Drug and Alcohol Addictions

Drugs and Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol-related deaths have nearly doubled in the UK since 1991, according to newly released government statistics(2006). In 1991, there were 4,144 alcohol-related deaths reported. By 2005, the number had jumped to 8,386. Far more men than women accounted for the new numbers. In 2005, the male death rate was 17.9 per 100,000, while the female rate was 8.3 per 100,000. The highest amount of alcohol-related deaths was seen in the 55 to 74 age group for both sexes - 43.4 per 100,000 men and 19.2 per 100,000 women.
Opinions of both professionals and non-professionals largely agree that there are three patterns of alcohol and drug usage. They are Social Users, Substance Abusers and Addicts.

Social Users are people whose consumption takes place during social occasions; the main purpose being to relax the individual. It is important to note that Social Users do not drink or use substances to the extent that it has negative consequences e.g. being out of control.
Substance Abusers, tend to use alcohol or drugs as an emotional response to both positive and negative situations. Abusers will experience a number of negative consequences, regardless of the underlying reasons for their drugs or alcohol consumption. e.g. these could manifest as emotional outbursts, memory loss, confusion, injury resulting from accidents, career/job loss.

CiC (Employee Assistance Programme providers ) research found (2006):-
- 1 in 5 employees have existing or potential alcohol or other drug
problems -    Around 10% of accidents in the workplace are alcohol related -    Up to 14 million working days are lost due to alcohol related
absenteeism each year, nationwide across all sectors - The annual cost to industry of alcohol misuse has been estimated at
£6.4 billion and that of drug misuse at £800 million.

Drugs and Alcohol Addiction Behaviours / Traits
Regardless of the addictive substance, addiction or dependence is determined by criteria's laid down by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) (1994). To sum up, the DSM-IV identifies an addict as having three or more of the following “symptoms” within a 12 month time period:
- Mental focus on the substance (alcohol or drugs). - Withdrawal from society, friends, loved ones, normal activities. - Increased usage. - Continued use despite the associated negative consequences e.g. loss of
a job/career. - The manifestation of withdrawal symptoms as the addict attempts to stop
or “control” usage. - Over time the addicts become less and less sensitive to the addictive
substance, which results in the need to consume increasing amounts in
order to achieve/sustain a drunk or high state.
Drugs and Alcohol Addiction Help
Giving up Drinking
Giving up Smoking
Below are details of agencies that will help you find and stay on the road to recovery.
Narcotics Anonymous A self-help group run by recovering addicts with a network of meetings across the country: Helpline: 0845 373 3366 Website: www.ukna.org Families Anonymous Support for the relatives and friends of people with drug problems. Helpline: 0845 120 0660 Website: www.famanon.org.uk
Al-Anon Support for anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking problem. Tel: 020 7403 0888 Website: www.al-anonuk.org.uk Alcoholics Anonymous A self-help group run by recovering alcoholics. Helpline: 0845 769 7555 Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
The National Drugs Helpline Free help and advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tel: 0800 776600 Website:www.talktofrank.com