INTRODUCTION

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a crucial phase characterized by significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes. During this transformative journey, the interaction between mental health and the challenges of addiction plays a key role. As society supports its young members through these pivotal moments, it becomes essential to grasp the nuanced landscape of mental health and addiction.

YOUTH MENTAL ILLNESS

“Good mental health” is not simply characterized by the absence of mental illness, but a holistic state encompassing thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Positive mental health in youth is intricately linked to successful transitions into adulthood, including secondary school completion, improved social relations, self-confidence, higher income potential, and greater resilience.

Challenges in Youth Mental Health
Unfortunately, mental illness often rears its head early in life, with approximately 70% of symptoms appearing before the age of 18 (Farrah & Norris, 2022). Numerous factors contribute to poorer mental health in youth, ranging from trauma and homelessness to bullying and LGBTQI+ identity. Additionally, the prevalence of mood or substance disorders is notably higher in the youth demographic, warranting a closer examination of the challenges they face (Farrah & Norris, 2022; Canadian Institute for Health Information, n.d.).

Impact and Demand for Mental Health Services
In 2020, hospitalizations for mental health disorders among children and youth in Canada surged, emphasizing the need for a closer examination of the mental health conditions affecting the young population (Canadian Institute for Health Information, n.d.). The increased interaction with Kids Help Phone during the same year indicates a growing demand for mental health support among youth, highlighting the imperative for accessible and responsive mental health services (Canadian Institute for Health Information, n.d.). Canada grapples with higher-than-average youth suicide rates, ranking as the second most common cause of death among Canadian youth (ages 15 to 24) from 2016 to 2020. The situation is more critical within younger Indigenous populations, necessitating targeted suicide prevention strategies (Farrah & Norris, 2022). Despite the emphasized importance of early diagnosis and treatment, many youth face barriers in accessing mental health care services, resulting in underdiagnosis and concerning trends in self-reported mental health among Canadian youth (15-30) (Farrah & Norris, 2022).

Significance of Early Intervention
In the United States alone, approximately 1 in 7 children currently suffer from an undiagnosed treatable mental health disorder, contributing to the challenges of recognizing and addressing mental illness in children (Child Focus, 2022). Undiagnosed and untreated mental illnesses in children can lead to severe consequences, ranging from leaving education without a secondary education diploma to an increased likelihood of substance abuse and incarceration. Effectively addressing this issue demands a concerted effort in early detection and intervention (Child Focus, 2022).

Seeking Help and Available Interventions
Concerned individuals are urged to seek a mental health assessment from qualified professionals, avoiding self-diagnosis and actively seeking appropriate help. Various interventions, from therapy to medication, exist to support the mental well-being of children and adolescents (Child Focus, 2022). In Canada, federal initiatives, such as those by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and research funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Public Health Agency of Canada underscore the commitment to youth mental health services and promotion (Farrah & Norris, 2022).

YOUTH ADDICTION

Addiction in youth poses a significant threat to their overall well-being, with some individuals at an increased risk for high-risk substance use. Understanding the dynamics of substance abuse, its root causes, and preventive measures is crucial for addressing this pervasive issue (CDC, n.d.).

Prevalence and Urgency
Alarming statistics highlight the widespread occurrence of substance use among millions of high school students, with 46.6% of teens having tried illicit drugs by the 12th grade. These trends emphasize the pressing need for preventive measures and educational interventions (CDC, n.d.). In 2017, a notable percentage of Canadian youth reported involvement in various forms of drug use, underscoring the necessity for early interventions and targeted support. Recognizing the predictive nature of early drug use for future substance abuse emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue in its early stages (Canadian Centre for Addiction, 2019).

Link Between Childhood Trauma and Addiction
A study found that a staggering 77% of individuals undergoing treatment for substance use disorder and PTSD had experienced at least one trauma during childhood (Safe Sound Treatment Centers, n.d.). Research reveals a significant prevalence of childhood trauma among those seeking treatment for substance use disorders. The consequences of childhood trauma extend beyond the emotional and psychological realms, influencing the body's physiological responses. 

