Drug and Alcohol Abuse

What is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse occurs when an individual uses alcohol or other drugs in a way that creates problems for themselves or others. These negative consequences may be short-term and immediate, such as the effects of a hang-over or they may be long-term and delayed such as the development of liver disease. While the consequences described are physical, the range of problems that develop as a result of substance abuse can affect every area of one's life. This includes family and relationships, emotional health, employment and finances, legal status and personal development such as leisure skills and spirituality.

What is a Substance?

A substance is a psychoactive drug that is ingested or taken into your body which affects the way that you think, feel and behave. The most popular substance used is alcohol (beer, wine, spirits) which is a central nervous system depressant, meaning that it slows down the functioning of the brain and in turn, the body. Other depressants include tranquillizers (Valium, Xanax), sedative hypnotics (Dalmane, Amytal) and opiate narcotics (heroin, codeine, methadone).

Psychoactive drugs which have the opposite effect are known as stimulants because they speed up the functioning of the central nervous system. Common drugs in this category are cocaine, crack and amphetamines (diet pills).

The Hallucinogens produce distortions in perception and include drugs such as LSD, PCP and psilocybin (magic mushrooms). Cannabis is classified by itself because it often produces the combined effects of a depressant, stimulant and hallucinogen, depending on strength, amount taken and situation.

Inhalants are used for the immediate "high" they produce, however, are extremely dangerous in their volatility and the potential long-term effects on the brain and respiratory system.

Signs of a Substance Abuse Problem:

  • daily drinking in any amount
  • if male, drinking more than 2 drinks on a typical drinking day (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health). Binge drinking for men is described as 5 or more drinks at any one time.
  • if female, drinking more than 1 drink on a typical drinking day (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health). Binge drinking for women is described as 4 or more drinks at any one time.
  • using a prescription drug without a prescription
  • obtaining the same prescription drug from more than one doctor
  • combining different drugs or drugs and alcohol for the effect
  • using over the counter drugs or prescription drugs in excess of the directions.
  • missing work, school, court dates, family events or other important dates because of alcohol or drug use.
  • risking conflict with the law because of alcohol or drug use i.e. impaired driving, shoplifting, buying or selling illegal drugs.
  • using alcohol or non-prescribed drugs while pregnant
  • using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings i.e. when angry, sad, stressed, guilty.
  • using alcohol or drugs to experience pleasure i.e. to feel high, as a reward, to be less shy, to be accepted.
  • using alcohol or drugs to cope with situations i.e. to sleep, to socialize, to have sex, to relieve pain, to release anger or frustration.
  • using alcohol or drugs out of habit i.e. after work or school daily, with lunch or dinner, every weekend, with all leisure activities.

Consequences of Substance Abuse:

When people use alcohol or drugs they are often looking for immediate, positive consequences or "payoffs". If a person gets an immediate payoff from doing something, he or she will tend to do it again. Positive consequences can include a change in mood (tense to relaxed), feeling more comfortable with other people (less shy or self-conscious), or simply to enhance a good time.

Unfortunately, alcohol and drug use can also produce negative consequences, such as health problems, family conflict, arrests for drunk driving or financial hardship. These problems can be quite serious, but they do not usually occur immediately. Negative consequences are often delayed.

What can be done to change a substance abuse problem?

  • identify the problem – what are the triggers and consequences of the drug or alcohol abuse
  • examine the consequences – remember they can be positive & negative, immediate & delayed; they can also be risks which could occur in the future.
  • list the options you have for making changes and choose the ones that fit best for you
  • determine what you may be able to change on your own and what you are going to need some assistance changing.
  • on your own or with a counsellors help, develop an action plan for change
  • keep track of how you're doing; reward yourself for doing well and recognize when you may need someone else's help.

What can others do to help?

  • Be supportive, especially when the person first decides to deal with his or her problem. Making the changes necessary to deal with drug or alcohol abuse is not easy. They often involve major changes in a person's lifestyle, friendships and ways of coping. Let the person know that you are supportive of their progress.
  • Help identify and deal with high-risk situations. These are situations (a wedding, for example) where a person is at risk of using drugs or abusing alcohol.
  • Remember that change takes time, as long as the problem took to develop it is going to take some time to resolve. If a person slips, encourage them to get back on track and figure out what happened, so they can avoid it next time.

(Information compiled from various sources, especially the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health booklets for Guided Self-Change)

What is Moderate Drinking?

When you have made the healthy decision to drink less, and stay within the moderate limits, you should not be experiencing any health, personal, family, social, job-related, financial or legal problems due to your use of alcohol. That's what smart drinking is all about: making choices and following guidelines that help lower your risk of problems.

Moderate drinking is not intended for those who experience significant withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking, or those with any physical or mental condition, including pregnancy, that could be adversely affected by alcohol, even in moderate amounts. It is also not intended for those former dependent drinkers who are now abstaining.

Six steps to moderate drinking!

For many people, moderate drinking can be a part of a healthy lifestyle. To reduce your risk of problems, keep the following rules in mind:

  1. KEEP TRACK
    • It's a good idea to monitor your drinking. Keep track every day.
    • Women should not drink more than 1 standard drink on any day.
    • Men should not drink more than 2 standard drinks on any day.
    • How much are you drinking?
    • How do you avoid drinking too much?

  2. PACE YOURSELF
    Moderate drinking means mixing days of no drinking with days of low drinking. If you choose to drink:
    • Measure your drinks.
    • Dilute them with water, pop or juice.
    • Sip, don't gulp.
    • Alternate your drinks with juice or pop.
    • Eat a snack with your drinks.
    • Wait awhile between each drink.

