alcohol, drugs - incolink · 6 alcohol, drugs and the workplace alcohol, drugs and the workplace 7....

AND THE WORKPLACEDRUGSALCOHOL,

Safety and Support in the Building and Construction Industry

This publication received funding from the Australian Government

Our industry can be a high risk workplace and we all need to work

together to make sure everyone is safe on site and gets support if

they need it.

Alcohol, drugs and the workplace don’t mix.

CONTENTSALCOHOL, DRUGS AND THE WORKPLACE

WHY DO PEOPLE USE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL?

WHAT IS ADDICTION OR DEPENDENCE?

IMPAIRMENT, SAFETY AND THE WORKPLACE

FACT SHEET 01: ALCOHOL

IS IT GETTING AWAY FROM YOU?

FACT SHEET 02: CANNABIS

HOW TO DRINK LESS: AT HOME

FACT SHEET 03: AMPHETAMINES

HOW TO DRINK LESS: OUT AND ABOUT

APPROACHING WORKERS WHO MAY BE UNSAFE FOR WORK

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06

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Alcohol and other drug use is a serious and complex problem. It contributes to death, substantial illness, disease and injury, social and family disruption, workplace concerns, violence, crime and community safety issues

ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND THE WORKPLACE

Alcohol, Drugs and the Workplace 3

Health costsTobacco smoking is the single most preventable cause of deaths in Australia and is responsible for more drug-related hospitalisations and deaths than alcohol and illicit drugs combined.

Excessive alcohol intake, including short episodes of binge drinking and long term heavy drinking, is also a major risk factor for injury, illness and death.

Illicit drug use is also a risk factor for ill health and death. It has been linked to a range of social harms as well as mental illness and suicide.

Workplace costsUsing drugs and alcohol can also adversely affect workplace safety and productivity. This can include an increased risk of incidents, absenteeism and presenteeism.

It is estimated that alcohol use contributes to 5% of all workplace deaths. Lost productivity in the workplace because of alcohol costs $3.5 billion annually, with alcohol-related absenteeism estimated at between $437 million and $1.2 billion.

How workplaces might contribute to the problemWork stress and conditions also affect employee alcohol and drug consumption.

Dangerous work, shift work, long and/or irregular hours, poor industrial relations, low pay, boredom, job insecurity, low job satisfaction and workplace events such as serious accidents, industrial disputation and downsizing can increase employees levels of distress. As people seek to alleviate this stress they may turn to the use of alcohol and other drugs.

Alcohol, Drugs and the WorkplaceAlcohol, Drugs and the Workplace 54

Working long hours has been linked to alcohol abuse and injuries. Research has found that those who work more than 49 hours a week were 13% more likely to drink at risky levels than those who worked standard hours, possibly to alleviate the stress caused by work pressures and demands.

What workplaces can doThe workplace is in a unique position to implement health promotion strategies that address productivity, worker wellbeing and community health. The major components to achieving safety and health for workers in regard to alcohol and other drug related issues are:

• Developing and implementing a formal workplace policy on alcohol and other drugs

• Providing education and training about alcohol and other drugs

• Providing access to counselling and treatment

Other strategies include:

• General health promotion including health checks, mental health and wellbeing awareness and suicide prevention

• Brief and peer interventions

• Psychosocial skills training

• Workplace drug testing

Source:AIHW, NCETA, VicHealth


WHY DO PEOPLE USE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL?

There are many reasons people use drugs or alcohol. Often people have values and beliefs that are developed from an early age that may influence them as they begin to experiment with substances. For some, using alcohol or drugs is part of a way to cope with trauma, abuse or a mental health problem. Others start drinking one or two a night after work to relax and then soon find they are drinking a dozen a night just to feel normal or to cope with everyday life.

For many, drinking is part of a cultural experience that is well managed and positive. But for some the social determinants of health and addictive nature of some substances can lead to major harm. Most people have probably used substances to cope with stress, depression or a bad day at work, but have had the resources necessary not to turn that into a regular pattern of use. However, everyone probably knows someone for whom stopping has not been that easy.


