6.1.4 Understanding Drug Use

Understanding Drug Use: Patterns, Recognition, Dependence, and the Interplay of Cultural, Biological, and Psychological Factors

Who uses which drugs and why:

Drug use is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors such as social, cultural, economic, and psychological. Different drugs tend to be used by different populations for different reasons. For example, stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines are often used by young adults to enhance performance, while opioids are commonly used to relieve pain. Cannabis is used by a wide range of individuals for various reasons such as relaxation, socialization, and creativity. Understanding the patterns and motivations behind drug use is essential to inform prevention and intervention strategies.

Reasons for initiating and continuing drug use:

People may initiate drug use for various reasons such as curiosity, peer pressure, coping with stress, or seeking pleasure. Continued use may be influenced by factors such as addiction, social and environmental factors, and lack of access to treatment. In some cases, drug use may escalate into problematic use and addiction. Identifying the underlying reasons for drug use is crucial in developing effective prevention and treatment approaches.

How to recognize drug use:

Recognizing drug use can be challenging as it often involves subtle signs and symptoms. Common physical signs of drug use include changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and personal hygiene. Behavioural changes such as social withdrawal, mood swings, and changes in academic or work performance may also indicate drug use. Recognizing drug use requires an understanding of the drug’s effects and knowledge of the individual’s baseline behaviour and functioning.

The concept of problem drug use:

The concept of problem drug use in the UK is typically used to refer to individuals who experience harm related to their drug use, such as physical and mental health problems, social and financial problems, and criminal justice involvement. The term encompasses a wide range of drug-related problems, from occasional use leading to health problems to severe addiction. In the UK, the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) developed a framework for defining problem drug use, which includes criteria such as regular use of an illicit drug, injecting drug use, and dependence. Understanding the concept of problem drug use is crucial for developing appropriate prevention and treatment approaches.

Patterns of dependence on different drugs:

Patterns of dependence on different drugs can vary greatly depending on the substance. Some drugs, such as heroin, can lead to physical dependence relatively quickly, with withdrawal symptoms appearing within hours of last use. Other drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, may not produce physical dependence but can still lead to psychological dependence and addiction. The severity of dependence can also vary among individuals, with some people developing a more severe dependence than others.

Detoxification procedures for inpatients and outpatients

Detoxification procedures for inpatients and outpatients typically involve the use of medications and close monitoring of withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient detoxification is typically reserved for individuals with severe dependence or those at risk of complications during withdrawal. Outpatient detoxification may be appropriate for those with less severe dependence and a support system at home. Detoxification is only the first step in treating substance dependence and should be followed by ongoing treatment and support to address underlying issues and prevent relapse.

An understanding of cultural factors is crucial in the use and abuse of drugs. Culture shapes the values, beliefs, and attitudes of individuals towards substance use, and it can influence the prevalence and patterns of drug use in different populations. Cultural factors such as social norms, religion, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and gender can impact drug use behaviours and attitudes towards drug use. In some cultures, for example, alcohol use is accepted and celebrated, while in others, it may be stigmatized and viewed negatively. Additionally, cultural factors can also affect treatment-seeking behaviours and the effectiveness of treatment interventions. Understanding cultural factors in the use and abuse of drugs is important in developing culturally appropriate prevention and treatment strategies that address the unique needs and values of different populations (Schmidt, 2015), (Kirmayer, 1997).

An understanding of cultural factors in the use and abuse of drugs:

An understanding of cultural factors is crucial in the use and abuse of drugs. Culture shapes the values, beliefs, and attitudes of individuals towards substance use, and it can influence the prevalence and patterns of drug use in different populations. Cultural factors such as social norms, religion, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and gender can impact drug use behaviours and attitudes towards drug use. In some cultures, for example, alcohol use is accepted and celebrated, while in others, it may be stigmatized and viewed negatively. Additionally, cultural factors can also affect treatment-seeking behaviours and the effectiveness of treatment interventions. Understanding cultural factors in the use and abuse of drugs is important in developing culturally appropriate prevention and treatment strategies that address the unique needs and values of different populations (Schmidt, 2015), (Kirmayer, 1997).

Basics of the biological, psychological and socio-cultural explanations of drug and alcohol dependence:

Drug and alcohol dependence can be explained by various factors, including biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. Biological explanations suggest that certain individuals may have a genetic predisposition to addiction, while others may develop addiction due to changes in brain chemistry and neurotransmitters. Psychological factors include coping mechanisms, mental health disorders, and trauma. Socio-cultural factors include peer pressure, societal norms and values, and the availability of drugs and alcohol. These factors can interact and contribute to the development of addiction. Understanding the interplay between these factors is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

References:

1. National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse. (2012). Models of care for treatment of adult drug misusers: Update 2013. Retrieved from https://www.nta.nhs.uk/documents/NTA_Models_of_Care_Update_2013.pdf.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2017). Drug misuse: opioid detoxification. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg52/chapter/1-Guidance#problem-drug-use.
3. Public Health England. (2021). Adult substance misuse statistics from the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS) 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-for-adults-statistics-2019-to-2020.
4. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide (third edition). National Institutes of Health. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/what-drug-addiction-treatment
5. Schmidt, L. A., & Weisner, C. M. (2015). Cultural and ethnic influences on addiction. In R. K. Ries, D. A. Fiellin, S. C. Miller, & R. Saitz (Eds.), Principles of addiction medicine (5th ed., pp. 123–131). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
6. Kirmayer, L. J., Brass, G. M., & Holton, T. (1997). Culture and mental health services. In A. M. Goldberger & J. B. Sluzki (Eds.), Textbook of psychotherapeutic treatments in psychiatry (pp. 125–144). American Psychiatric Press.
7. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Understanding Drug Use and Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction.