Download Alcohol and Other Drugs

Alcohol and
Other Drugs
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most widely used drug in Australia today. Drinking alcohol in moderation
(up to 4 standard drinks per day for men and 2 standard drinks per day for women) is
acceptable for many people, but regularly drinking more than this may be harmful to
mental and physical health. One standard drink equals 10 grams of alcohol; which
roughly translates into one glass of full strength beer (285 mls) or two 285ml glasses of
light beer, or five 285ml glasses of super light beer. It is also equal to one small (100ml)
glass of wine, one measure (30ml) of spirits or one 60ml glass of fortified wine such as
sherry or port.
What are alcohol problems?
When you drink more than the recommended limit of alcohol on a regular basis, this
may have a harmful effect on many of the body’s systems and organs, including the
brain. Many illnesses such as heart disease, certain cancers, kidney and liver disease
can be caused by alcohol abuse.
In terms of mental health, alcohol can become a problem when you continue to drink
despite the problems caused by it. Over time, the body builds up a tolerance to alcohol,
meaning that you have to drink more to get the same effects – this can lead to physical
addiction to the alcohol. Sometimes people use alcohol as an escape from difficult
situations or feelings and eventually lose their ability to cope with day to day life without
drinking. Areas of the person’s life such as personal relationships, family
responsibilities, work, accommodation and education may become neglected as the
person’s use of alcohol becomes more and more important to them.
Many assaults, homicides, accidents and incidents of domestic violence are precipitated
by the use of alcohol. Drug use is a factor in about one in five of all deaths in Australia.
According to recent statistics in Australia, 23,313 deaths were attributed to drug use in
1998. Of these, 19, 019 deaths were related to tobacco use, 3,271 deaths related to
alcohol use and 1, 023 deaths related to illicit drug use (Australian Drug Foundation).
Accidents are more common when people are intoxicated and are unable to pay
attention to, and respond appropriately to, dangerous situations such as driving a car or
crossing a road. A large number of pedestrians involved in traffic accidents in NSW are
affected by drugs or alcohol.
Some people find it difficult to control their use of alcohol and find themselves drinking
more than they intended to. People drink to relax, have fun, fit in with a group, out of
curiosity or to escape from physical or emotional pain.
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What are the symptoms?
Alcohol is a ‘depressant’ meaning that it slows down the nervous system. Depressants
tend to make the person’s thinking slower and can make them drowsy and
uncoordinated. Emotions that the person is feeling tend to be intensified, so if they are
feeling angry for example, they may feel angrier.
Signs that you might have a problem with alcohol include:
• drinking heavily when you are disappointed, under pressure or have had a
quarrel with someone
• being able to handle more alcohol now than when you first started to drink –
building up a physical tolerance to alcohol
• memory loss and forgetting what happened when you were drinking
• drinking alone or ‘sneaking in’ extra drinks so that other people don’t notice how
much you are drinking
• feeling uncomfortable if alcohol is not available
• feeling guilty about your drinking
• drinking earlier on in the day, or first thing in the morning
• a family member or close friend has expressed concern or complained about
your drinking
• having memory 'blackouts' recently
• often wanting to continue drinking after your friends say they've had enough
• when you're sober, sometimes regretting things you did or said while drinking
• trying different ways to stop drinking without success
• legal problems related to your drinking, such as driving under the influence of
alcohol or assaulting someone whilst drunk
• avoiding family or close friends while you are drinking
• having more financial, work, school and/or family problems as a result of your
drinking
• eating very little or irregularly during the periods when you are drinking
• having the ‘shakes’ in the morning and finding that it helps to have a another
drink, tranquiliser or other medication
• sometimes staying drunk for several days at a time
• after periods of drinking, sometimes seeing or hearing things that aren't there
• feeling depressed or anxious before, during or after of heavy drinking
Alcohol Dependence
Physical dependence on alcohol occurs when your body becomes so used to alcohol
that you have to drink more and more to get the same effect. When there is no alcohol
in your body, symptoms of dependence occur, including the following:
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Nausea, vomiting and headaches
Trembling or shaking
Sweating profusely
Craving for more alcohol
Flu-like symptoms
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What is the cause of alcohol problems?
Problems are usually caused by a combination of factors unique to each person:
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Genes – research indicates that alcoholism may have a genetic basis
Family history – alcoholism tends to ‘run in families’ although it is unclear
whether this is due to genetic factors or learned behaviour that is passed down
through generations
Stressful or traumatic life experiences can be the catalyst for the person drinking
to excess
Social factors – the availability and price of alcohol affects how much it is used,
also whether or not alcohol is socially acceptable
What help is available?
