UNIT 8 SUBSTANCE MISUSE

UNIT 8 SUBSTANCE MISUSE

Structure

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Objectives

8.3 Substance Misuse - Meaning and Concept

8.4 Classification of Substances Misused

8.4.1 Classification of drugs based on their effects 8.4.2 Classification of drugs based on their origin 8.4.3 Classification of drugs based on the way of their consumption

8.5 Reasons for Substance Misuse

8.6 Identification of Persons Misusing Substances

8.7 Consequences of Substance Misuse

8.8 Initiatives of Governmental and Non-Governmental organisations in Prevention and Rehabilitation

8.8.1 Government Initiatives in prevention and rehabilitation of substance misusers

8.8.2 Substance Misuse and the Law 8.8.3 Activities carried out by Non-Governmental organisations in prevention

and rehabilitation of substance misusers

8.9 Role of Teachers, Parents and Family Members, Social Workers/ Counsellors in the Prevention of Substance Misuse

8.9.1 Teachers 8.9.2 Parents and Family Members 8.9.3 Social Workers/Counsellors

8.10 Let Us Sum Up

8.11 Unit-End Exercises

8.12 Answers to Check Your Progress

8.13 References and Suggested Readings

8.1 INTRODUCTION

Adolescence is a most vulnerable stage as it is the stage of curiosity, experimentation and allows more importance to external factors in decision making as well as to substance misuse. It is one of the common phenomena prevailing not only in India but internationally as well. Drugs change the mental order of the individual affecting not only mental health but also leading to extreme outcomes. This is not a new phenomenon. People have been consuming a variety of substances since time immemorial. But in the last few decades it has become a matter of serious concern as the number of individuals

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Issues and Concerns of misusing drugs/substances has increased drastically and this also affects the

Adolescents

most productive group of the population. It is, therefore, ruining the fabric of

society and increasing the incidences of crime and violence.

Substance misuse has an impact on every element of an individual's life. It alters the individual's behaviour which affects intra as well as inter-relationships. Other than that, it can harm a person's physical, emotional, social, and financial health and well-being. Even inadvertent substance misuse can result in significant repercussions such as accidents, violence towards self and others. It has individual as well as social consequences. It can also cause issues within the family. Therefore, it is a matter of great concern. This issue thus, needs attention. It is very essential to create awareness, provide age appropriate, adequate and timely information related to substance misuse and equip children with skills to cope with peer pressure and resist temptation to substance misuse. Education is a great tool for spreading awareness. It is a process by which a person's behaviour changes as a result of the experience that educational opportunities bring to him/ her. Education is also a process by which a person learns and orients himself/ herself in order to develop abilities and make informed decisions and choices.

In this unit, we will discuss the risks of substance misuse on adolescents. We will also discuss the substances that are usually misused and the consequences of substance misuse on adolescents. The initiatives of the Governmental and Non-Governmental organisations in the prevention of substance misuse and the rehabilitation of substance misusers will also be discussed. We will also try to explore the role of teachers, parents, social workers and counsellors in preventing substance misuse.

8.2 OBJECTIVES

After going through this unit, you will be able to:

? explain the important concepts related to substance misuse, ? elaborate on the classification of substances that are misused, ? identify the reasons for substance misuse, ? explain the consequences of substance misuse, ? classify the myths and misconceptions related to substance misuse,

and ? describe the role of teachers in handling the situation of substance

misuse.

8.3 SUBSTANCE MISUSE ? MEANING AND CONCEPT

According to the dictionary Merriam-Webster, the word substance is defined as "physical material from which something is made or which has discrete existence". It is also defined as "something (such as drugs or alcoholic beverages) deemed harmful and usually subject to legal restriction". Substance is anything that a person puts into his/her body that alters the way his/her mind operates. These alterations or changes or reactions have the potential to alter their perception, attitude, reasoning, emotion and behaviour. The term `misuse' 152

means `to use incorrectly or improper use'. Thereby, we may say that if any physical material is used incorrectly or improperly then we can term it as substance misuse. It is not only limited to alcohol, drugs, etc. but any material whose improper use can become an addiction. For example: chalk, correcting fluid, petrol, glue, cough syrup and many more.

On the other hand, a `drug' means "a substance used as a medication or in the preparation of medication. It also means something and often an illegal substance that causes addiction, habituation or a marked change in consciousness". A drug is a substance that alters how our bodies function. A `drug' is a medical preparation or naturally occurring substance that is used largely to change an existing process of condition (physiological, psychological, or biochemical). As a result, any substance that modifies a person's physical or psychological functioning is referred to as a `drug.' As per the World Health Organisation, a drug is any material or substance that, when put into a living body, can alter the individual's state of balance, mental activity of the user or its functioning. Any substance that can be utilised for medical or non-medical purposes is referred to as a drug. These can be legal or illegal.

