mhpe volunteer resource health management alcohol and other drugs —the right mix tab 29
TRANSCRIPT
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
MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29
Health management: Alcohol and other drugs
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
MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29
Health management: Alcohol and other drugs
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?
MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29
Health management: Alcohol and other drugs
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
MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29
Health management: Alcohol and other drugs
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”
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Health management: Alcohol and other drugs
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!
MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29
Health management: Alcohol and other drugs
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
MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29
Health management: Alcohol and other drugs
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
MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29
Health management: Alcohol and other drugs
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
MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29
Health management: Alcohol and other drugs
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”
MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29
Health management: Alcohol and other drugs
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
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Health management: Alcohol and other drugs
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.
MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29
Health management: Alcohol and other drugs
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