Tutorial Thursday 29th January 2015 - Misuse of Substances

The subject of Substance Misuse is a serious one, more so now-a-days (I would suggest), due largely to the vast array of substances that are now more readily available to misuse. There are many categories, such as Alcohol and Tobacco (often overlooked due to their apparent social acceptability), Cannabis, Uppers (E's, MDMA, Speed, Cocaine), hallucinogens (LSD, Magic Mushrooms), prescription and non-prescription drugs, Anabolic Steroids, Legal Highs, Aerosols and "copious" other Class A/B/C Drugs - the list is endless - however each fundamentally operates by altering one's otherwise normal Mind State! It is also important to recognise that each also affects other users in different ways.  Before going any further however - I would first like to attempt to clarify and define what I believe would best constitute "use" and "misuse"?

Information
is Key

The "use" of a substance in moderation, in order to relax and unwind in a safe and appropriate environment, and at an appropriate time of the week/day - as opposed to the "misuse" of a substance, which becomes part of an inappropriate daily habit (consumed to excess) and impinges, both physically and psychologically, upon an individual's ability to be able to focus and conduct themselves in a professional and safe manner, such as in the undertaking of any employment, operating any machinery (including driving), or otherwise engaged in any other course of study or practice that the individual may be currently responsible for doing so, in a safe, coherent and efficient manner.

Ultimately of course, the decision to use any such substance is one based upon individual choice. The reason why individuals' choose to use any substances in the first place are as numerous as the substances available to do so, yet I would suggest that being exposed to it within any family, social or other peer framework would probably be the commonest - particularly effecting the younger generations (although by far no means exclusively) - and invariably starts with Alcohol, Tobacco and Cannabis.  Progression to other drugs may or may not follow.   This would depend upon the choice of the consumer, and based against numerous other factors; such as their level of self discipline, immediate environment and social conditioning, and also the frequency and level of exposure to the subject (to name but a few).

Misuse of
Steroids

There are also as many associated risks to individual health, safety and well-being in using/misusing any substance.  As an example; the consumption of Ecstasy is common amongst the dancing party fraternity, yet if insufficient quantities of water are not also simultaneously consumed - this "does" cause dehydration and can therefore lead to cardiac arrest and loss of life. Tobacco is carcinogenic, as are many other substances.  You will also invariably find that any such substance provided will be "cut" or "weighted up" with additional substances or chemicals, which are also highly dangerous and/or toxic in their own rights.  A common practice, even with Cannabis, is the sprinkling on of crushed glass particles, which sticks to the resinous leaves, and is therefore otherwise un-detectable.



Another issue closely linked with the use/misuse of substances is one of crime.  Unless you are a corrupt chemist, with access to the various ingredients and processing equipment, or have the knowledge, resources and equipment and sole privacy to cultivate your own Herbage, anyone wishing to obtain such substances are going to have to need to provide cash in order to do so.  We are now talking "Black Market", and of the "dodgy marketeers" who operate within it.  If a user (addict) finds that they have no money, but want's (needs) to purchase regardless, then they will go to extreme lengths in order to do so - usually resulting in theft from within their immediate family environment - but externally also if they deem it necessary.  This perception is ultimately as a result of a "distortion of reality", again another prevalent direct side effect of the misuse of substances.

"Flintshire Sorted" Information Display in
College Foyer earlier today

As with any issue affecting the social welfare of society, there are numerous organisations available to contact in order to obtain assistance in beginning the process of rehabilitation and recovery, however the user must first recognise and accept that they have an issue of their own accord first and foremost.  Some organisations are substance specific whilst others are "all encompassing".  Below I have enclosed some links to a few of those currently available.  I felt as though I could have gone a lot more in depth on this subject, and quite easily for the rest of the day!  Ultimately however my advice, which is based based upon personal past experiences, would be "Keep Mind Clear - Stay away from the Gear".

I attach a final photograph of a sign post I spotted and followed myself not so long ago.  It was a bit of a bumpy dirt track to start with, but it evened out onto smooth tarmac after about 6 months of determined driving!



Useful Links

http://flvc.org.uk/wellbeing/young-peoples-drug-and-alcohol-team-ypdat/

http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/

http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/drugs/Pages/caring-for-a-drug-user.aspx


http://www.nwsmf.org.uk/

http://www.talktofrank.com/

http://www.stopsmokingwales.com/