Condition : Substance misuse

Condition Substance misuse

What is substance misuse?

Substance misuse, also known as substance abuse or drug abuse, is when you use a substance in a way that is harmful to your health and/or causing problems in daily life.

Substance misuse can involve legal, prescription-only, and illegal drugs, including alcohol, stimulants (such as ADHD medication or ‘laughing gas’), marijuana, cocaine, and opiates like codeine and heroin.

Substance misuse can lead to a range of problems, including:

dependence, which is when you experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using it (withdrawal is not the same as a hangover – it may last several days or longer and can be life-threatening without medical management)
addiction (intense urges to take the drugs that make it difficult to think about other things)
overdose (taking a toxic amount or combination of drugs)
mental health problems
infectious diseases, such as hepatitis or HIV and AIDS, due to using contaminated needles or substances
organ damage or disease
stroke, seizures, and neurological damage
injuries due to not feeling pain properly or misjudging risks (for example, when driving)
hyperthermia (overheating) and/or dehydration
changes in behaviour, such as poor performance at school or work, avoiding people, neglecting your personal appearance, and stopping activities you previously enjoyed
money issues due to spending more than you can afford to fund your supply
criminal acts, such as stealing, to get access to substances or money

What causes substance misuse?

Mental health problems, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are often a factor in substance misuse as some people may use drugs to cope with difficult emotions. It can be a form of self-harm.

A family history of addiction and peer pressure can also influence substance misuse.

If you start taking drugs at an early age, you are more likely to become addicted as some drugs can cause changes in the developing brain. Even taking drugs that are seen as less addictive can start you on the pathway to addiction and substance misuse.