Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Alcohol and Substance Abuse
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We might all enjoy an alcoholic beverage on a weekend or during some wind down time. However, too much can be harmful with devastating effects!
What is Substance Abuse?
What is Substance Abuse?
Substance or drug abuse, is a patterned use of drug by which a user consumes the substance in amounts or methods that can be harmful to themselves or others.
Substance abuse can often lead to addict either due to substance having addictive properties or due to a developed psychological dependence resulting from patterned behavior. It is important to seek help as earlier as possible when identified with having an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Although the short-term effects may not frightened you such as nausea or dizziness, long-term effects like liver damage or even death, could alter your life forever.
How will I know if I or someone I know has a drug or alcohol problem?
How will I know if I or someone I know has a drug or alcohol problem?
Warning signs can sometimes go unnoticed or may not be easily recognizable. Many people often deny having a problem to avoid confrontation or judgement.
Below are some questions that could help identify if you or someone close to you could be suffering from alcohol and drug abuse.
1. Have you ever felt irritated by the concern or criticism of your alcohol or drug use by those around you? (Family, friends, your manager or colleagues)
2. Have you ever thought of reducing your drinking or drug intake?
3. Have you ever felt guilt over your drug or alcohol consumption?
4. Do you find yourself craving a drink or other substances periodically throughout the day?
5. In the last year, have you failed to meet an obligation because of drinking or drugs?
6. Have you or someone else been injured due to your alcohol or drug abuse?
If your answer to most of these questions is yes, you should seek help from a medical professional. The answer to these questions are not an official diagnosis but maybe an indication of self-realization of potential substance abuse factors. Help can be found at your GP or in the form of CBT, with support groups available for those on the road to recovery. If you feel you may be at risk, please find medical help or call 0300 123 6600 for Frank drugs helpline.
Curious about alcohol and substance abuse? Check out our fact sheet!
Think you know loads about drugs? Test your knowledge with our "What do you know about drugs" mini quiz!
Curious about how much alcohol your drinking? Check out the calculator!
How much alcohol can I safely drink?
How much alcohol can I safely drink?
Wondering what your alcohol unit limit is? The answer may surprise you!
It's easy to lose track of how many units you have consumed, especially as you drink more and become less aware.
To keep health risks from alcohol on a low level, the following units are advised:
Men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units per week on a regular basis
To spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week
So how do I work out how many units I've drank?
Following the equation: Strength (ABV) x Volume (ml) / 1,000 = Units
Or you can use the drink less section of the One You NHS app or check out the units calculator above.
Still unsure? Here's a quick guide to find out how many units are in your favorite drinks!
A quick guide to units and your favorite drinks!
Single small shot of spirits (25ml, ABV 40%) : 1 unit
Alcopop (275ml, ABV 5.5%): 1.5 units
Small glass of red/white/rose wine (125ml, ABV 12%): 1.5 units
A bottle of lager/beer/cider (330 ml, ABV 5%): 1.7 units
A can of lager/beer/cider (440 ml, ABV (5.5%): 2 units
A pint of lower-strength lager/beer/cider (ABV 3.6%): 2 units
Standard glass of red/white/rose wine (175ml, ABV 12%): 2.1 units
Pint of higher- strength lager/beer/cider (ABV 5.2%): 3 units
Larger glass of red/white/rose wine (250ml, ABV 12%): 3 units
** Gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, tequila, sambuca. Large (35 ml) single measure of spirits are 1.4 units.
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