Health Promotion 

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What is substance use and abuse?

 

Substance use is when someone consumes alcohol or drugs. Substance use does not always lead to addiction; as many people occasionally use alcohol or certain drugs without being addicted. However, substance use always comes with the risk that it might lead to addiction.
Substance abuse is the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances (i.e. has a profound impact on mental processes), these include alcohol and illicit drugs (marijuana, heroin, cocaine, mandrax etc.). Psychoactive substance use can lead to dependence syndrome - a cluster of cognitive, behavioural and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated substance use. Characterised mainly by a person’s strong desire to take the drug as often as possible; difficulties in controlling one’s use and a persistence in its use despite harmful physical and social consequences. Abusers users give priority to substance/drug use over any other activity or obligations. Over time one develops an increased tolerance to the drug, and sometimes a physical withdrawal state.

 

What is alcohol?

Alcohol is a chemical that comes from fermentation of sugar found in grains or fruit. This is the alcohol that we found in alcoholic beverages e.g. whisky, cane, wine, beer. Alcohol changes our mood (the way we feel). Alcohol is the most common mood changing substance that is used in the world. Produce feelings of relaxation (small amounts) and impairment of the brain – loses consciousness and greater brain & organ damage with heavy drinking over time. Abuse of alcohol is the most serious drug problem in the world. 

What is the role of alcohol in our lives?

Alcohol plays a big part in everyday life – when we celebrate something, or when eating out or socialising with friends.
When alcohol is used in moderation, it is not harmful to our health but when it is abused it impacts our health and wellbeing negatively and have negative social effects. Alcohol is often abused, not only by alcoholics but also by binge drinkers and “social” drinkers. 

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Alcohol use in South Africa

South Africa has the highest consumption of alcohol per capita in Africa (about 11.5 litres per capita expected to increase to 12.1 litres in 2025) and is placed 29th in the world (WHO, 2014). About 26% of the drinkers in South Africa are binge drinkers, the most harmful use of alcohol.  Binge drinking is the consumption of an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time.  This usually consists of drinking 5 or more drinks in a short time.

 

Consequences of binge drinking and alcohol abuse

There are several consequences of both binge drinking and alcohol abuse including: mental illnesses, brain damage, cardiovascular diseases, cirrhosis of the liver and various cancers, unprotected sex resulting in HIV & other STIs, anxiety, impotence, slowed breathing and heart rate, loss of consciousness; unintentional and intentional injuries: accidents, violence and suicide.

 

Early warning signs of binge drinking or alcohol abuse
Below are signs that you or a loved one might be a binge drinker.

-Beginning to feel guilty about your drinking
-Drink more than previously and gulp drinks
-Have some drinks before and after drinking with others
-Begun to drink before and during certain times to help you cope
-Drink because you are bored, depressed, anxious or feel inadequate
-Have had memory blackouts or passed out while drinking 
 

Signals that Cannot be Ignored!
•There are times when you need a drink

•You drink in the morning to overcome a hangover

•Promise to drink less and lie about your drinking

•Begun to drink alone

•You binge drink over the weekends and have hangovers on Mondays

•You have lost time at work or school because of drinking

•You are noticeably drunk on important occasions

•Your relationships with family and friends have changed because of your drinking

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Contact the following organisations for advice and help with substance abuse:

 

Alcohol Anonymous

National Helpline: 0861 HELP AA (435-722)* OR visit http://www.aasouthafrica.org.za/LetsTalk.aspx.

 

SANCA

Tel no: 0861 4 72622 (SANCA) OR visit www.sancanational.org

 

References:

 http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/alcohol/what-is-binge-drinking.html