There is a wide cultural acceptance of alcohol use in Australia and 80% of people have consumed alcohol at least once in the past year. It’s widely available, conveniently priced and marketed aggressively. The harms associated with alcohol cost the Australian community approximately $30 billion a year.

Cannabis is the most widely consumed illicit drug with 10% of people aged over 14 reporting having used it at least once in the past year. The availability and purity of crystal methamphetamine - or Ice - has seen a significant escalation in harms for those that use it, and those close to them. The use and accompanying harms of prescription or over the counter medication is increasing. New and emerging synthetic substances and the internet as a marketplace are also part of changing drug trends.

RECENT DRUG USE PEOPLE AGED 14 OR OLDER, 2013

TOBACCO 15%

ALCOHOL 80%

MARIJUANA 10%

SYNTHETIC CANNABINIODS 1.2%

COCAINE 2.1%

ECSTASY 2.5%

PHARMACEUTICALS 4.7%

ICE/SPEED 2.1%

USED ANY ILLICIT DRUG 15%

Source: National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2013


The World Health Organisation defines substance dependence as:“A complex disorder with biological mechanisms affecting the brain and its capacity to control substance use. It is not only determined by biological and genetic factors but psychological, social, cultural and environmental factors as well. Currently there are no means of identifying those who will become substance dependent - either before or after they start using drugs.

Substance dependence is not a failure of will or of strength of character but a medical disorder that could affect any human being. Dependence is a chronic and relapsing disorder, often co-occurring with other physical and mental conditions”.

Some of the factors that may lead to dependence or harmful substance use include:

Abuse & TraumaPeople who have experienced sexual, psychological, emotional or physical abuse may use drugs or alcohol as a response to that experience. It is not a weakness of will or failure of character but an understandable response to a disturbing event. This use may help to deal with the strong negative emotions surrounding their personal history and the effects that has on their day to day life.

Mental HealthAnxiety, depression, stress or other mental health issues may increase the risk of using substances in a harmful way. People might self-medicate in response to their symptoms which may provide some relieve. The risk is that this kind of ongoing substance use can further exacerbate the personal difficulties they are experiencing.

Family HistoryChildren raised by substance dependent parents may face a higher risk of developing substance use problems. This may be either a learnt or inherited behaviour, but it does not comprehensively indicate a child will progress along the same pathway. As with any child, the balance of risk and protective factors that surround them will provide the clearer indicator.

Social DeterminantsA wide range of social influences can effect alcohol or other drug use. Examples include, but are not limited to exposure to cultural norms, availability, marketing, access to health care, access to education, family breakdown, social disadvantage and certain work environments.

Alcohol, Drugs and the Workplace8

“SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE IS NOT A FAILURE OF WILL OR OF STRENGTH OF CHARACTER BUT A MEDICAL DISORDER THAT COULD AFFECT ANY HUMAN BEING. DEPENDENCE IS A CHRONIC AND RELAPSING DISORDER, OFTEN CO-OCCURRING WITH OTHER PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS”.


he definitions of ‘addiction’ and ‘dependence’ are similar, continue to evolve and are often contested.

Experiencing 3 or more of the following in a 12 month period, leading to significant impairment or distress, can indicate dependence:

• Tolerance

- A need to use more to get the desired effect

- Diminished effect with use of the same amount

• Withdrawal

- Experiencing significant discomfort when ceasing use

- Using the substance, or something closely related, to relieve or avoid feelings of discomfort

• Using larger amounts or over a longer period than intended

• Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control

• Spending a lot of time getting hold of, using and recovering from the substance

• Important social, occupational or recreational activities are given up or reduced

• Continued use despite knowledge or experience of harmful consequences

WHAT IS ADDICTION OR DEPENDENCE?

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Source: DSM-V


OF COURSE NOT ALL SUBSTANCE USE IS PROBLEMATIC AND SOMEONE DOESN’T NEED TO BE ‘DEPENDENT’ FOR ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS TO CAUSE VERY REAL HARM.

