Often people will seek to relieve or evade the adverse emotions that are elicited from stressful, overwhelming and unpredictable life situations. A common coping strategy amongst adolescents, adults and older adults, that is applicable in varying contexts, is substance and drug use. However, addictions to these coping methods can develop, and in turn contribute to the development of comorbid mental disorders, including anxiety and depression.
The use of substance and drugs is a heavily relied on coping strategy and remains a growing concern worldwide. This concern extends to creating individuals who are able to function and continue with their daily lives, but remain unable to stop their substance or drug use, even once the circumstances from which they began using has passed. Subsequently, substance and drug use gives rise to further life difficulties for the individual to cope with and a higher mental health burden, which can persist for a life-time.
It is important to highlight that where these coping strategies can provide an individual with short-term alleviation from negative feelings and/or circumstances, the long-term impact on the individual’s mental health can be detrimental and permanent. Considering these points, this Research Topic aims to gather manuscripts around, but not limited to the following themes:
• Substance and drug use as coping strategies in varying contexts (including during the COVID-19 outbreak and pandemic, individuals with chronic diseases and amongst students);
• Comorbid mental disorders associated with substance and drug abuse when used as coping strategies;
• Alternative and health-promoting targeted, effective and engaging coping strategies;
• Factors to consider when developing interventions to treat individuals using substance or drugs as a coping strategy, and the subsequent mental health comorbidities they endure.
Often people will seek to relieve or evade the adverse emotions that are elicited from stressful, overwhelming and unpredictable life situations. A common coping strategy amongst adolescents, adults and older adults, that is applicable in varying contexts, is substance and drug use. However, addictions to these coping methods can develop, and in turn contribute to the development of comorbid mental disorders, including anxiety and depression.
The use of substance and drugs is a heavily relied on coping strategy and remains a growing concern worldwide. This concern extends to creating individuals who are able to function and continue with their daily lives, but remain unable to stop their substance or drug use, even once the circumstances from which they began using has passed. Subsequently, substance and drug use gives rise to further life difficulties for the individual to cope with and a higher mental health burden, which can persist for a life-time.
It is important to highlight that where these coping strategies can provide an individual with short-term alleviation from negative feelings and/or circumstances, the long-term impact on the individual’s mental health can be detrimental and permanent. Considering these points, this Research Topic aims to gather manuscripts around, but not limited to the following themes:
• Substance and drug use as coping strategies in varying contexts (including during the COVID-19 outbreak and pandemic, individuals with chronic diseases and amongst students);
• Comorbid mental disorders associated with substance and drug abuse when used as coping strategies;
• Alternative and health-promoting targeted, effective and engaging coping strategies;
• Factors to consider when developing interventions to treat individuals using substance or drugs as a coping strategy, and the subsequent mental health comorbidities they endure.
