Is Substance Abuse A Mental Disorder Essay - 757 Words

Is Substance Abuse A Mental Disorder? Substance abuse disorder, or what is referred to now as substance use disorder, is a condition where reliance to various substances, may it be licit or illicit, continues to permeate the lives of the sufferer, even to the point that this reliance is detrimental to the person’s life. This definition is merely an oversimplification of the said disorder. In reality, the criteria for substance use disorder has been â€Å"defined and redefined over the past several decades and these definitions have now achieved international acceptance† (Oxford, 2012). As an evidence, the recently published DSM-5 has made major revisions to the definition of substance use disorder; the revisions are the removal of the relation of substance-use with the law, the addition of craving as one of the criterion, and the elimination of the dependence symptoms (Fitzgerald, 2012, p. 609). Nonetheless, despite these efforts to improve the diagnosis for substance u se disorder, several critics argued that the aforementioned syndrome is inappropriate to be classified as a mental health disorder. From this criticism, it is then necessary to define what a mental disorder is and what the criteria are to be classified as such. Upon defining the meaning of mental health disorder, it is now then possible to conclude whether substance abuse is a mental disorder or not. First and foremost, it is vital to posit a definition of mental health disorder. Mental health disorder, asShow MoreRelatedSubstance Abuse And Mental Health Disorders Essay1507 Words   |  7 Pagescorrections under the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice: 50.40% have a clinically diagnosable mental illness, greater than 60% were treated for substance abuse (Community Corrections Profile, 2014). 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It is very difficult for these individuals to engage in treatment. Diagnosis for a treatment is difficult because it takes time to disengage the interacting effects of substance abuseRead More Treating Co ncurrent Disorders Essay1700 Words   |  7 Pages Mental health is being aware, accepting yourself, and striking a balance in all aspects of your life like social, spiritual, physical, economical, and mental (Association, 2001). Mental health can be described as our positive interactions with the context and events in our life, and having the ability to cope with life’s stressors. Mental health problems can begin at anytime during your life (CAMH, 2010). In fact anything can make it difficult for an individual’s ability to interact effectivelyRead MoreDrug Policy And Funding Has Not Changed Much Over The Past Two Decades1505 Words   |  7 PagesControl Budget. 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People find themselves depressed and anxious so they ultimately try to use these drugs to mask the pain instead of getting help for their