Types of mental health conditions - ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE MISUSE

→ Any form of addiction is classed as a mental illness.


Not all people who use a substance will misuse it, or have problematic substance use. Substance misuse occurs when a person is using alcohol or other drugs at levels that are associated with short or long-term harm. Substance misuse is not just a matter of how much of a substance a person uses, but how their use affects their lives and those around them.


Substance abuse can cause significant damage to a personal mental and physical health, and it is not uncommon for a person with a substance abuse disorder to be in a life-threatening crisis - either to themselves, or to others. 


Dependence syndrome


This is where a person using drugs or alcohol has become physically or psychologically dependent on using them. To be diagnosed with dependence syndrome, the person will need to have experienced THREE or more of the following during the previous year:

  • Craving.
  • Difficulties in controlling substance use.
  • Withdrawal symptoms.
  • Tolerance.
  • Neglect of previously enjoyed interests.


Alcohol and drugs may cause acute states of negative or poor mental health due to their direct actions, including forms of substance induced psychosis.


Types of Substance abuse


  • Tobacco and Cigarette Abuse - Because it is not illegal, many people do not regard tobacco use as substance abuse, but it causes profound long-term physical damage to the body, mental damage to the user, and psychological damage to the user's loved ones, friends and family if they become ill from it.
  • Cannabis Abuse - While the use of cannabis in some countries is legal, cannabis is often abused.
  • Cocaine Abuse - Cocaine can be inhaled, smoked or injected, and is often abused for its euphoric effects.
  • Over-the-Counter Medicine Abuse - Many cough and cold medications, as well as medicine used for motion sickness, can cause hallucinogenic and stimulant effects if abused. Also over the counter pain relief is often abused.
  • Opioids Abuse - Opioids have a powerful pain-relieving effect, which is why many people abuse them. Dependency on opioids is generally very quick and severe, and can cause significant damage to both mental and physical health.
  • Ecstasy and MDMA Abuse - A commonly abused drug within the night time economy, Ecstasy and MDMA are used to increase energy, relieve stress, induce a feeling of calm, and increases euphoria.
  • Hallucinogenic Abuse - Although not as highly addictive as many of the substances covered above, Hallucinogenics can be extremely dangerous, and are generally used to curb serotonin, which in turn induces euphoria.


Withdrawal Symptoms


  • Tobacco and Cigarettes - Dizziness, surge in appetite, coughing, constipation, fatigue, anxiety, depression, irritability, a craving for tobacco.
  • Alcohol - Anxiety and depression, irritability, tremors, sleep issues, excessive sweating, delirium, palpitations, increased heart rate, a higher than normal body temperature, hallucinations, a craving for alcohol.
  • Stimulants - Depression, anxiety, mood swings, agitation, nervous exhaustion, physical exhaustion. Craving for stimulants.
  • Opioids - Body shaking, nausea, vomiting, mood swings, nervousness, irritability, confusion, sweating, muscle cramps, a craving for opioids.
  • Benzodiazepines - Insomnia, irritability, confusion, forgetfulness, anxiety, panic attacks, sweating, headaches, muscle cramps, nausea, tremors, seizures, a craving for Benzodiazepines.
  • Hallucinogenics - Seizures, muscle stiffness, sweating, increased heart rate, raised body temperature, slowed breathing rate, a craving for hallucinogenics.
  • MDMA - Agitation, mood disorders, heart failure, heart palpitations, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, lack of concentration, sleep disorders, fatigue, impulsivity.


Risks associated with Substance Misuse


As well as significantly affecting a person's mental state, substance abuse can cause significant long-term damage to a person’s physical health including: lung disease, organ failure, a compromised immune system, effects on blood-pressure, heart attack and heart failure, foetal abnormalities, loss of control of motor movements, and gastrointestinal issues.