Open AccessPerceived Reasons for Substance Misuse Among Persons With a Psychiatric Disorder
Author(s) -
Laudet Alexandre B.,
Magura Stephen,
Vogel Howard S.,
Knight Edward L.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
american journal of orthopsychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.959
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1939-0025
pISSN - 0002-9432
DOI - 10.1037/0002-9432.74.3.365
Subject(s) - sobriety , loneliness , mental illness , substance abuse , psychiatry , boredom , psychology , substance use , dual diagnosis , mental health , clinical psychology , psychotherapist
The etiology of substance use among persons with severe mental illness remains unclear. This study investigates stated reasons for substance use among persons in recovery from co‐occurring disorders of serious mental illness and substance abuse and dependence. The desire to fit in with peers played a key role in the initiation of substance use; boredom, loneliness, temptations to use, and stress were cited most as relapse triggers. The authors discuss the need for dually diagnosed persons to develop sobriety‐supporting peer networks to help them learn adaptive strategies to deal with the stress of recovery; further, treatment programs should instill hope for recovery and provide opportunities for meaningful activities and relationships.