Substance Use, Mental Illness and Violence: The Co-Occurrence of Problem Behaviors Among Young Adults

A paucity of research exists in which the co-occurrence of substance use, mental illness, and violence in young adults is examined. Concurrently, there is also a lack of research explicating the contribution of theoretically based risk factors for these problematic outcomes in this population. This lack of both outcome and explanatory research equally affects the utility of theories and interventions for this population. This article utilizes a sample of N?=?633 21-year-olds to examine the prevalence of (1) violence and substance use, (2) mental illness (i.e., mood and anxiety disorders) and substance use, and (3) the use of multiple substances and investigates the relationship between various social determinants and said outcomes. Overall, the prevalence rates for the comorbid conditions were low; although on average males had higher rates than did females. Individual attitudes, perceived opportunities, and recent stressful life events were associated with the co-occurrence of outcomes. Implications for behavioral health are explored.     

Institutional Denial or Minimization: Substance Abuse Training in Social Work Education

ABSTRACT

Substance abuse in the United States has reached catastrophic proportions. 23.6 million people needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem (1 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2004. Substance Abuse: A National Challenge Prevention, Treatment, and Research at HHS Available at: http://www.hhs.gov/news/factsheet/subabuse.html Accessed January 10, 2007 [Google Scholar]). According to the National Association of Social Workers, 60% of all mental health services are carried out by social workers (3 SAMSHA. October 2006. October, Washington, DC: United States Department of Labor; Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Available at: http://data.bls.gov/oep/servlet/oep.noeted.servlet.ActionServlet Accessed December 10, 2008 [Google Scholar]). Therefore, social workers are in a critical and unique position to address substance abuse. This study examined the education and training new social workers receive at 216 graduate programs accredited or in-candidacy for accreditation by the Council of Social Work Education. An overwhelming number did not have substance abuse courses as a requirement for all students, and a significant number did not have one course dedicated to substance abuse. These astounding deficiencies can only be described as an institutional denial or minimization.     

Support for Siblings of NICU Patients: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Siblings of hospitalized newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) experience unique thoughts and feelings in response to this situational crisis. Providing an opportunity for siblings and their parents to address both of their concerns can improve sibling adjustment to the NICU, and is also consistent with a family-centered care philosophy. This article traces the development and evolution of sibling policy and program changes at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital (HDVCH) NICU, and describes the current comprehensive model for inclusion of siblings. Particular emphasis will be given to the cornerstone program “Celebrating Siblings Pizza Party.” Infection control considerations and the importance of an interdisciplinary team approach to enhance an array of sibling services are also highlighted.