This document discusses mental health and addiction. It defines mental health as a state of well-being and the ability to cope with stress. Mental ill health refers to problems that can be caused by stressful situations and are usually temporary. Addiction is defined as a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive substance use despite harm. Drugs alter mood, thoughts, perceptions and behavior. People use drugs for various reasons like feeling good, sharing experiences, or reducing anxiety. Symptoms of addiction include craving, spending a lot of time obtaining and using drugs, and continuing use despite problems. Withdrawal from drugs can cause physical and mental disturbances.

1. MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
PREVENTION OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG
ABUSE
BY OSORO MOENGA FREDRICK
COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST
NUMBERS 6:2-3

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drug is withdrawn.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

8. EARLY IDENTIFICATION

9. Why do people take drugs?
To feel good
To have novel:
Feelings
Sensations
Experiences
AND
To share them
To feel better
To lessen:
Anxiety
Worries
Fears
Depression
Hopelessness
Withdrawal

10. Why Do People Use Drugs?
 Forget problems
 Get high
 Lose or gain weight
 Relax, energize
 Go to sleep, stay awake
 Boredom, depression
 Gain confidence
 Be cool, socialize, friends
 Experience altered states

11. Why Do People Use Drugs?
 Symbol of rebellion
 Sex
 Sports
 Religious ritual
 Have fun, excitement
 Reduce anxiety
 Experiment
 Avoid withdrawal if dependant
 Reduce pain (i.e. physical, emotional, etc.)
cont’d

12. Symptoms of addiction
 There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful effort to cut down or control use of the
substance.
 A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the
substance, or recover from its effects.
 Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the substance.
 Recurrent use of the substance resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations atwork,
school, or home.
 Continued use of the substance despite having persistent or recurrent social or
interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of its use.
 Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of
use of the substance.

13. 13
Psychological craving
Psychological craving is a strong desire or urge to use drugs.
Cravings are most apparent during drug withdrawal.

14. 14
Tolerance
A state in which a person no longer responds to a drug as they did
before, and a higher dose is required to achieve the same effect.

15. 15
Withdrawal
When a drug is removed, physical and/or mental
disturbances that may include:
 Tremors, chills
 Cramps
 Emotional problems
 Cognitive and attention deficits
 Hallucinations
 Convulsions
 Death