Mental Illness & Substance Use Top Disability Causes in Canada

Mental illness and substance use disorders are significant public health issues in Canada, and they are leading causes of disability. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, as many as 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in any given year. Similarly, substance use disorders also affect millions of Canadians each year.

Mental illness is a term that encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect a person’s thinking, mood, behavior, and overall functioning. These conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders, among others. Mental illness can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, and it is a leading cause of disability worldwide. In Canada, mental illness is the second-leading cause of disability, accounting for 15% of the total burden of disease. Substance use disorders, on the other hand, refer to the problematic use of drugs or alcohol that leads to significant impairment or distress. Substance use disorders can include alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, and other drug use disorders. Substance use disorders are also a leading cause of disability in Canada, accounting for 5% of the total burden of disease.

Research has shown that mental illness and substance use disorders are closely linked. People with mental illness are more likely to develop substance use disorders, and vice versa. For example, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, people with mental illness are about twice as likely to have a substance use disorder as those without mental illness. Similarly, people with substance use disorders are more likely to have mental illness, such as depression or anxiety.

The co-occurrence of mental illness and substance use disorders can make it challenging to diagnose and treat these conditions effectively. It is essential to address both conditions simultaneously to achieve the best possible outcomes. This can be achieved through an integrated approach to care that addresses the physical, mental, and social needs of individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders.

Several evidence-based treatments are available for mental illness and substance use disorders. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Similarly, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has been shown to be effective in treating opioid use disorder. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and beliefs can contribute to mental health problems. The goal of CBT is to help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that are contributing to their mental health symptoms. In CBT, individuals work with a therapist to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, and to develop more positive and adaptive ways of thinking and behaving. The therapy may involve structured exercises, homework assignments, and role-playing scenarios to help individuals learn new skills and strategies for managing their symptoms. MAT involves the use of medications that help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings for drugs or alcohol. In addition to medication, MAT also involves behavioural therapies and support services. These can include counselling, group therapy, and other services that help individuals address the underlying issues that contribute to their substance use disorder. MAT is often delivered as part of a comprehensive treatment program that addresses the physical, mental, and social needs of individuals with substance use disorders.

In addition to treatment, prevention efforts are also essential to address mental illness and substance use disorders. This can include interventions to promote mental health, such as stress reduction techniques, healthy eating, and regular exercise. It can also include policies to reduce access to drugs and alcohol, such as increasing taxes on alcohol and restricting the availability of opioids.