Download ppt - Expat Health Substance Abuse Awareness - 1 Revised: Barbey 05/2003 What is substance abuse? Substance abuse is defined as any substance, legal or illegal,

Expat Health Substance Abuse Awareness - 1Revised: Barbey 05/2003

What is substance abuse?

Substance abuse is defined as any substance, legal or

illegal, used in an improper way, that chemically modifies

the body ’s function, results in psychological or behavioral

changes and can lead to dependency and/or physical

addiction.


The categories of substance abuse

Substance Abuse can be divided into:

1 - Alcohol

2 - Illegal drugs

3 - Medication: prescription medication

over-the-counter medication

4 - Other: caffeine, nicotine, khat, etc.


Substance abusers all have MORE:

Behavioral problems

Divorces

Family violence

Anxiety and depression

Car accidents

Work-related accidents

Absenteeism

Errors of judgement

Missed deadlines

Loss of productivity

Health problems

Days of hospitatlization


Alcohol - Some false ideas

Alcohol is thirst quenching. False. It dehydrates the body increasing urine production.

Alcohol gives you strength. False. It may give a feeling of strength due to the

impression of euphoria it provides, however,

exhaustion upon effort rapidly appears.

Alcohol is warming. False. The sensation of warmth is due to the dilatation of the blood vessels

under the skin.

Alcohol is less toxic if diluted with water. False. 10 coins in a glass of water or 10 coins on the table still equal 10 coins !

Alcohol speeds up the reflexes. False. On the contrary, it increases reaction time !


Alcohol - Some false ideas

There is less alcohol in a glass of beer than in a glass of whiskey. False. A glass of beer (in a beer glass) and a glass of whiskey

(in a whiskey glass) both contain 10 grams of pure alcohol.

Alcohol is not fattening. False. Just look at the beer bellies of heavy beer drinkers !

Exercise speeds up the elimination of alcohol. False. You may sweat more but it does not increase the elimination of

alcohol.

Coffee and a cold shower will reverse the effects of alcohol. False. They may wake you up a bit, but you will still be under the

influence of alcohol.


Acute drinking

Alcohol enters the blood through the stomach and intestines and within a few minutes

reaches the brain where it produces a certain degree of euphoria and modifies:

• Judgment

• Concentration and memory

• Visual perception• measuring distances• identifying obstacles

• Reflexes

• Perception of speed

Alcohol slows down coordination and response rate.

It increases reaction time.


Over the years alcohol:

• Destroys brain cells sleep disorders, neurological problems

• Destroys liver cells cirrhosis and cancer

• Provokes digestive problems (gastritis, ulcers, etc.)

• Increases the risk of numerous cancers (mouth, tongue, throat, esophagus, pancreas, colon, rectum)

• Increases the risk of breast cancer in women

• Reduces libido and sexual performance

• Interacts with other drugs and medication


Alcohol and Driving

Alcohol is a major factor in car accidentsIt is found in:

25 % of accidents causing injury to driver or passenger

50 % of fatal collisions

65 % of accidents where a single driver is involved

Never Drink and Drive


Time (hours) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)/ time

75 kg man

50 kg woman

Evolution of two glasses of alcohol drank at time = 0.


Alcohol and Driving

Make a Choice ...

Take a Taxi

Designate a Driver

Make a Commitment

Behave responsibly.

It is your personal choice and your future.

Think about your family and your friends.


Plan ... think ahead

Designate a Driver BEFORE taking the first drink.

Stick to the plan

Make the Commitments ...

I will NOT drive after drinking

I will NOT allow my colleagues to drive after drinking

Alcohol and Driving


Illegal Drugs

What is an illegal drug?A medication, altered, modified or mixed

Used for non-medical purposes

By someone who has no medical problem

Use of illegal drugs is prohibited in most countriesPrison sentence in most countries

Death sentence in some countries


Effects of Drug Abuse

•Leads to addiction and dependency

•Provokes withdrawal symptoms when stopped

•Toxic for the human body, and can lead to death

•Can provoke serious health problems (AIDS, hepatitis

B & C)

•Reduces safety and increases driving and work-related

accidents

•Reduces concentration, efficiency, performance

and productivity

•Increases absenteeism


Illegal Drugs

What are the Illegal Drugs ? Cannabis (marijuana)

Opiates• Opium• Morphine• Heroin• Codeine

Cocaine (crack)

Amphetamines (speed, ecstasy)

Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP)

Inhalants or Organic Solvents (glue)


Treatment or Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is identical for alcohol and drugs

Four steps are required for rehabilitation to work:

1-Recognizing the problem

2-Taking the decision to stop

3-Weaning

4-Starting a new life without alcohol/drug

The decision must be made by the substance abuser for it to be effective.


Prescription & Over-the-counter Medications

Any medication taken regularly can become habit forming and addictive. Dependency can be physical as well as psychological.

40% of all car accident victims were taking a legally prescribed or over-the-counter medication before the accident.

All of the following, and many more, can become addictive and interfere with a person ’s vigilance and performance:

Tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antidepressantsMuscle relaxantsAntihistaminesCertain medication to treat high blood pressureCough medicineCertain painkillers


In conclusion:

•Illegal drugs are dangerous and can lead to death•Alcohol can be dangerous•Never drink and drive•Never take medication with alcohol•Never take medication when driving or working on machinery•If taking a medication, take it at the prescribed dosage•Avoid over-the-counter medication and self-medication

Don ’t get hooked!

Substance abuse can lead to severe family, professional and health consequences.