Detoxification
If you are physically dependent on alcohol, you may need to get rid of the alcohol in
your system. This is known as detoxifying or ‘detox’. There are various ways to detox; it
can be done at home with assistance from your doctor or in a medical facility such as a
hospital or specialised detox service. Medications can sometimes be given to help ease
the withdrawal symptoms.
NOTE: If you experience delirium tremens (the DTs, or the ‘shakes’) seek
immediate medical help. In extreme cases this can be fatal.
Rehabilitation
After detoxing, it is important to make life changes that will help you avoid starting
drinking again. Rehabilitation involves counselling, education, living skills and other
supports.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international fellowship of men and women who
have had a drinking problem. It is non-professional, self-supporting, nondenominational, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. Meetings are
attended on a regular basis and members go through their own journey of the ’12 step’
program. Many people all over the world have found A.A. to be helpful and effective but
it is not for everyone. The best thing to do is to learn about it and decide whether the
program sounds right for you.
What can I do to help myself?
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Talk to someone about your drinking and be clear about the reasons you want to
stop or cut down. It helps to be clear on your motivation to stop drinking.
Decide on your goal – do you want to stop completely, or simply reduce the
amount you drink?
Think about the reasons why you drink and what benefits you get from alcohol.
Can you think of other ways of getting that benefit?
Monitor your alcohol intake in units and try to stay below the maximum
recommended alcohol intake.
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Take it one day at a time and don’t give up if you relapse. Most people find that it
takes several attempts to stop drinking so don’t be disheartened – just resolve to
try a bit harder tomorrow.
Families and friends
It can be frustrating when someone you love is drinking too much, particularly as it is
impossible to force someone to stop drinking or to receive treatment. There are some
things you can do that may help:
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Don't try to protect the alcoholic from the results of his or her drinking. By making
excuses for the person, you are ‘enabling’ them to continue drinking without
experiencing the natural consequences. For example, your loved one might ask
you to call in sick to their workplace for them when they are unwell with a
hangover. If you agree, they do not have to accept the consequences of their
drinking and may see no reason to stop.
Find out about local treatment options and pass this information on.
When talking to your loved one about the problem, use specific, recent examples
of their problem drinking to support what you are saying. The best time to
approach the person may be soon after an alcohol-related incident has occurred.
Maintain your own boundaries and be clear on what you will and will not tolerate.
Explain to the person drinking what you will need to do if they don’t get help.
This should not be done in a ‘threatening’ way, but in a way that tells the person
that you have limits and that there are consequences of their drinking.
Consider contacting Al-Anon for support. This is a program adapted from
Alcoholics Anonymous and helps family members to cope with the impact of a
loved one’s drinking.
Further Reading
Over the Influence: The Harm Reduction Guide for Managing Drugs and Alcohol by Patt
Denning, Jeannie Little and Adina Glickman, Guilford Publications, Inc, 2003, ISBN:
1572308001
Recovery Options: The Complete Guide, How You and Your Loved Ones Can
Understand and Treat Alcohol and Other Drug Problems by Joseph Volpicelli and Maia
Szalavitz, Wiley, John & Sons, 2000, ISBN: 047134575X
Addiction Workbook: A Step-By-Step Guide to Quitting Alcohol and Drugs, by John
O’Neill and Patrick Fanning, New Harbinger Publications, 1996,
ISBN: 1572240431
Where to get help
The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) can provide details of detoxification
and rehabilitation options in NSW:
Tel (02) 9361 8000 or 1800 422 599
http://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au/ndarc.nsf
The following website lists all NSW treatment facilities
http://www.nada.org.au/agencyresults.asp
See your family doctor (general practitioner)
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Other Drugs
Drugs are substances that have an effect on the brain to cause an altered mental or
emotional state. These include drugs which are only legal when they have been
prescribed by a doctor – such as minor tranquilisers – as well as illegal drugs such as
heroin, cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy or amphetamines.
Legal problems aside, some people use drugs without coming to any physical or mental
harm. However, many people find that their drug use causes them problems with their
physical and/or mental health.
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If a person has no physical tolerance to the drug, they may take more than their
body can handle and overdose
The person may not know how to cope in an emergency such as severe
intoxication, overdose or bad reaction
The person may be arrested for drug offences, affecting areas of their lives such
as employment, travel and liberty
Illicit drugs are not subject to any kind of price or quality control and users can
never be sure about the strength, safety or purity of the drug they are taking.
