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Tobacco, Caffeine, Alcohol and Illicit Substance Use Among Consumers of a National Psychiatric Disability Support Service

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Abstract

Previous research has consistently documented high rates of tobacco smoking and substance use disorders among young people with serious mental illness. However, limited studies have been conducted outside traditional clinical settings. In an attempt to address this shortfall and to better understand the needs of young people accessing its services, a national psychiatric disability support service (Neami) examined the prevalence and impact of substance use among 120 consumers from across Australia aged 30 years and under. Results indicated extremely high rates of tobacco use, with 68% of participants identified as daily smokers. In addition, 33.4% met criteria for an alcohol use disorder, whilst 40.8% met criteria for a cannabis use disorder. Overall rates of other illicit substance use were low. This study reinforces the need for routine alcohol and drug screening and assessment across all mental health settings, as well as appropriate support strategies that address high level smoking and caffeine intake.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank those who participated in the study and the staff of Neami. We wish to thank Antonietta Scaffidi for her assistance in analysing the data. We also would like to thank Dr Rachel Humeniuk and Paul Hurnall for assisting in the development of the ASSIST training program for Neami staff. This study was made possible by the Non Government Organisation Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Research Grants Program 2007 from New South Wales Department of Health, which was administered by the Mental Health Coordinating Council.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neami Limited, Melbourne, Australia

    Adam Zimmermann & Merrilee Cox

  2. Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, Eastern Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

    Dan I. Lubman

  3. 305 Arthur Street, Fairfield, Victoria, 3078, Australia

    Adam Zimmermann

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  1. Adam Zimmermann
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  2. Dan I. Lubman
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  3. Merrilee Cox
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Correspondence to Adam Zimmermann.

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Zimmermann, A., Lubman, D.I. & Cox, M. Tobacco, Caffeine, Alcohol and Illicit Substance Use Among Consumers of a National Psychiatric Disability Support Service. Int J Ment Health Addiction 10, 722–736 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-011-9373-y

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