Problems due to use of alcohol and other psychoactive substances
Archaeological evidence has demonstrated that for at least the past 10,000 years humans have been using psychoactive substances. From the chewing of coca leaves in Ancient Peru (c.4000– 3000 bce) to the popular use of laudanum in Victorian England, the recreational, cultural, and medicinal use of ‘mind- altering’ substances has been widespread. As of 2016, alcohol and other psychoactive substances remain a leading cause of medical and social problems worldwide: humans are clearly vulnerable to their attraction. Although a myriad of substances are available, only a few are commonly used, and all tend to produce similar harms upon the individual and society. This chapter will provide a general approach to managing a patient presenting with a problem stemming from substance misuse. It is extremely difficult to gather accurate data on the use of substances in the general population, especially if they are illegal. It is therefore likely that most figures are underestimations of the true incidence. The WHO estimates that tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs are a factor in 12.4 per cent of all deaths worldwide. This is a stark reminder of the severity that problems associated with substance usage can reach, but the morbidity surrounding them affects a much wider section of society. In the UK, 80 per cent of adults drink alcohol, 19 per cent smoke tobacco, and 30 per cent admit to having used an illegal drug at least once in their lifetime. Worldwide, the highest prevalence of drug misuse is found in the 16- to 30- year age group, with males outnumbering females at a ratio of 4 to 1. Table 29.1 shows a selection of epidemiological figures associated with commonly used substances. Substance misuse is associated with an array of confusing terminology, the majority describing different disorders that may occur due to use of any substance. The following terms are internationally agreed and appear in major classification systems:… ● Intoxication is the direct psychological and physical effects of the substance that are dose dependent and time limited. They are individual to the substance and typically include both pleasurable and unpleasant symptoms.