Mental health, substance use impact each other

Mental health is impacted by, and connected to, many things in life. The use and/or abuse of alcohol and substances is among those things.

Mental Health America reports that people with depression or other mental health problems are particularly vulnerable to alcohol and drug use. Some may choose to drink alcohol or take drugs to alleviate stress or emotional pain, but doing so often can develop or worsen mental health conditions. 

An Addiction Test, which is specific to those who are concerned about their use of alcohol or drugs, is available as part of the MHA mental health screening tests. Test results can be shared with an individual’s primary care provider, counselor/therapist, health coach, etc. to help with their treatment plans.

The prevalence of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders is so high that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration exists. SAMHSA works to reduce the impact of the most common mental health and substance use disorders on America’s communities and also provides support to those seeking or already in recovery.

Other supporting documentation comes from the National Institute of Mental Health. The Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders webpage shares additional information regarding co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders; however, it reports that while they may co-occur it doesn’t mean that one causes the other – only that they are connected. The research suggests three possibilities that could explain why substance use disorders and other mental disorders may occur together:

• Common risk factors can contribute to both substance use disorders (SUDs) and other mental disorders. Both SUDs and other mental disorders can run in families, suggesting that certain genes may be a risk factor. Environmental factors, such as stress or trauma, can cause genetic changes that are passed down through generations and may contribute to the development of a mental disorder or a substance use disorder.
• Mental disorders can contribute to substance use and SUDs. Studies found that people with a mental disorder, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder may use drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. However, although some drugs may temporarily help with some symptoms of mental disorders, they may make the symptoms worse over time. Additionally, brain changes in people with mental disorders may enhance the rewarding effects of substances, making it more likely they will continue to use the substance.
• Substance use and SUDs can contribute to the development of other mental disorders. Substance use may trigger changes in brain structure and function that make a person more likely to develop a mental disorder.

More information is available from the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report.

Purdue resources available

Behavioral health services are available for employees on all Purdue campuses at no cost. Licensed counselors and therapists can work with individuals on a deeper level to help with mental health struggles, including those impacted by alcohol and substance use.

• SupportLinc  provides behavioral health services to the West Lafayette campus. The SupportLinc portal provides access to a variety of evidence-based health tools that individuals can use to assess their health and well-being, including tools specific to mental health and alcohol and substance use. Other mental health and substance use resources available via SupportLinc include:
• Addiction – feature article (2020)
• Addressing Addiction – feature article (2021)
• Alcohol – tip sheet
• Common Reactions to Extreme Stress – tip sheet
• Signs of Emotional Health Concerns – a tip sheet that includes “Abuse of substances like alcohol or drugs”
• Depression and Addiction are Often Intertwined – article

First-time users of the SupportLinc portal will register to gain access to all services available from SupportLinc.

• New Avenues (Purdue Northwest campuses) and Bowen Center (Purdue Fort Wayne campus) also provide behavioral health resources to employees on their respective campuses.

Purdue health coaches are also available to help employees set goals, create plans and work toward improving their well-being. Health coaching is provided to benefits-eligible employees at no cost. Health coaches are available for in-person sessions on the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Northwest (Hammond and Westville) campuses. Telephonic health coaching is available from all the health coaches regardless of where the client is located.

• Call 765-494-0111 to schedule with Cheryl Laszynski (West Lafayette), Whitney Soto (West Lafayette) or Felicia Warfield (PNW) and 260-481-6651 to schedule with Lindsay Bloom (PFW).

LiveHealth Online services include virtual psychology and psychiatry appointments with licensed professionals. 

• LiveHealth Online Psychology – offers talk therapy from the comfort of home, etc.
• LiveHealth Online Psychiatry – offers expert advice, treatment plans and prescription of non-controlled medications.

Learn more here. 

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

To assist faculty and staff

Faculty and staff can review the Mental Health Resources webpage for a variety of available resources that support the behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program and information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse. 

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) – medical plan provider for students and graduate students – offers 292 unique mental health providers serving at various locations that are in-network with UHCSR within Tippecanoe County. The list is available here. Additionally, students have access to HealthiestYou, which provides virtual access to mental health care as part of UHCSR’s plan. All services are free for students covered under the UHCSR insurance plan.   

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Student of Concern Reporting Link

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-help Resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus
• Thriving Campus – Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country
• WellTrack – Interactive, self-help therapy app for students