  3. SPEND TIME ON OTHER THINGS
    Instead of drinking, spend some time on other things you enjoy.
    • Go for a walk.
    • See a movie.
    • Read a book.
    • Listen to music.
    • Take up a hobby.
    • Join a club.

  4. STAY ALERT
    There may be times when you feel pressure to drink. Learn to:
    • Plan ahead and set personal limits.
    • Resist temptation.
      (Tell yourself "I don't want to ruin my record," "I can have fun without drinking", or "I don't want to wake up with a hang-over.")
    • Refuse drinks without feeling guilty.
      (Remember, it's okay to say "no thanks").
    • Leave if you're having trouble saying "no".

  5. DON'T USE ALCOHOL TO ESCAPE
    Alcohol can't solve your problems. Don't use alcohol to feel better or to deal with difficult situations. Instead of drinking, try to:
    • talk about your feelings
    • voice your opinions
    • show affection
    • assert yourself.

  6. NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE
    Even small amounts of alcohol can affect your ability to drive or operate heavy equipment safely. If you have a drink, don't drive! Take a bus or taxi home or get a lift with a friend who hasn't been drinking.

THESE GUIDELINES DON'T APPLY TO SOME PEOPLE!

  • There are some people who should not use alcohol, or who should limit their use to less than the maximum amounts specified in the guidelines:
  • people with certain health problems, such as liver disease or certain psychiatric illnesses;
  • people taking certain medications, such as sedatives, sleeping pills and pain killers;
  • people with a personal or family history of serious drinking problems;
  • women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breast-feeding;
  • people who are operating vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles or bicycles.
  • people who need to be alert - for example, while working with machinery or dangerous equipment, while engaging in challenging physical activities or when responsible for the safety of others or public order;
  • people who care under any legal or other restriction on drinking - personally or because of the environment they're in.

Some material taken from the Brochure "Dealing with Drinking" - Centre for Addiction & Mental Health.

Women and Alcohol

from the brochure "You Should Understand the Difference between Men and Women" - BACCHUS Canada

YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN WHEN IT COMES TO THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL!

Women weigh less than men.
There are exceptions of course, but more than likely the guy you're with weighs more than you do. That means that if you drink the same amount that he does, you'll probably get more intoxicated.

Women's bodies contain less water and more fat than men's bodies.
This means that men "dilute" the alcohol they drink more than women do, so they can drink more than you without necessarily becoming more intoxicated.

Women may have premenstrual sensitivity.
Studies show that women tend to be affected more by alcohol just before their periods. You might want to cut back on your consumption at that time of the month.

Woman may be affected by the pill.
If you're on the pill, it may take longer for your liver to metabolize or burn off the alcohol you drink - in other words, you may feel the effects longer.

Women get pregnant.
It's usually easier for both men and women to become intimate when alcohol has lowered their inhibitions. But because birth control is often the woman's responsibility, unclear judgement or a memory lapse may result in an unwanted pregnancy.

Women need to worry about sexual assault.
When one or both people in a "date" situation are intoxicated, the possibility of a woman being put "into a harmful situation" greatly increases. Knowing that you are alert and aware of your environment at all times empowers you, and puts you at less risk.

Having a Party?

YOU COULD BE IN FOR MORE LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY THAN YOU'RE AWARE OF!

More and more, courts are placing legal responsibility on people who serve alcohol or host events where guests are drinking.

If you plan ahead, you can lower both your risk and your guests' risks of having problems.

WHY TAKE CHANCES?

AS THE HOST:

  • you can be held responsible for injuries or damages that occur as a result of the alcohol you provide;
  • you are responsible for what happens to guests when they are in your home or on your property;
  • you are also responsible for your guests at other functions you organize, like weddings, street parties and company parties;and
  • you are responsible for the safety and behaviour of your guests until they are sober, not just until they leave your party or function.


TEN GREAT TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK:

  1. Don't plan physical activities, like swimming, skiing, snowmobiling and skating when you serve alcohol. People are more prone to accidents when they've been drinking.

  2. Have low-alcohol and alcohol-free cocktails and drinks available too.
    How about a non-alcoholic punch?

  3. Serve Snacks!
    It is better to eat while drinking than to drink on an empty stomach. Try veggies, cheeses and light dips - they're great and don't make your guests thirsty, as salty, sweet or greasy foods do.

  4. Be prepared for overnight guests. Get those blankets and sleeping bags ready.
  5. Mix drinks yourself instead of having an open bar. Avoid doubles. Guests usually drink more when they serve themselves.

  6. Plan to deal with guests who drink too much. Ask someone to be prepared to help you before the party gets rolling.

  7. Find out how guests will be going home from your party. Be prepared to take away car keys. Know your designated drivers. Have cash and telephone numbers ready for taxis.

  8. Stop serving alcohol a few hours before the party is over. Bring out more alcohol-free drinks and food.

  9. Plan ahead so that it's easy to try some of these tips! If a legal problem arises, having tried these tips may help.

AND THE NUMBER ONE PARTY TIP IS ...

DON'T DRINK TOO MUCH YOURSELF!
You can stay on top of potential problems better when you think clearly and act quickly.

Taken from the brochure "Having a Party?" from the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health.

Additional Links on this topic

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
A facts for families information sheet from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS
A facts for families information sheet from the AACAP about children of alcoholics.

LINDESMITH CENTER
This policy and research institute is an essential resource concerning drug policy and harm reduction.

WEB OF ADDICTIONS
An excellent general resource for information and news for students, the general public and professionals.

CANADIAN CENTRE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE
A must for the Canadian professional and a gateway to Canadian substance abuse issues.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE NETWORK OF ONTARIO (SANO)
A wealth of information for the Ontario substance abuse professional, maintained by the ARF.

Last updated November 11, 2008