SUBSTANCE MISUSE

Substance Misuse

Substance Misuse

Substance Abuse and Dependence

Physicall and psycholgicallyproblems

The misuse of alcohol and other drugs (such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or prescribed pharmaceuticals) currently represents one of the most serious and prevalent health problems. Although substance misuse disorders are classified as psychiatric diorders, problem drinking and drug use can lead to extensive physiological, social, and legal difficulties, as well. Furthermore, people who have alcohol or other drug problems have higher prevalence rates of Depression, Anxiety, and Personality disorders, than people in the general population. As such, a person with a substance misuse disorder faces a wide spectrum of potential difficulties, ranging from relationship disruption, to brain damage, imprisonment, and, potentially, death. (Burke PJ, O'Sullivan J, Vaughan BL 2005, 73-78) Many tranquillisers are addictive if they are used regularly. Tranquillisers are physically addictive, so you may have withdrawal symptoms if your supply is stopped suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms can include:

severe headache,

nausea,

anxiety, and

confusion.

Some people who abuse tranquillisers try to inject crushed-up tablets or melted-down gel capsules to increase the potency of the drug. This can be very dangerous because the chalk contained in many tablets can cause veins to collapse. This can lead to serious infections and, in the most extreme cases, the death of tissue (gangrene). Gel capsules that are melted down can sometimes solidify inside blood vessels, which can be fatal. (Burke PJ, O'Sullivan J, Vaughan BL 2005, 73-78)

Many solvents contain chemicals that have a toxic effect on the body, particularly the heart. Every time you sniff a solvent, you are at risk of having a heart attack, which may be fatal. In the UK, there are an average of 50 deaths a year from solvent abuse. Other adverse effects of solvent abuse include: (O'Connor, Rory; Sheehy, Noel 2000, 122-45)

* vomiting,

* blackouts, and in the case of long-term abuse, liver, kidney and brain damage.

Substance misuse is an increasingly recognised problem among people with mental health problems. Many individuals may suffer from both mental health and substance misuse problems and while there is some difficulty in identifying which condition occurs first, in cases where individuals suffer from both, experts suggest that each condition may play a role in the development of the other. Substance misuse seems to worsen the social and psychological problems of people with mental health problems. It may influence the course of major psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and depression as well as producing a wide range of minor symptoms such as sleep disturbance, panic, poor concentration, memory problems and irritability. This may include negative effects on social circumstances, behaviours, severity of psychiatric symptoms and an increased risk of suicide. Reasons for the development of substance misuse in those with mental health problems may include: (O'Connor, Rory; Sheehy, Noel 2000, 122-45)

Self-medication (See our leaflet Facts You Should Know About the Medicines You Take)

Gaining access to social groups

Coping with stress (See our leaflet Stress)

Irrespective of the reasons for the association between psychiatric conditions and substance misuse, it is clear that such misuse exacerbates existing social and psychological ...