Substance Abuse

People with substance use disorders have generally taken one or more drugs of abuse over an extended period, and are showing various behavioural, physical and psychological symptoms. There are two categories of substance use disorders:
Substance dependence refers to a person with a problematic pattern of drug use, involving three of these features:

• Tolerance - the need for increasing amounts of the drug in order to achieve intoxication;

• Withdrawal - the person experiences unpleasant symptoms when they don’t use the drug;

• Lack of success in cutting down or controlling their use of the drug;

• Spending a lot of time trying to get hold of the drug or recovering from its effects;

• Giving up various social activities, work or recreational activities because of drug use.
  

Substance abuse is similar to substance dependence, but the impairment experienced by the person is more marked. Features include any of the following:

• As a result of drug use, the person is unable to meet their obligations with work, school or in the home;

• Regularly absent or perform poorly when at work or school due to their drug use, or neglect their children or housework;

• Use substance/s in dangerous situations, such as driving a car or operating machinery;

• Have legal problems as a result of substance use;

• Continue to use drugs even though the use is related to relationship problems;

• Have more arguments with other people when intoxicated and may become physically violent.

People may develop substance use disorders for a number of reasons, such as anxiety or depressive disorders, a family history of substance abuse, being prone to the effects of stress and tension, or experiencing psychosocial problems (eg loss of a job, family problems, relationship breakdown). It may also be the opposite where the over use of substance leads into anxiety or depression. Addiction may have both physiological and psychological components.

Treatment options include counselling, detoxification facilities and medication. Community support groups may also be very helpful in assisting people to resolve their substance use. Those who have a serious disorder may need referral to a specialist drug and alcohol service.

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW: http://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au
Australian Drug Foundation: http://www.adf.org.au
Australian Drug Information Network: http://www.adin.com.au
Mental Health First Aid:
www.mhfa.com.au/documents/guidelines/8252_MHFA_prob_drug_guidelines_sept09.pdf
www.mhfa.com.au/documents/guidelines/mhfa_cannabisguidelines_final.pdf