Substance Abuse Flashcards
How many deaths in the UK were there in 2013 due to illegal drugs?
1,987
How many alcohol related deaths were there in the UK in 2013?
8,416
How many smoking related deaths are there in the UK each year?
~100,000
What aspects need to be considered when looking at the reasons for drug and alcohol abuse?
Social aspect and psychological aspect
What factors can be included as part of the social aspect?
Environmental factors and interpersonal factors
How can a persons environment influence their drug usage?
People in deprived areas are more likely to be frequent drug users (4.5%) than those in the least deprived areas (2.3%)
What factors can be included as part of the psychological aspect?
Emotional factors (Stress etc.), and intrapersonal factors
Outline the levels of drinking behaviour
- Abstention
- Low risk drinking
- Hazardous drinking
- Harmful drinking
- Moderate dependence
- Severe dependence
Define ‘abstention’ in relation to drinking habits
Non drinkers
Define ‘low risk drinking’ in relation to drinking habits
People who drink within the Department of Health’s sensible drinking guidelines
Outline the Department of Health’s guidelines for sensible drinking
No more than 14 units per week for men and women. Consumption to this level should be spread out evenly over 3+ days
Define ‘hazardous drinking’ in relation to drinking habits
People who drink over the sensible drinking limits in terms of either:
- Regular excessive consumption
OR
- Less frequent sessions of heavy drinking
What do ‘hazardous drinkers’ experience in terms of symptoms?
TRICK QUESTION!
Hazardous drinkers have so far avoided significant alcohol related problems.
HOWEVER
They are at “risk of harmful consequences”
Define ‘harmful drinking’ in relation to drinking habits
Levels above the recommended sensible limit, and typically at levels higher than ‘hazardous drinkers’.
Unlike hazardous drinkers, they show clear evidence of some alcohol related harm.
What types of harm can ‘harmful drinkers’ have suffered as a result of alcohol use?
Physical or mental
Many ‘harmful drinkers’ may not understand the link between their drinking and the harm they have sustained.