Neurological Effects
The link between how our brains develop and external factors, such as trauma and substance abuse, significantly impacts the well-being of young individuals. Traumatic experiences can reshape the brain's architecture, leading to an overactive amygdala (which handles emotions) and affecting the prefrontal cortex (involved in decision-making). Prolonged substance abuse disrupts the brain's adaptability and alters neurotransmitters, influencing mood and impulse control. When trauma and substance abuse occur simultaneously, these neurological consequences intensify, particularly in the domain of emotional processing. This escalation can result in an overly sensitive fight-or-flight response, making it challenging for the nervous system to settle down after potential threats.

Reducing the Effects of Childhood Trauma
Addressing childhood trauma and its impact on addiction requires a multi-faceted approach:

Identification: Identifying the root causes of trauma and understanding its effects are essential steps in the recovery process 

Professional Help: Seeking professional help through therapy provides a safe and effective way to explore the link between childhood trauma and current behaviors 

Positive Activities: Slowly introducing positive activities and regaining a sense of control can aid individuals in rewiring their limbic system 

Holistic Approach: A holistic approach to recovery involves therapy, engaging in healthy and creative activities, planning for proper nutrition, and participating in tailored programs to support individuals on their path to recovery (Safe Sound Treatment Centers, n.d.)

Preventive measures against high-risk substance use involve identifying protective factors that buffer youth from various risky behaviors. Parental engagement, family support, and school connectedness emerge as essential elements in preventing substance abuse (CDC, n.d.). Addressing addiction in youth necessitates a multifaceted approach, considering the interplay between mental health and substance abuse. Recovery schools and alternative approaches are explored to provide tailored support for students with addiction issues (Canadian Centre for Addiction, 2019).

FINAL WORDS

In our commitment to fostering the well-being of young individuals, recognizing the intricate link between mental health and addiction is crucial. Building resilience and promoting flourishment requires breaking down barriers surrounding mental health diagnosis, cultivating a culture of understanding, and strengthening preventive measures against high-risk substance use. 

National initiatives, interventions within educational settings, and global collaborations provide avenues to address gaps in care, ensuring that no young person faces these challenges in isolation. In the face of challenges, the resilience of youth is evident, underscoring the significant impact collective efforts can have in shaping a future where mental health takes precedence and addiction is met with compassion and effective intervention.

REFERENCE LIST

Childhood Trauma & Addiction: The Connection Explained. (n.d.). Orange County Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Centers. Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://safesoundtreatment.com/childhood-trauma-and-addiction/

Children and youth mental health in Canada | CIHI. (n.d.). Canadian Institute for Health Information. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://www.cihi.ca/en/children-and-youth-mental-health-in-canada

Farrah, K., & Norris, S. (2022, November 17). Youth and Mental Health in Canada. HillNotes. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://hillnotes.ca/2022/11/17/youth-and-mental-health-in-canada/

Fletcher, S. (2019, September 3). Young Addicts: What Is Happening In Canadian Classrooms? Canadian Centre for Addiction. Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://canadiancentreforaddictions.org/addiction-youth-canadian-classrooms/

High Risk Substance Use in Youth | Adolescent and School Health. (n.d.). CDC. Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/substance-use/index.htm

Mental Health in Childhood: Undiagnosed and Silently Suffering. (2022, April 4). Child Focus. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://www.child-focus.org/news/mental-health-in-childhood-undiagnosed-and-silently-suffering/

FURTHER YOUR LEARNING

Canadian Institute for Health Information

• https://www.cihi.ca/en/mental-health-of-children-and-youth-in-canada 

Youth Mental Health Canada

• https://ymhc.ngo/ 

Canadian Paediatric Society

• https://cps.ca/en/strategic-priorities/child-and-youth-mental-health 

Mental Health Commission

• https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/what-we-do/children-and-youth/ 

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

• https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/youth-addiction--concurrent-disorders-service 

YMCA

• https://www.ymcagta.org/youth-programs/ysap