at the same time monitoring the extent of mental health effect for purposes of treatment. Also, by the recommendations, the community is directly involved in the fight for substance abuse and the reduction of mental health disorders.

Summary of the Interview

The interview was done on a few members of the community including school going children of high school level, parents of school going children and high school students. Some of the questions asked include

• Who do you think in the community are at high risk of mental illness?
• Is there any substance abuse case among adolescents that you know about or have witnessed? List if any
• Do you think that substance abuse among adolescents is a course of mental health illness?
• Is there anyone in your family that is suffering from a mental health disorder? What do you think is the cause of the problem?
• In your view, do you think adolescents are at a higher risk of mental health problems?

Three Non-profit Organizations That Would Be Interested in Advocating

Alaska Behavioral Health Association

Mission

ANTHC's Behavioral Health department works with tribal health organizations throughout the state to help build stronger Alaskans and healthier communities.

Alaska Primary Care Association

Mission

Helping to create healthy communities by supporting vibrant and effective community health centers.

The Alaska community foundation

Mission

Inspiring the spirit of giving and connecting people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska's communities now and forever.

References

Murthy, V. H. (2017). Facing addiction in the United States: The surgeon general's report of alcohol, drugs, and health. JAMA, 317(2), 133-134.

Salam, R. A., Das, J. K., Lassi, Z. S., & Bhutta, Z. A. (2016). Adolescent health and well-being: Background and methodology for review of potential interventions. Journal of Adolescent Health, 59(4), S4-S10.