Citation

Lubman DI, Hides L, Scaffidi A, Elkins K, Stevens M, Marks R. Ment. Health Subst. Use 2008; 1(3): 254-261.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/17523280802275040

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: While clinical studies consistently demonstrate high rates of co-occurring mental health problems among young people with substance use disorders, mental health assessments are not routinely conducted within Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) settings. Aims: To describe the implementation of a universal mental health screening program within a youth AOD service. We report on the adoption of screening by AOD staff over the subsequent 30 months, as well as rates of identified psychological problems.

METHOD: Examination of service data that were collected following implementation of the screening program.

RESULTS: Between August 2005 and December 2007, AOD workers completed 383 screens (87.4%) from a total of 438 eligible young people. Two hundred and sixty-eight (70.0%) scored 17 or above on the K10, with the mean score of the sample being 23.4 (SD9.6). Twenty-seven per cent reported moderate to severe suicide risk, with 9.9% reporting self-harm in the past month.

CONCLUSION: With appropriate levels of training and support, mental health screening can be readily implemented within routine AOD practice. However, such initiatives require screening to be identified as a core service issue. Given the high rates of psychological issues identified within the sample, we recommend that mental health screening should be integral to treatment planning within youth AOD settings. © 2008 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Language: en

Keywords

Comorbidity; Substance use; Mental health; Youth; Screening