1.1 Describe a range of substances that can be misused

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Describe a range of substances that can be misused.

Understanding the various substances that people can misuse is essential for providing effective support and care. Substance misuse can have profound effects on individuals, families, and communities. Here, we explore different substances, detailing their characteristics and effects.

Alcohol

Overview

Alcohol is one of the most commonly misused substances. It is legal and socially accepted but still poses significant health risks if consumed improperly.

Effects

• Short-term: Impairment of judgment, coordination, and reaction time. May lead to accidents and risky behaviour.
• Long-term: Liver damage, addiction (alcoholism), mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Tobacco

Overview

Tobacco use, primarily through smoking, is a legal but highly addictive habit. It contains nicotine, which creates dependency.

Effects

• Short-term: Increased heart rate, reduced appetite, and a rise in blood pressure.
• Long-term: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, heart disease.

Cannabis

Overview

Cannabis, or marijuana, is a widely used illicit substance in the UK. Though some forms are used medicinally, recreational use remains illegal.

Effects

• Short-term: Altered perception, euphoria, anxiety, and increased heart rate.
• Long-term: Memory issues, mental health problems like paranoia or schizophrenia, addiction.

Prescription Medications

Overview

These drugs are legally obtained through prescriptions but can be misused. Commonly misused medications include opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants.

Effects

• Opioids: Pain relief but can lead to addiction and overdose. Includes drugs like morphine and codeine.
• Benzodiazepines: Used for anxiety but can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and dependency.
• Stimulants: Treat ADHD or narcolepsy but may cause increased heart rate and anxiety.

Cocaine

Overview

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant often snorted or injected. It’s illegal and highly addictive.

Effects

• Short-term: Elevated mood, confidence, and energy. Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• Long-term: Heart problems, respiratory issues, addiction, and mental health disorders.

Heroin

Overview

Heroin is an illegal opioid derived from morphine. It’s often injected, snorted, or smoked.

Effects

• Short-term: Euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, and heavy limbs.
• Long-term: Vein damage, infectious diseases, addiction, and risk of overdose.

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)

Overview

Also known as “legal highs,” these substances mimic the effects of illegal drugs like ecstasy or cannabis. They are not always safe or legal.

Effects

• Short-term: Depending on the type, effects may include hallucinations, stimulation, or sedation.
• Long-term: Risk of unknown health effects, dependency, and acute health emergencies.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

Overview

Ecstasy is a synthetic drug popular in social settings like parties and clubs. It has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties.

Effects

• Short-term: Increased energy, emotional warmth, distorted sensory perception.
• Long-term: Memory loss, anxiety, depression, and potential liver damage.

Amphetamines

Overview

These are powerful stimulants, sometimes prescribed for ADHD, but often abused for their euphoric effects.

Effects

• Short-term: Increased alertness, concentration, and energy. Risk of increased heart rate.
• Long-term: Heart problems, mental health issues such as paranoia or hallucinations, dependency.

Solvents

Overview

Solvents from household products like glue or aerosol sprays can be inhaled for their psychoactive effects. This practice is highly dangerous.

Effects

• Short-term: Dizziness, hallucinations, and potential loss of consciousness.
• Long-term: Brain damage, liver and kidney damage, and sudden death.

LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)

Overview

LSD is a hallucinogenic drug that produces altered thoughts and visual perceptions. It is illegal and widely misused for its mind-altering effects.

Effects

• Short-term: Hallucinations, altered perception of time and space, and mood swings.
• Long-term: Flashbacks, anxiety, and potential long-lasting psychosis.

Ketamine

Overview

Originally developed as an anaesthetic, ketamine is misused for its hallucinogenic properties. It is now a controlled substance.

Effects

• Short-term: Distorted sensations, detachment from self, temporary paralysis.
• Long-term: Memory issues, urinary tract problems, and mental health disorders.

Methamphetamine

Overview

Methamphetamine is a potent and highly addictive stimulant. It’s rarely used in a medical context and is primarily encountered in illicit forms.

Effects

• Short-term: Intense euphoria, increased physical activity, rapid breathing.
• Long-term: Severe dental problems (“meth mouth”), skin sores, and heart issues.

Final Thoughts

Substance misuse involves a wide array of legal and illegal drugs. Each substance carries its own risks and effects, impacting physical and mental health. Awareness and understanding of these substances can aid in prevention and support efforts for individuals facing challenges with misuse. Addressing substance misuse requires empathy, knowledge, and a multidisciplinary approach to care.