Substance abuse describes the way in which some people use psychoactive substances, such as illegal drugs and alcohol, to the extent that it is harmful to their health.
What problems does substance abuse lead to?
Heavy and continued use of illicit substances or alcohol can lead to someone becoming dependent on them and they can no longer control the desire to keep taking them. This means they feel compelled to keep using the substance, despite it having harmful consequences.
Substance abuse, or misuse, may cause issues which affect someone’s personal life, job or personal safety. While alcohol dependency is the most common, other drugs include cocaine, heroin, crack and cannabis.
What causes substance abuse?
There are several reasons why someone may become dependent on drugs or alcohol, whether it’s psychological, biological, cognitive-behavioural or sociocultural. Several million people worldwide are affected, but thankfully there is help and support available to help combat it. In the UK, patients can get help from the NHS, or if they feel uncomfortable talking to their GP, they can use a local treatment service.
According to drug advice charity FRANK, once someone has been assessed, the doctor or expert will discuss the best course of treatment. This is tailored to an individual’s circumstances, but is very likely to include some talking therapy.
Talking therapies are used to treat a variety of mental health conditions and can be prescribed by a GP or other health professional. Patients can also self-refer and if you are looking for mental health training courses Blackpool, there are many specialist training providers such as www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/blackpool who can advise.
Other Treatment
As well as talking therapies, patients may be offered substitute drugs to help with withdrawal symptoms. They may also be advised to enrol in detoxification treatments or self-help programmes and groups.
If someone is struggling with substance abuse or they are worried about someone else, seeking help is the first step in recovery. Once a personalised treatment plan is in place, there is continuous support to ensure the patient remains healthy and develops mechanisms to avoid a relapse.
When substance use affects the workplace
Substance abuse does not stay at home. Many employers have to deal with staff who may be taking drugs at work or arriving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and it can be hard to know how to approach the situation.
It has to be taken seriously. As well as harming an employee’s performance, it can make the workplace dangerous. Lorry drivers and people operating heavy machinery could cause a serious accident, or even a death, if they work while impaired.
Help is available. Speak to your HR representative, who can advise on the next steps, and consider occupational health support, which can include practical measures such as drug testing. A workplace where staff feel able to talk openly to managers about problems with drugs or alcohol is a healthier one, and many managers benefit from extra training so they can handle these conversations fairly and correctly.