2.3 Identify risks in relation to substance misuse

This guide will help you answer 2.3 Identify risks in relation to substance misuse.

Substance misuse poses numerous risks to individuals, their families, and society as a whole. These risks can be physical, psychological, social, financial, and legal, creating significant challenges for those facing them. Understanding the risks associated with substance misuse allows health and social care professionals to identify areas of concern and intervene, where necessary, to support individuals.

Physical Health Risks

Substance misuse can cause immediate and long-term physical harm to the body. These risks depend on the substance being used, the method of consumption, and the frequency of use.

Short-Term Physical Risks

• Overdose: Consuming large quantities of drugs or alcohol can overwhelm the body’s systems, causing poisoning, organ failure, or death.
• Accidents and injuries: Impaired judgement due to substance misuse can lead to falls, car accidents, or self-inflicted injury.
• Intoxication effects: Slurred speech, dizziness, vomiting, and dehydration are common issues during substance misuse episodes.

Long-Term Physical Risks

• Damage to organs: Substances like alcohol can cause liver cirrhosis, while drugs such as cocaine can harm the heart.
• Respiratory problems: Smoking substances or inhaling fumes can damage the lungs over time.
• Cancer: Tobacco use increases the risk of cancers, such as lung cancer.
• Infectious diseases: Sharing needles or engaging in risky behaviours can lead to conditions like HIV or hepatitis.
• Fertility issues: Prolonged substance misuse can harm reproductive systems in men and women.

The physical toll may become obvious over time, with persistent health issues severely limiting an individual’s quality of life.

Mental Health Risks

Direct and indirect risks to mental health arise from substance misuse, and individuals often find coping with these extremely difficult.

Short-Term Mental Health Risks

• Paranoia: Substances like cannabis or amphetamines can cause heightened levels of fear or mistrust.
• Hallucinations: Drugs such as LSD or ketamine might lead to altered sensory perceptions.
• Sudden mood changes: Extreme irritability, euphoria, or aggression often occur during substance influence.

Long-Term Mental Health Risks

• Depression: Substance misuse, particularly alcohol, can increase feelings of sadness and hopelessness over time.
• Anxiety disorders: Prolonged use or withdrawal from substances may lead to chronic anxiety.
• Psychosis: Heavy use of drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, or amphetamines may trigger psychotic episodes, including delusions or hallucinations.
• Substance dependence: Users may develop an addiction, which is often accompanied by emotional distress and withdrawal symptoms.

Mental health problems linked to substance misuse often affect relationships and social standing, making recovery more complicated.

Social Risks

Substance misuse significantly impacts an individual’s ability to maintain relationships, perform daily tasks, and function within their social environment.

Risks to Relationships

• Breakdowns: Conflict, dishonesty, or neglect caused by substance misuse may lead to strained relationships or complete cut-offs from loved ones.
• Isolation: Social withdrawal due to shame, secrecy, or fear of judgement is common among individuals misusing substances.

Risks in Social Environments

• Workplace issues: Poor performance, absenteeism, or erratic behaviour caused by substance misuse lead to job loss or demotion.
• Education problems: Dropping out of school or college due to distraction or lack of motivation.
• Stigma: Social exclusion or judgement can affect how individuals perceive and treat themselves.

Over time, substance misuse may result in a loss of community ties, economic stability, and personal trust, creating barriers to recovery.

Financial Risks

Substance misuse frequently leads to financial instability, as individuals prioritise spending on substances over other necessities.

Financial Consequences

• Loss of income: Neglecting work or losing employment due to misuse can result in scarce financial resources.
• Debt: Borrowing money or using credit cards excessively to pay for substances leads to debt accumulation.
• Unlawful activities: Theft or illegal selling of items may occur to fund substance habits.

These financial risks often result in homelessness or poverty, compounding the individual’s struggles with substance misuse.

Legal Risks

Substance misuse can lead to legal violations and involvement with law enforcement. These risks are particularly relevant for individuals using illegal drugs or engaging in criminal activity to fund their misuse.

Criminal Activity Risks

• Possession charges: Being caught with illegal substances in the UK can result in fines, community service, or imprisonment.
• Supply offences: Providing drugs to others carries harsher penalties than possession alone.
• Theft: Stealing items to fund substance misuse often leads to arrest and legal consequences.

Driving or Public Offences

• Driving under the influence: Drug or alcohol misuse while driving can result in accidents, penalties, or imprisonment.
• Public disorder: Intoxicated behaviour, aggression, or disruptive actions in public may attract legal intervention.

Legal risks further damage an individual’s social and financial circumstances, often leading to long-term consequences like difficulty securing employment or housing.

Risks to Dependents

Substance misuse also poses risks to dependents, particularly children and vulnerable individuals in the family.

Risks for Children

• Neglect: Parents misusing substances may fail to meet their children’s basic needs, such as food, shelter, or emotional support.
• Trauma: Children exposed to substance misuse may witness aggression, conflict, or illegal behaviour, which can cause lasting emotional harm.
• Health concerns: Second-hand smoke, access to substances, or exposure to dangerous environments can affect children’s physical health.

Risks for Vulnerable Adults

• Financial exploitation: Family members or carers misusing substances may exploit vulnerable adults for money or resources.
• Safety issues: Aggressive or erratic behaviour can create unsafe living conditions.

Protecting dependents from the risks of substance misuse requires intervention from social care professionals, ensuring safeguarding and crisis support.

Cultural and Societal Risks

Substance misuse can extend beyond the individual, affecting communities and societies at large.

Impact on Communities

• Crime rates: Increased drug-related thefts, assaults, or organised crime in communities.
• Overburdened healthcare services: Supporting individuals experiencing substance misuse strains public resources.
• Social stigma: Cultural judgement or prejudice against substance users leads to marginalisation and reluctance to seek help.

Substance misuse within certain groups or regions can escalate societal issues such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of opportunity.

Final Thoughts

In relation to substance misuse, risks can affect multiple aspects of an individual’s life and the lives of those around them. Recognising these risks is essential for health and social care professionals when assessing someone’s situation and planning appropriate support.

Professionals should always approach individuals with empathy and understanding, offering pathways to harm reduction, treatment, and long-term recovery while mitigating personal and societal risks.