Some drugs are mixed with other substances before being sold to bulk them out
and increase the dealer’s profits, these added substances may be as harmless
as sugar or as harmful as powdered brick dust
The person may continue to use the drug and become addicted
One of the problems associated with drug use is the harmful physical effects.
Drug use can lead to health problems such as emphysema, cancer, HIV and
hepatitis
Family and relationship problems may arise when the person using drugs refuses
to recognise that their using causes problems to those around them and
themselves. Family members may be lied to or manipulated into giving the
person money to fund their habit.
Legal problems arise from the manufacture, possession, use and distribution of
illicit drugs, with heavy penalties for some offences. The person may also commit
crimes such as theft in order to pay for their drug habit
Financial problems are common as alcohol and illicit drugs are usually
expensive, leaving less money for things such as rent, bills, food or clothing.
What are the symptoms of drug problems?
A person’s drug use becomes problematic when:
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They develop a tolerance to the drug, needing to take larger amounts to get the
desired effect
They experience withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug
They feel unable to reduce or stop using drugs
They spend large amounts of their time and energy on obtaining, using and
recovering from, drugs
They know that the drug is causing ongoing physical or mental problems but
keep on using despite this.
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Stimulants, including amphetamines, cocaine, party drugs such as Ecstasy. These
speed up the functions of the nervous system. The person using these drugs often
appear wide awake, full of energy and more talkative than usual. Emotions tend to be
intensified, so if the person is feeling happy and having fun, that experience is
enhanced.
Hallucinogens, including LSD (‘acid’), magic mushrooms, PCP, ketamine. These affect
the person’s perception, i.e. they see, hear and feel around them things that do not
really exist. The person’s behaviour may appear confused or bizarre and their thoughts
and conversation may be difficult for others to follow.
Depressants, including alcohol, cannabis, opioids such as heroin, solvents and
inhalants such as petrol or glue. These slow down the nervous system. Depressants
tend to make the person’s thinking slower and may make them drowsy. Emotions that
the person is feeling tend to be intensified, so if they are feeling angry for example, they
will feel angrier.
What are the causes of drug problems?
It is likely that a combination of factors affect whether an individual will have problems
with drugs. There may be a genetic tendency towards becoming addicted to substances
and the person’s social and personal circumstances also play an important role.
People who have a mental illness are more likely to take drugs – this is known as ‘dual
diagnosis’. This is sometimes because they feel the drug helps alleviate symptoms of
the mental illness – this is called ‘self medicating’ and is not helpful. There may also be
a ‘downward drift’ factor at play – people who have a severe mental illness may find
themselves living and/or mixing with other marginalised people who use drugs.
What help is available?
Detoxification, rehabilitation, medication and ongoing counselling and support are all
parts of treatment for drug addiction. Narcotics Anonymous is a 12-step program
developed along he lines of Alcoholics Anonymous. Treatment will depend on the
severity of your addiction and the substance involved.
What can I do to help myself?
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Educate yourself about drugs and addiction through reading books and reputable
websites such as those listed below
Take it one day at a time – it may be too overwhelming to think of staying away
from drugs forever. Make a promise to yourself not to use drugs today and worry
about tomorrow, tomorrow. It takes the majority of people more than one attempt
to stop using drugs, so don’t label yourself a failure if you lapse.
Allow drug treatments, such as rehabilitation, time to work. Staying in treatment
for longer periods helps avoid relapse.
Society holds a strong stigma against people who are addicted to drugs. Try to
remember that you are more than just your drug addiction; you are also a son or
daughter, a parent, a friend, someone with their unique set of hopes, fears,
dreams, strengths and weaknesses. Getting to know and accept yourself as you
are will help you to stop using drugs.
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Families and Friends
It can be frustrating when someone you love is using drugs, particularly as it is
impossible to force someone to stop using or to receive treatment. There are some
things you can do that may help:
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Don't try to protect the user from the results of his or her drug use. By making
excuses for the person, you are ‘enabling’ them to continue using without
experiencing the consequences. For example, your loved one might ask you to
call in sick to their workplace for them when they are suffering a drug ‘comedown’. If you agree, they do not have to accept the consequences of their drug
use and may see no reason to stop.
Find out about local treatment options and pass this information on
When talking to your loved one about the problem, use specific, recent examples
of their drug use to support what you are saying. The best time to approach the
person may be soon after a drug-related incident has occurred
Maintain your own boundaries and be clear on what you will and will not tolerate.
