1. Drug and Alcohol Abuse
By Dr Sarah Cochrane

2. Aims To learn what is alcohol and drug abuse and its consequences.
To understand the impact these can have on the individual, their family and society.

3. Definitions Alcohol Misuse: Hazardous Drinking Harmful Drinking
Drinking alcohol over the recommended safe limits (14 units/week or 2-3/day… NB. It used to be 21 units/week or 3-4/day for males!)
Hazardous Drinking
When the level of alcohol you drink puts your health at risk
Harmful Drinking
When your health is being affected by your drinking. This can lead to dependence.
Drug Abuse:
Recreational drugs
Taking prescription drugs against recommended advice

4. Individual Short Term Long Term Unwell Bad decisions Embarrassment
Nausea
Seizures
Coma
Bad decisions
Fights
Dangerous activities e.g. Driving under influence
Unsafe sex
Embarrassment
Hangovers
Long Term
Health Implications
Liver disease
Heart disease
Fertility issues
Psychological concerns
Cancers
Blood borne viruses
Shortened life expectancy
Addiction
Unable to fulfil personal responsibilities
Unemployment

5. Family Tension at home Paranoia Domestic violence Money concerns
Poor role model for children
Health issues for babies born to mothers who use drugs and/or alcohol
Breakdown of relationships

6. Society Violent behaviour Theft Unable to work Costs of benefits
Cost of health care
May require a great deal of time and support from many different services even if they wish to change their lifestyle

7. Interesting Facts!
In 2010:
There were over 1 million admissions to hospital which were related to alcohol
5% were for people <25 years
There were more than 13,000 alcohol related deaths
Nearly 6,000 admissions to hospital with a diagnosis of drug related mental illness
Around 20% were those <25years
11,600 admissions for drug poisoning
Statistics from the NHS Information Centre for health and social care
Over 300,000 people received treatment for drug and alcohol problems
From National Drug Treatment Monitoring System

8. Take Home Messages
There are many implications of drug and alcohol abuse, which can affect people’s life in different ways
It can have an impact on the individual, their family and society
You can ALWAYS say no
If you have any concerns about yourself or others, talk with an adult you trust such as a family member, teacher or doctor

9. Thank You!