Download Alcohol and Drug Problems2

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Website: www.cpft.nhs.uk
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More Insight into …Alcohol and Drug Problems
An introduction to alcohol and drug problems and their treatment
for service users, carers and their families
What are alcohol and drug problems?
Many people use alcohol or drugs for enjoyment and use, in moderation, may be
beneficial to health. However, overuse can become a serious problem, causing
difficulties at work and home and harming health. Substance misuse usually refers to
the abuse of alcohol or illicit drugs and the excessive use of that substance, which
can lead to dependency. Some substances, such as alcohol, tobacco and solvents
are legal and addictive. Others, like Cannabis, Heroin and Cocaine are illegal and
addictive. Some prescribed drugs can also be addictive – e.g. Diazepam.
Alcohol dependence can lead to potentially fatal physical ill health – drinking too
much can affect memory, cause liver disease and increase the risk of some kinds of
cancer. Alcohol dependence can also affect mental health, causing people to feel
depressed. Drug use is linked with risks of accidents due to intoxication, overdose or
infection from sharing injecting equipment. During substance misuse people may
develop tolerance so that they have to take more to achieve the same effect.
Stopping may lead to a state of withdrawal with physical and psychological
symptoms.
What are the signs?
Many people do not recognise that they have a problem but their behaviour may
change .
Common signs are:
• Desire for alcohol or substances overrides dealing with other things
• Angry, tired or irritable
• Secretive or evasive about alcohol or substance use
• Frequently intoxicated or under the influence of a substance or need to use
more to obtain the same effect
• Appear less well, or less interested in everyday things
• Anxious or depressed or showing signs of mental health problems
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What next?
Taking the first step of facing up to concerns about alcohol or substance use and
how it is affecting your life can be difficult. However, a range of support is available
to help you.
Self help
Many people successfully reduce their alcohol or drug use through their own
determination or with the support of others. If you feel that you cannot speak to those
close to you, call a helpline or attend a self-help group. Self-help groups are run by
people with similar problems who give mutual support and share experiences. You
may discuss usage with your GP or another health professional. They can provide
advice about safer usage, for instance sensible drink guidelines, safe injecting
techniques or the use of sterile needles. They will also be able to discuss the
consequences of long-term use and advise you about controlling consumption or
giving up drink or drugs completely.
If you find it hard to do this may need more help. If you are alcohol dependent you
have a strong desire to drink and stopping suddenly may result in the onset of
withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, sweating and a craving for alcohol. In
some cases more serious complications can develop, such as dehydration, tremor,
delirium or convulsions. Some of these serious problems can be fatal and therefore
it is very important to be supported and monitored by experts.
Talking or psychological therapies
Talking and psychological therapies involve talking and listening. Therapists are
trained to listen and help you find your own answers, without judging you. They can
help people understand their alcohol or drug use and help them plan how to manage
it. You can ask your doctor for talking therapies regardless of medication or other
treatments. NHS talking therapies are free but they may not be available locally or
there may be a waiting list. Some people find that talking therapies can be hard work
and may raise painful emotions or memories, but over time many feel the benefits.
Others find it provides a release and helps to talk.
Complementary/alternative therapies
These cover a range of treatments, some of which may provide benefits in treating
alcohol and drug problems. Therapies include herbal remedies, yoga, reiki, Indian
head massage, homeopathy and reflexology. It is important that you use a qualified
practitioner. You should always discuss complementary treatments with your doctor;
let them know if you are using any, and the results.
Medication
Vitamins might be prescribed for those who are alcohol dependent, as many who
drink don’t eat properly and lack certain vitamins, in particular B1, which can cause
serious brain conditions.
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Detoxification may be a treatment of choice for alcohol dependence and requires
professional support from your GP, a Psychiatrist or nurse specialist. Detoxification is
a short reducing course of tranquillising medication, which helps to prevent
withdrawal symptoms or to reduce their severity. This is a controlled way of stopping
safely, which will lead to improved physical and mental and emotional well being. The
most common medication used in detoxification is Chlordiazepoxide, a
benzodiazepine medicine. You can’t drink alcohol during detoxification and may feel
anxious for a few days, or experience mild withdrawal symptoms such as difficulty
getting to sleep. Detoxification does not remove all craving for alcohol and you may
need wider strategies for when you feel tempted to drink.
Medication can also help to prevent relapse. Acamprosate helps to ease alcohol
cravings and Disulfiram is sometimes used. If you drink while using Disulfiram you
experience unpleasant symptoms like flushing, vomiting, palpitations and headache,
which act as a deterrent and help prevent relapse.
There may be specific risks or side effects attached to the particular medication
used and these will be discussed with you before you consent to treatment.
Medications for substance misuse can be offered in specialist drug or alcohol units
if additional help or support is required.
All treatment can affect people in different ways and it is always best to talk to
your doctor or relevant health professional about your own needs and the best
treatment options for you.
FURTHER INFORMATION OR SUPPORT
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Elizabeth House, Fulbourn Hospital, Fulbourn, Cambs CB21 5EF
Tel: 0800 376 0775; email [email protected]. Provide information and advice about
Trust services and support to resolve concerns
Royal College of Psychiatrists
17 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PG Tel: 020 7235 2351 ext 259;
www.rcpsych.ac.uk Produce information for the general public on common mental
health problems and treatments
NHS Direct
Tel: 0845 4647; www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Provide help and advice on any aspect of
drug and alcohol use
NHS Smoking Helpline
Tel: 0800 169 0169;
www.givingupsmoking.co.uk Offer
information and advice about smoking
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Drinkline – The National Alcohol Helpline
Tel: 0800 917 8282 Offers free, confidential information and advice on alcohol
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
PO Box 1, Stonebow House, York, YO1 2NJ Tel: 01904 644026; www.alcoholsanonymous.org.uk Self help groups for people with alcohol problems that meet each
week across the UK
Al Anon Family Groups UK & Eire
61 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YF Tel: 020 7403 0888; www.al-anonuk.org.uk
Help people whose lives are affected by someone else’s drinking
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
UK service office, 202 City Road, London EC1V 2PH Tel: 020 7251 4007;
www.ukna.org Self help groups for recovering addicts
Talk to Frank
Tel: 0800 77 66 00; www.talktofrank.co.uk Offer confidential drugs information and
advice
Other fact sheets in the ‘More Insight’ series are available on www.cpft.nhs.uk or by
contacting PALS.
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