'The drugs did for me what I couldn’t do for myself’: A qualitative exploration of the relationship between mental health and amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use

Spencer, L; Addison, M; Alderson, H; McGovern, W; McGovern, R; Kaner, E; O'Donnell, A

Abstract

Substance use and mental ill health constitute a major public health burden, and a key global policy priority is to reduce illicit and other harmful substance use. Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are the second most used class of illicit drugs and a range of mental health issues have been documented amongst users. This paper explores the relationship between mental health and ATS use, through a thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with n=18 current and former ATS users in England. The findings are presented by trajectory point of; (1) Initiation of ATS use; (2) continued and increased ATS use; and (3) decreased and remitted ATS use. This work helps to develop understanding around the complex and bidirectional relationship between ATS use and mental health. Many ATS users lead chaotic lives and engage in multiple risk behaviours; however, there is a need to better understand and conceptualise the dynamic interaction between different individual, social, environment and cultural factors that determine individuals’ mental health and substance use. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to prevention and treatment, and these findings highlight the need for more joined-up, tailored, and holistic approaches to intervention development.

Citation

Spencer, L., Addison, M., Alderson, H., McGovern, W., McGovern, R., Kaner, E., & O'Donnell, A. (2021). 'The drugs did for me what I couldn’t do for myself’: A qualitative exploration of the relationship between mental health and amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use. Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, 15,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 27, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Dec 6, 2021
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Nov 3, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 3, 2021
• Journal: Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 15
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1223634