Mental Health and Addictions: Renewed Hope for Better Care

Abstract

Examination of the care needs of individuals suffering from mental illness and addictions shows that as many as 75% of the people who need care receive none at all (Ontario Ministry of Health, 1990). Further, about 20% of the general population in Canada are afflicted with mental illness or addiction in any given year, and 3% have severe and persistent disablement (McEwan & Goldner, 2000; Offord et al., 1996). This figure is even higher amongst those in diverse ethno-cultural communities who face not only high levels of stigma but also language and other cultural barriers (Garfinkel, 2002). In terms of addictions, there are many devastating effects. One in 10 adults reports problems with drinking, and in 1995 more than 6,500 Canadians died as a result of alcohol use, while over 80,000 were hospitalized for alcohol-related health problems (Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse [CCSA], 1999). The health-care cost of alcohol in Canada is 2.7% of GDP, 30% to 90% of people receiving alcohol/drug services have a concurrent disorder, and 65% of people receiving mental health services have a concurrent disorder (Murthy, 2001).1