What Is Substance Misuse?
Today, substance misuse is defined as one of the serious public health problems around the globe. It is characterized by the use of illegal drugs or the inappropriate use of alcohol and tobacco substances that produce harm to people (McLellan, 2017). Sometimes, substance misuse occurs when patients fail to follow their prescriptions, and medications provoke adverse effects that have to be recognized and treated. In the study, McLellan (2017) introduces seven main categories of substances that cause health, social, and economic problems:
- Alcohol (drinks like beer or wine)
- Tobacco (cigarettes or cigars)
- Cannabinoids (marijuana or hash oils)
- Opioids (heroin or Vicodin)
- Depressants (different forms of benzodiazepine)
- Stimulants (cocaine or methamphetamine)
- Hallucinogens (LSD or ecstasy)
Why Is It Important?
Healthcare and medical organizations aim at predicting the growth of substance misuse challenges. According to the Public Health England report (2019), about 14,500 young people are in contact with alcohol or drug services annually. Regarding global statistics, more than 3.3 million people die because of alcohol abuse, drinking about 6.2 liters of alcohol per year (World Health Organization, no date). About 31 people are diagnosed with drug use disorders, and 11 million people inject drugs, which leads to inflammations and infections (World Health Organization, no date). Sometimes, young people are able to get help and avoid health problems and lethal consequences. However, death because of substances is still a concern for many modern families.
Misuse, Abuse, or Addiction
Such words as “misuse,” “abuse,” and “addiction” are interchangeable in everyday communication. However, certain differences between these terms exist and cannot be ignored:
- Misuse is the use of substances not according to the prescribed treatment plans (taking more than recommended or substituting one drug with another drug without professional counseling).
- Abuse is the misuse of substances that impairs some aspects of human life but can be controlled (health complications or poor understanding of responsibilities).
- Addiction is a substance use disorder that occurs due to continued substance abuse and no ability to stop doing harmful activities.
What Are the Consequences?
It is not difficult to make a decision to take drugs, drink alcohol, or try a new medication to solve a health problem. Young adults are exposed to multiple choices and temptations, and there are not many regulations to predict substance misuse. To prevent the growth of this public health problem, the following consequences should be kept in mind:
- Immediate outcomes (vital signs’ changes, unpredictable behaviors, and mood concerns);
- Direct outcomes (heart-related problems, kidney/liver diseases, brain damage, and muscular system damage);
- Indirect outcomes (sexually-transmitted diseases because of unprotected sex or infections due to needle sharing);
- Long-term outcomes (mental disorders, cancer, addiction, or suicide).
What Could You Do?
Substance use disorder is a medical condition that has to be treated. In the United Kingdom, more than 200,000 children live with alcohol-dependent parents (Aynsley et al., no date). It means that young adults are in need of professional care and medical help. The most appropriate methods are (Public Health England, 2019):
- prevention (discussion of risk factors and improved awareness);
- community-based approaches (recognition of the problem, finding a care team, peer support);
- primary care (medications likes methadone for opioid dependence and disulfiram for alcohol dependence);
- inpatient care (cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy)
Reference List
Aynsley, A. et al. (2020) Childhood adversity, substance misuse and young people’s mental health. Web.
McLellan, A.T. (2017) ‘Substance misuse and substance use disorders: why do they matter in healthcare?’ Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association, 128, pp.112-130.
Public Health England (2019) Young people’s substance misuse treatment statistics 2018 to 2019: report. Web.
World Health Organization (2020) Management of substance abuse. Web.