MHPE Volunteer Resource HEALTH MANAGEMENT Alcohol and other drugs —The Right Mix Tab 29

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29 Health management: Alcohol and other drugs Drugs and drug use A drug is a substance, other than food, which is taken to change the way the body and/or mind function Most popular: caffeine, alcohol and tobacco Men are more likely to use and misuse Australian drug policy is based on harm minimisation There is no safe level of drug use

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29 Health management: Alcohol and other drugs Alcohol A socially popular and sanctioned drug that is a depressant and reduces inhibitions Harm is caused by intoxication, misuse or dependence Harm can be physical, psychological, injury, social, legal or drug interaction (4Ls) Harm minimisation is a practical approach to reduce risk

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29 Health management: Alcohol and other drugs Australian Alcohol Guidelines No more than two standard drinks on any day for men and women reduces lifetime death risk No more than four standard drinks on a single occasion reduces risk of injury at/after that event Not drinking is the safest option if drinking increases the immediate risk of harm Some men have other risks if using alcohol But what is a ‘standard’ drink?

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29 Health management: Alcohol and other drugs Alcohol issues Family impact Living alone Sexual performance Binge drinking Medication interactions Sleep issues Weight gain Light vs heavy Ageing and alcohol Driving and alcohol How to sober up

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29 Health management: Alcohol and other drugs Changing alcohol behaviour Eat first/while drinking Quench thirst with water Alternate with water Don’t top up drinks Try low alcohol drinks Avoid shouts Pour your own Use smaller glasses Drink with lower-risk drinkers Count your drinks Do other things while drinking Try less favoured drink Limit your time Drink slowly Set a dollar limit “I drink with my mates, but always overdo it”

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29 Health management: Alcohol and other drugs Tobacco There is no safe level of smoking! Smoking damages every part of your body Smoking rates have come down, but in recent years not much change in over 50s Some who quit gain weight: Diet and exercise, see GP Call Quit, your GP or VVCS Every cigarette you don’t have is doing you good!

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29 Health management: Alcohol and other drugs Cannabis use Higher use than all other illicit drugs combined Males highest users: 25% men in their 20s Trending down in men in teens and 20s Trending up in men in 50s and 60s Unemployed/never married men higher use Commonly used with alcohol Increased demand for specialist treatment

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29 Health management: Alcohol and other drugs Effects of cannabis Short term: euphoria and relaxation, drowsiness, hunger, reduced coordination Long term: increased smoking-related diseases, decreased memory, learning, concentration and motivation Greater risk if vulnerable to schizophrenia More depression in users, but research inconclusive for cause and effect in anxiety and depression

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29 Health management: Alcohol and other drugs When is cannabis use a problem? Tolerance Withdrawal symptoms Using more Unable to reduce intake Use impinges on time and activities Use even when known to be a problem

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29 Health management: Alcohol and other drugs Helping a mate experiencing alcohol or other drug misuse Many men see no need to change, and most do not seek professional help Review Stages of Change: where is your mate? Open, honest, confidential communication “I” am concerned; do you see a problem? Focus on behaviour, not character Suggest time with friends who don’t drink Discuss some ways he can say “no”

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29 Health management: Alcohol and other drugs Helping a mate experiencing alcohol or other drug misuse Provide local service, phone and website info Encourage appropriate professional help Harm minimisation may be the goal Keep the relationship honest, and the door open for future discussion

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29 Health management: Alcohol and other drugs What if he doesn’t want help? Don’t feel guilty. It is his choice. Set limits about his behaviour Don’t make excuses, cover up or take on responsibilities for him (unless risk e.g. driving) Consider stigma and other barriers Keep suggesting professional help Be patient. Other opportunities will arise. Changing drug misuse takes time.

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 29 Health management: Alcohol and other drugs Resources The Right Mix website and On Track app Alcohol and Drug Information Service Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre Counselling Online Family Drug Support Australian Drug Foundation Australian Alcohol Guidelines Quitline © Commonwealth of Australia 2015