mhpe volunteer resource health management alcohol and other drugs —the right mix tab 29

MHPE Volunteer Resource

HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Alcohol and other drugs—The Right Mix

Tab 29

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29

Health management: Alcohol and other drugs

Drugs and drug use

A drug is a substance, other than food, which is taken to change the way the body and/or

mind function• Most popular: caffeine, alcohol and tobacco• Men are more likely to use and misuse• Australian drug policy is based on harm

minimisationThere is no safe level of drug use



Alcohol

• A socially popular and sanctioned drug that is a depressant and reduces inhibitions

• Harm is caused by intoxication, misuse or dependence

• Harm can be physical, psychological, injury, social, legal or drug interaction (4Ls)

• Harm minimisation is a practical approach to reduce risk



Australian Alcohol Guidelines

• No more than two standard drinks on any day for men and women reduces lifetime death risk

• No more than four standard drinks on a single occasion reduces risk of injury at/after that event

• Not drinking is the safest option if drinking increases the immediate risk of harm

• Some men have other risks if using alcohol• But what is a ‘standard’ drink?



Alcohol issues

• Family impact• Living alone• Sexual performance• Binge drinking• Medication interactions

• Sleep issues• Weight gain• Light vs heavy• Ageing and alcohol• Driving and alcohol• How to sober up



Changing alcohol behaviour

• Eat first/while drinking• Quench thirst with water• Alternate with water• Don’t top up drinks• Try low alcohol drinks• Avoid shouts• Pour your own• Use smaller glasses

• Drink with lower-risk drinkers

• Count your drinks• Do other things while

drinking• Try less favoured drink• Limit your time• Drink slowly• Set a dollar limit

“I drink with my mates, but always overdo it”



Tobacco

There is no safe level of smoking!• Smoking damages every part of your body• Smoking rates have come down, but in recent years not

much change in over 50s• Some who quit gain weight: Diet and exercise, see GP• Call Quit, your GP or VVCS

Every cigarette you don’t have is doing you good!



Cannabis use

• Higher use than all other illicit drugs combined• Males highest users: 25% men in their 20s• Trending down in men in teens and 20s• Trending up in men in 50s and 60s• Unemployed/never married men higher use• Commonly used with alcohol• Increased demand for specialist treatment



Effects of cannabis

• Short term: euphoria and relaxation, drowsiness, hunger, reduced coordination

• Long term: increased smoking-related diseases, decreased memory, learning, concentration and motivation

• Greater risk if vulnerable to schizophrenia• More depression in users, but research

inconclusive for cause and effect in anxiety and depression



When is cannabis use a problem?

• Tolerance• Withdrawal symptoms• Using more• Unable to reduce intake• Use impinges on time and activities• Use even when known to be a problem



Helping a mate experiencing alcohol or other drug misuse

• Many men see no need to change, and most do not seek professional help

• Review Stages of Change: where is your mate?• Open, honest, confidential communication• “I” am concerned; do you see a problem?• Focus on behaviour, not character• Suggest time with friends who don’t drink• Discuss some ways he can say “no”



Helping a mate experiencing alcohol or other drug misuse

• Provide local service, phone and website info• Encourage appropriate professional help• Harm minimisation may be the goal• Keep the relationship honest, and the door open

for future discussion



What if he doesn’t want help?

• Don’t feel guilty. It is his choice.• Set limits about his behaviour• Don’t make excuses, cover up or take on

responsibilities for him (unless risk e.g. driving)• Consider stigma and other barriers• Keep suggesting professional helpBe patient. Other opportunities will arise.

Changing drug misuse takes time.



Resources

• The Right Mix website and On Track app• Alcohol and Drug Information Service• Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service • National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre• Counselling Online• Family Drug Support• Australian Drug Foundation• Australian Alcohol Guidelines• Quitline

© Commonwealth of Australia 2015

mhpe volunteer resource health management alcohol and other drugs —the right mix tab 29

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