Understanding Dependence I Types of Dependence I Identifying Dependence and its Effects

The effects and consequences of drug/alcohol or any other dependence can be completely overwhelming, and sometimes tragic, not only for the person experiencing the problem, but also for his/her children, family, partner, friends, colleagues, neighbours and the wider community. Please use the links, or contact us for more information, if you have concerns about yourself or another person.

www.drugscope.org.uk
www.addictiontoday.org
www.alcoholconcern.org.uk
www.eata.org.uk
www.drugs.gov.uk
www.nta.nhs.uk
www.cqc.org.uk
www.release.org.uk
http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/v3/crime/drugs/operation-glendale/advice.html
http://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk

Identifying problematic use:

Anyone can develop drink or drug problems at any time in life. There can be many complex reasons, and the consequences can be devastating. It doesn’t happen overnight and it takes time and courage to face the fact that you may have lost control.
If you think you might have a problem, ask yourself the following questions about your drug, drink, gambling, or any other behaviour:

Is it an important part of your life?
Do you spend much of the day thinking about it or doing it?
Do you indulge to change the way you're feeling?
Have you ever done it in secret?
Does the prospect of stopping unsettle you?
Do you react badly when people suggest you have a problem?
If you've answered yes to any of the above, perhaps it is time you asked yourself whether you control your habit, or whether it controls you?

The effect of substance misuse on families and friends:

Friends and relatives of those developing a drug or alcohol can find themselves in a very difficult position. You might be aware of someone close to you developing a habit they don’t seem to be able to control. Their behaviour may change, often adopting particular patterns as the problem grows. They may also be taking steps to hide their habit from others. Even if you know someone has a problem, you can't control their habit or stop them unless they want your help. They have to recognize they have a problem before you can take steps to help them get over it. Until then, all you can do is make sure they know that you are prepared to offer your support when they are ready.

The effect of substance misuse on children:

However well parents try to conceal their drink or drug problems, children will be well aware that something is not right. Erratic behaviour and inconsistent attention can confuse and upset children to the extent that they might even feel responsible for their parents’ behaviour. They may feel afraid, embarrassed, angry, ashamed, misunderstood and a host of other negative feelings which affect their well-being and happiness. The whole structure of their family life, and their school and social life, can be affected so severely that they develop coping strategies of their own to deal with the pain. These can include drug or alcohol problems of their own, and may also include anorexia, self-harming, obesity and personality disorders. They do need help to overcome these, and treatment for the parents should always attend to the needs of the children.

The effect of substance misuse on the community:

In addition to the individual and his/her family, friends, etc., the effects of drug and alcohol problems on the community as a whole are insidious, destructive and costly in all aspects of society - the whole fabric of society comes under threat in the shape of drug-related petty crimes, money laundering, societal decay, and the undermining of democratic institutions - drug-related crime is a feature in approximately half of all European police arrests. Research from the Home Office in 2002 estimated that drug abuse costs UK society up to £18.8bn per annum, and the 2004 government Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy estimated that alcohol related harm is costing £20bn per annum.