psychology

1. Substance abuse and mental health
BY OSORO MOENGA FREDRICK
Counselling psychologist

2. 
Mental
Health:
Mental Health: A state of well-being in which
every individual realizes his or her own
potential, can cope with the normal stresses
of life, can work productively and fruitfully,
and is able to make a contribution to his or
her community (WHO, 2007).

3. 
 It refers to the kind of general mental health problems we can all
experience in certain stressful circumstances; For example, work
pressures can cause us to experience: poor concentration; mood swings
and sleep disturbance. Such problems are usually of temporary nature,
are relative to the demands a particular situation makes on us and
generally respond to support and reassurance.
Mental ill health:

4. ADDICTION IS A DESEASE

5. INTRODUCTION
• The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse defines addiction
as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by
compulsive substance seeking and use, despite harmful
consequences.

6. Chronic
• Chronic disease is defined as one that is long lasting and
that cannot be cured but can be managed.
• Drug dependency: A physical and/or psychological need
for a mood-altering substance. Physical dependency is
frequently associated with the development of tolerance
(you need more to get the same effect) and the presence
of symptoms when the drug is withdrawn.

7. Drugs/Psychoactive substances
• psychoactive substances can alter the biochemical processes of body
tissues and organs.
Psychoactive substances alter:
Mood
Thoughts
Sensory perceptions
Behavior