• Madan Negi

Mental health and substance abuse are two interconnected and complex issues that have significant impacts on individuals, communities, and societies at large. This study provides an overview of the relationship between mental health and substance abuse, exploring their interplay, consequences, and importance of addressing them collectively. Mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders often coexist, with individuals experiencing one condition being at a higher risk of developing the other. The relationship between these two issues is bidirectional, as substance abuse can exacerbate mental health symptoms and vice versa. Individuals facing mental health challenges may turn to substances as a means of self-medication, attempting to alleviate symptoms or cope with distress. The study also unfolds the substance abuse’s devastating toll in Himachal Pradesh and exploring the correlation between substance abuse and mental health using Meta analysis technique. The study divided in to five parts viz. introductory literature part in which description about substance abuse and mental illness, interrelationship and various national level reports. Second part is the methodology adopted for the study, which is largely based on Meta analysis technique to quantitatively synthesize the data from various sources and assess the results. Third part is the status of Himachal Pradesh in terms of substance abuse and mental illness. Fourth part consists of legislative framework, policies and programmes pertaining to the mental illness and substance abuse, implemented by the government of India. Finally, fifth part is the conclusion of the study describing about provisions of the govt. to address the drug menace, suggestions and way forward.

mental healthcare act, mental illness, substance abuse, state mental healthcare authority, NDPS act.

"Substance Abuse's Effect on Mental Health: An Assessment of Himachal Pradesh", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 5, page no.p498-p508, May 2023, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2305G70.pdf

"Substance Abuse's Effect on Mental Health: An Assessment of Himachal Pradesh", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 5, page no. ppp498-p508, May 2023, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2305G70.pdf