Explain to the person what you will need to do if they don’t get help. This should
not be done in a ‘threatening’ way, but in a way that tells the person that you
have limits and that there are consequences of their drug use.
Consider finding support and understanding from a support group for the families
of drug users, such as Family Drug Support.
Further reading
We sell the following titles through the Mental Health Information Service:
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Dealing with Heroin Use
Dealing with Cannabis Use
Mulling It Over (marijuana)
Drugs in Focus
Double Trouble (dual diagnosis)
Or from bookshops:
How to Quit Drugs for Good: A Complete Self-Help Guide by Jerry Dorsman, Crown
Publishing Group, 1998, ISBN: 0761515178
Under the Influence for Parents: The Truth about Kids, Alcohol, and Other Drugs, How
to Recognize the Problem and What to Do about It by Katherine Ketcham,
Ballantine Books, 2003, ISBN: 034545734X
Where to get help
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Mental Health Information Service, on 1300 794 991 or at
www.mentalhealth.asn.au
Alcohol and Drug Information Service can advise of treatment options in NSW,
tel (02) 9361 8000 or 1800 422 599
http://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au/ndarc.nsf
See your family doctor
See a psychologist (details about the Medicare rebate are in the ‘alcohol’ section)
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Medicare rebates and accessing private practitioners
What is the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists?
Psychiatrists are medically trained doctors who specialise in the treatment of mental
illness. Like GPs they can prescribe, administer and monitor medication. Psychiatrists
do not advertise so it is up to your GP to refer you to someone appropriate.
Psychologists are trained in human behaviour and use a range of therapies to treat
patients. They provide services including assessment, psychological testing, and
various types of psychotherapy and counselling.
Medicare rebate for psychologists
A Medicare rebate is now available for up to 12 sessions per calendar year with a
registered psychologist* with a Medicare Provider Number. To obtain the rebate you
must be referred by an appropriate medical practitioner, i.e. a GP, psychiatrist or
paediatrician. The practitioner will ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and
develop a management plan for your condition.
The cost and rebate from Medicare can vary depending on the consultation length and
fee charged. If the psychologist bulk bills there will be no extra cost.
For further information about the rebate or to locate a psychologist in your area contact
the Australian Psychological Society on 1800 333 497 www.psychology.org.au.
* Similar Medicare rebates also exist for mental health accredited social workers and
occupational therapists.
References
Australian Drug Foundation
http://www.adf.org.au/
NSW Health Department 2004 Drug Summit information
http://www.alcoholsummit.nsw.gov.au/fact_sheets
NSW Health Department
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/public-health/dpb/publications/pdf/factsheets/alcohol.pdf
Alcohol Self Test
http://www.d12.com/Resources/Alcoholism%20Self-Test.htm
Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.alcoholicsanonymous.org.au/info/anyone_new.php?nav=nc
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/alcohol_abuse_alcoholism_signs_effects_treatment.htm
Al-Anon – support for families
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/australia/
Drinking Alcohol; How Much Is Healthy? NSW Health
http://www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au/health-public-affairs/mhcs/publications/5375.html
http://www.aona.co.uk/addiction/alcohol/causes-of-addiction
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http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/27000488/
http://www.schizophrenia.com/family/dualdiag.html
Narcotics Anonymous
http://www.naoz.org.au/community/index.php
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/drug_abuse_addiction_rehab_treatment.htm
Family Drug Support
http://www.fds.org.au/
Resource Centre
The Mental Health Resource Centre contains material that promotes a better
understanding of mental health issues. New books and DVDs are purchased on a
regular basis and visitors are welcome to come in and browse.
Much of the material can be borrowed and books can be mailed to those who are
unable to come in. You can find the Resource Centre Booklist at our website:
www.mentalhealth.asn.au
For further information contact 1300 794 991.
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Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes. As neither brochures nor websites can
diagnose people it is always important to obtain professional advice and/or help when
needed. The listed websites provide additional information, but should not be taken as
an endorsement or recommendation.
This information may be reproduced with an acknowledgement to the Mental Health
Association NSW. This and other fact sheets are available for download from
www.mentalhealth.asn.au. The Association encourages feedback and welcomes
comments about the information provided.
This fact sheet was last updated in January 2008.
Mental Health Information Service
Mental Health Association NSW Inc
Level 5
80 William Street
East Sydney NSW 2011
Phone: 1300 794 991
Fax:
(02) 9339 6066
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mentalhealth.asn.au
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