Substance Misuse

Substances that are misused in different forms

Substance misuse occurs when substances including drugs are taken for purposes other than medical in a quantity, dose, frequency, or way that harms a person physically or mentally. Drug misuse/abuse is defined as "the inappropriate or unlawful use of a drug, such as consuming it in high amounts or when there is no medical justification to do so."

Most of the time substance and drug are used synonymously but the term substance is wider than the drug. Merriam-Webster defines Substance abuse as "use of a drug without medical justification". According to this definition it can be understood that any drug that is taken for too long, too often or in excess than the prescribed amount is to be considered as substance misuse or drug abuse. Substance misuse or drug abuse does not include only the medical drugs but also includes alcohol, tobacco, opium, LSD (lysergic acid, diethylamide), ganja, charas, bhang and other types of drugs. Substance misuse is when you use alcohol, illicit drugs, or over-the-counter or prescribed medicines or any material in ways that are not intended for you or others. People can get addicted to substances after misusing them just once, sometimes, or on a regular basis.

According to the World Health Organization, `substance misuse' is described as 153

Issues and Concerns of a condition of regular or chronic intoxication that is harmful to the individual and

Adolescents

society and is caused by the recurrent ingestion of a drug. It has the following

features:

1. An overwhelming urge or compulsion to keep using the substance and acquire it by any means possible.

2. A proclivity/craving/desire to raise the dosage.

3. A psychological and, in certain cases, a physical addiction to the medications' effects.

Check your progress Note: a) Write your answer in the space given below the question.

b) Compare your answer with the one given at the end of the unit. 1. What do you understand by `substance misuse'?

.................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................

8.4 CLASSIFICATION OF SUBSTANCES MISUSED

Substances can be classified on the basis of various factors such as according to their origin, characteristics, effects, etc. Commonly misused substances include:

? Alcohol ? beer, wine and distilled spirit such as Whiskey, Scotch, Brandy, etc.

? Nicotine products like cigarette, e-cigarette, smokeless tobacco, etc.

? Marijuana including synthetic cannabinoids

? Opioids like morphine, heroin, codeine, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone, hydrocodone, etc.

? Benzodiazepines including diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam, midazolam, etc.

? Cold and cough medicines

? Other substances like cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines

Commonly misused substances among adolescents are tobacco and alcohol. Other substances that are misused include marijuana (ganja), cough syrups such as Corex and Phensedyl, solvents namely petrol, glue, correcting fluid. Some of the most commonly used drugs in India are- opium, cannabis, heroine, as well as alcohol and tobacco. There are six major groups under which abused substances/drugs are defined - stimulants, depressants, sedatives, narcotic/ analgesics, cannabis and hallucinogens. These different types of drugs have different effects on a person which affects the functioning of the brain, alters the way the user feels, and speeds up their central nervous system. 154

8.4.1 Classification of drugs based on their effects

Category

Narcotic

?

Analgesics

?

?

?

Stimulants

?

? ?

?

Depressants ? ? ? ?

?

Sedatives

?

Hallucinogens ? ?

?

Effects

Pain-relieving and nerve-deadening drugs. Opium and opium derivatives or synthetic alternatives that can cause opium-like effects are referred to as opiates in medicine. Higher doses lead to sedation, nausea, restlessness, vomiting, decreased breathing rate, and a propensity to infections. For example: Morphine, Heroin, Oxycodone, Opium, Codeine, Brown Sugar, Methadone, Pethidine, etc.

Drugs that stimulate or accelerate the central nervous system. Individual feels confident and strong Long term use may cause cancer of lungs, mouth larynx, oesophagus.

For example: Amphetamines like Cocaine, Nicotine, Caffeine, Gutka, Pan masala, Methamphetamine, Ritalin, etc.

Medications that slow or stop the central nervous system's functioning.

Initially people relax, later their reflexes become slower and lose mental and physical coordination.

Many of these medications are used to treat mental health issues.

Long term use lead to inflamed stomach/pancreas, cirrhosis of liver, cancer of gastrointestinal tract, heart disease, high blood pressure

For example: Alcohol, Barbeturates, Tranquilizers, Xanax, Klonopin, Halcion, Heroine, Inhalants such as petrol, correction ink, etc.

Produce opium like effects. This group of drugs produces a relaxing, peaceful and happy feeling. However, over a period of time, the increase in the dose may lead to deep sleep, loss of consciousness and even death. Example: Mandrax, Doriden.

Medicines that alter perception, mood, and thought processes significantly.

Increased sweating, blood pressure and heart beat rate, jaw pain, panic attacks, blurred vision, uncertainty, distrust, anxiety, and a lack of control may be felt by the user.

For example: Phencyclidine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Mescaline, Cannabis, etc.

Substance Misuse

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