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1) Comorbidity of a mental illness and substance abuse/dependence is common. Most people with a mental illness do not get a correct diagnosis or correct treatment and when people are not treated properly they will look for help some where else. If a person has bipolar the drugs of choice (typically) are cocaine and/or amphetamines during depression and alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and opioids during mania. It is not a coincidence that the exact drug that reduces the symptom is used. People with severe untreated ADHD are far more likely to abuse drugs, typically amphetamines (which are the normal medical treatment).

So much of the drug use comes from "self medicating." There are also the people who have a substance induced psychiatric problem. Often these are more acute or less severe. But even treatments for psych illness (even prescribed) can cause new problems particularly when medication is misused or mis-prescribed. For example benzodiazepines like Valium, Xanax, and Ativan are often given for anxiety. They are effective and normally do not cause problems. But when the drugs are abused anxiety can significantly increase even leading to debilitating anxiety. Xanax in particular has had several incidences of causing panic disorder with agoraphobia due to over use. Xanax is also one of most effective medical treatments for it.

I view people with a substance abuse problem as a person with a medical problem. Suicide is illegal yet we do not punish we hospitalize because it is a medical problem. In the ideal world we would do the same to people arrested for drugs.

My outlook on the group is very mixed. I think science is catching up and better treatments will become available. But with new science for medications comes new science for substances to abuse and new ways to abuse them. Just think that years ago most people did not know that people abuse cough medication (Dextromethorphan or DXM) but we are now aware and trying to treat and reduce it.

I have depression, panic disorder, chronic pain, and a sleeping disorder and they took years of my life (and I'm only 23). I take medications including several that can be abused. I have never abused a single drug but I have scene it too often. I likely don't have a problems with drugs because of genetics and effective treatment. But a bipolar kid with two alcoholic parents is very likely to abuse drugs.

I think that society tends to play the blame game don't they. The way I see it is there is nothing more valuable than life its self. I think, when it comes to drug addiction or alcohol abuse, you have to step out of the blame game, It really isn't at all helpfull, and take it day to day. The most important thing to take care of is the immediate medical problem, ensure a safe environment and make available a good support network, then look at how this mess happened, what prompted the life style that brought it all about. Young people don't choose to be in the the mess they are in. At most they are guilty of stupidity....( aren't we all) You have to take the problem from the moment it stands in front of you and asks for help. You don't see medics attending an accident and asking who caused it before giving treatment do you. So I wonder why society is so hard on people who fall foul of drug or alcohol abuse?

1) For young people, I often feel bad for them because they obviously need help. I often wonder where the parents are and why they can't step in and get the child some help. They usually live a bad life and are in and out of prison.

For the mental illness, I feel bad for them too. They need help, but may not realize they do. Sadly, it seems many never get the help they need.

2) My beliefs for the young people are that they either got into a bad group, or had a bad upbringing that led them to drug and alcohol abuse, or one of both of their parents may have had the same problem.

For the mentally ill, I don't view them as bad, I just view them as someone who desperately needs help and needs someone to help them. When they are adults, someone may try to step in and help them, but it can be very difficult if they don't see it as a problem and don't want help. Many mentally ill people don't think they are mentally ill so getting them help can sometimes be a challenge.

There are all types of drugs and alcohol, but the main thing they have in common is that those who use them often get hooked on them and then it is very hard to stop, even when they really want to. Drugs when prescribed by doctors in limited doses may be useful but one should try not to get addicted.

I believe that such people who get addicted should seek medical help for de-addiction.

For me these group are the one that are in need of help most especially from the government. These groups are just victims of social crimes. It is either they have experience problems within the community that makes them do these kind of abuses. Once they realize that they are not the only person in the world that suffers that kind of problems they might change their view in life and maybe their lifestyle. All we have to do is to let them realize that what they are doing will not only affect their health and mental state but also the health and mental state of their love ones and people around them.

Hi mate, yeah drugs and Mental health dont go together. I feel sorry for kids who get sucked into the drug and alcohol scene.

Many might think it's cool or others just dont have things to do and they get caught into the wrong crowd or peer pressure.

Alcohol is a major problem for many kids i wish they would make it illegal because if people in society need to or feel like they have to have something to enjoy themselves or cope than that is very sad.

I have a soft spot for women esspecially cause of things i have seen and it makes me so sad to see that many women are turning to bing drinking but the problem spreads through all sexes and races.

I get angry about this issue, but have alot of compassion for the people who really want to change but struggle.

It's one thing to be torn or fall into a bad lifestyle but it's another when they "grow up" but continue to hurt themselves and others.

Some or many of those people will steal, lie and blame everyone but themselves.My brother is one of them and even today he lies and i have no compassion for him as i see the effect on the family. If he put in an effort to really want to be clean than i would put my hand out as i have ssooooooo many times but he just takes it for granted and continues to hurt the family.

But now i dont care if he disapears, he is a total user and is the one person i feel hate for besides myself occassionally,lol.

I know that sounds bad but there are some people who choose that life the only thing is they should live that life away from the people they are hurting when it gets to that point.

After a drug or alcohol history another problem is self medicating which is another trap.They end up demaging their minds and bodies and Dr's or people treat them like second class citicens at times although their are some really kind people out their two who help.

People look for a quick fix but occassionally or often we go through hard times even hell and thats life we just have to go through that.

Im no saint but i got alot ov love and actually consider others, except for the last week or two ive been grumpy at times but things are settling i spose.

Anyways drugs n Alcohol suck!

DONT DO DRUGS OR BING DRINK PEOPLE, LOL BUT SERIOUS