Substance misuse is the harmful use of substances (like drugs and alcohol) for non-medical purposes. The term “substance misuse” often refers to illegal drugs. However, legal substances can also be misused, such as alcohol, prescription medications, caffeine, nicotine and volatile substances (e.g. petrol, glue, paint).
Addiction is a physical and/or psychological need for a substance, due to regular, continued use. Some substances are highly addictive, others are less addictive. However, the symptoms of addiction are similar no matter which substance is used. Typical signs of substance misuse or addiction include:
- Neglecting responsibilities and activities you used to enjoy (e.g. work, family, hobbies, sports, socialising)
- Participating in dangerous or risky behaviours (e.g. drink driving, unprotected sex, using dirty needles)
- Criminal problems (e.g. disorderly behaviour, drink driving, stealing)
- Relationship problems (e.g. arguments with partner/family/friends, losing friends)
- Physical tolerance (e.g. needing more substance to experience the same effects, symptoms of withdrawal when not using)
- Losing control of your substance use (e.g. unable to stop using, even if you want to)
- Substance use takes over your life (e.g. spending a lot of time using, finding/getting drugs and recovering from the effects).
Why do people misuse substances?
People use drugs and alcohol for many reasons. We might use substances to relax, have fun, cope with or escape a problem or dull emotional/physical pain. However, using substances to cope with problems or numb your pain doesn’t make the problems go away and can make them worse. Also, you might come to depend on drugs or alcohol as a way of coping, rather than seeking help and finding more positive strategies and solutions.
What types of drugs are there?
There are four main groups of drugs, divided according to their major effects, plus a few substances that do not easily fit into any category. The main categories are:
- stimulants (e.g. cocaine)
- depressants (e.g. alcohol)
- opium-related painkillers (e.g. heroin)
- hallucinogens (e.g. LSD)
Stimulants
These make you feel:
- energetic
- alert
- talkative
- active
- very excited.
They can be very dangerous (causing death) at high doses. Repeated use can cause psychosis and paranoia, which may be diagnosed as schizophrenia. They are also addictive.
Depressants (sedatives)
These make you feel:
- relaxed
- chilled out
- mellow
- possible paradoxical effects – anxiety, nightmares, aggression.
They are dangerous at high doses. They are addictive.
Opium-related painkillers
These make you feel:
- a rush of pleasure
- in a dreamy state
- drowsy.
They are very dangerous at high doses. They are addictive.
Hallucinogens
These vary a lot. The same drug may have different effects at different times.
These may make you feel:
- detached from your surroundings
- mood swings
- altered sense of space and time
- hallucinations, illusions and distortions of reality
- feelings of insight
- mystical or religious experiences.
The experience may be powerful and not much fun.
Remember
- You will not necessarily experience these effects.
- Someone showing symptoms like this will not necessarily be taking drugs – there may well be other causes.
- All these drugs can also cause physical side effects, some of which can be unpleasant or dangerous.
New psychoactive substances (illegal highs)
These are synthetic substances created to try to mimic the effects of existing drugs in the categories above, to get around the law. They used to be called ‘legal highs’ but all such substances are now illegal.
Most have unknown effects in addition to their intended effect, and trying them is therefore extremely hazardous.
Where can I get help?
If you recognise symptoms of a substance misuse or dependency problem and want to quit, see your GP who can decide the best course of action. This might be a referral to community resources, addictions counselling, a 12-step group, or possibly prescribing medications to help control cravings.
You can find more information on the websites below:
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