Mental Health and Substance Abuse - Edited
Mental Health and Substance Abuse - Edited
Mental Health and Substance Abuse - Edited
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course
Professor’s Name
Date
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Maria's substance usage advanced over time with her smoking four to six days a week,
unlike before when she smoked twice or once a week. She even smoked when in school, either
cigarette, half a pack or even marijuana. In a month, she only used to go out for just one weekend
and take alcohol then, but this time her partying was almost every weekend, and she would use
alcohol every time she attended any of the parties (Maria, 2021). Her boyfriend, who was older
than her, had introduced her to more advanced substances, which she continues to use. Whenever
she is with her older boyfriend, they take cocaine together. Maria has advanced to using almost
every substance and uses it in excess until it has started reflecting in other areas of her life. She
Identify any signs (measurable indicators) and symptoms (subjective complaints) Maria
Maria's signs and symptoms for mental health disorders and substance use disorder are
notable in the case study vividly. Maria lost weight in just two months from one hundred and
forty pounds to one hundred and twenty-five pounds which even the doctor was worried about.
Maria's academic performance also dropped and could affect her dreams of going to college. She
seemed depressed and anxious as she would only stay in her room whenever she was home, just
watching television, social media, or sleep. She even started getting stressed thinking about her
life when she saw other people on social media platforms. Maria began to skip classes to spend
time with her boyfriend. Despite the relationship between her and her brother, Roberto, not being
significant, she continued using the substance. Her parents have also noted Maria to have mood
What substance-using behaviour (s) do you feel could have the most significant impact on
Maria's frequent use of substances may lead to mental health issues because continued
use harms her psychologically. The fact that she cannot control her usage will continue to tamper
with her mental health, and even if she stops using, someday, the effects will be felt before she
can fully recover. Someone likely to suffer from mental health problems starts feeling depressed
and anxious about their lives (Lumen Candela, n.d.). Maria's case is no different as she feels
worried about her life when on social media platforms. In the long run, it might lead to serious
mental health problems like suicidal thoughts after she discovers that she cannot pursue her
dreams because of her recent behaviour and the effect it had on her grades. Maria is socially
withdrawn as she can only interact with her boyfriend, whom she claims makes her feel happy. If
the boyfriend is no longer in the picture, Maria might feel lonely, and the effects will be more on
her psychologically and may lead to other measures that might be dangerous to her.
Describe how any signs and symptoms of substance use and mental health disorders may
interact to impair her functioning at home, in school, and her social life.
When both of these signs and symptoms integrate, her social life will be significantly
affected because she will not feel the need to interact with people, especially when she thinks
they are only interfering with her life. Depression, anxiety and substance use symptoms make
one want to be alone due to their low self-esteem issues and other behaviours. She will also have
problems with her relationships at home like she already is and might worsen when the two starts
integrated greatly. She has started skipping classes, and her grades have been suffering; they are
likely to suffer even more. Maria might not feel the need to continue with her studies, especially
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when she realizes she will not make it to graduate on time (Melinda, 2018). Mental health
problems and substance use may affect the person and influence each other, therefore causing
References
Lumen Candela. (n.d.). Behaviours that impact physical and mental health | Boundless
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-psychology/chapter/behaviors-that-impact-
physical-and-mental-health/
tab=rm&ogbl#inbox/FMfcgzGkZGjrTvdzwKnsFgFpbPDZMMxK
Melinda. (2018, November 2). Dual diagnosis: Substance abuse and mental health.
HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/substance-abuse-and-
mental-health.htm