YOU DON’T NEED TO BE DEPENDENT FOR A BIG NIGHT OF DRINKING TO LEAD TO VIOLENCE, INJURY OR EMBARRASSING SITUATIONS. LIKEWISE, A ONE OFF ‘RECREATIONAL’ USE OF DRUGS CAN BRING SIGNIFICANT MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, OR PHYSICAL DISTRESS.

IF SUBSTANCE USE IS STARTING TO AFFECT HOME LIFE, WORK LIFE, OR SCHOOLING, CHANCES ARE ITS HEADING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION. TALK TO SOMEONE AND DO SOMETHING SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.


person may present as impaired and unable to work safely for a number of reasons.

This may include, but is not limited to:

- The effects of alcohol or other drugs

- The effects of prescribed medication

- Fatigue

- A mental health issue

- A physical health issue

Recognising and responding when someone may be impaired in the workplace is about safety and support. It involves taking responsibility and working together to keep sites safe and also supporting each other to get help when needed.

If someone’s observed level of functioning is clearly impaired then a response is required. It’s not about judgement or trying to solve other people’s problems. But don’t underestimate your ability to positively influence someone just by showing you’re interested.

You can find support by talking to your union delegate or Health and Safety Representative.

IMPAIRMENT, SAFETY AND THE WORKPLACE

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DIFFERENT FORMS OF IMPAIRMENT:

FATIGUE STRESS

DRUGS ALCOHOL

HEAT


Some tips to assist1. Find a supporter - aside from a union delegate or OH&S rep is there somebody else

that knows the person well, is happy to be involved and is seeing things the same way you do?

“I’VE BROUGHT YOU ASIDE MATE BECAUSE I’M CONCERNED YOU MIGHT NOT BE TRAVELLING TOO

WELL....WHAT’S UP?” “I WANTED TO TALK TO YOU IN PRIVATE BECAUSE I’M

CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR SAFETY AND IT’S MY JOB

TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE OK...TELL ME ABOUT YOUR DAY

SO FAR?”

“YOU DON’T LOOK LIKE YOUR NORMAL SELF TODAY MATE,

WHAT’S HAPPENING?”

APPROACHING WORKERS WHO MAY BE UNSAFE FOR WORKWhatever the reason someone has been observed to be unsafe for work, they need to be asked to stop what they’re doing and taken to safety.


What is counselling?- It’s an opportunity to talk about

anything which may be troubling you

- It’s a safe and non-judgmental place

- It’s about supporting an individual to reach any goals they may have

- It can include advice and support to develop a treatment path to detox or rehab

- No issue is too big or too small

2. Create the space - take the person away from the main work area and have the conversation in private. In the sheds, in a quiet corner, on the street just anywhere where there won’t be an audience or an avoidable interruption.

3. Adopt non-threatening body language and speech. Being non-threatening doesn’t mean you can’t be firm - but by remaining cool and calm there’s more chance the person you’re talking to will remain cool and calm.

The Conversation1. Give them a way out - ask them open ended questions so they are able to disclose

what’s happening for them. This also covers you in case they are having a medical or mental health related incident.

2. Let them know that you are operating from a place of Health and Safety which is about keeping people safe at work and also to provide help to those to those who may have personal issues.

3. Explain that if drugs or alcohol are becoming an issue in a person’s life that there are people at they can talk to and they won’t be disadvantaged at work because of it.

4. Familiarise yourself with the relevant Drug and Alcohol or Impairment Policy in your workplace so you can use it as a framework to build your conversation around.


FACT SHEET O1:

ALCOHOLAlcohol beverages contain ethanol, a clear thin odourless liquid created by the fermentation of fruit or grain mixtures (wine and beer) or the distillation of fruit and grain mixtures (whiskey, gin, vodka and rum).

How alcohol affects the bodyAlcohol affects virtually every part of the body. In the gastrointestinal system it irritates the linings of the oesophagus and stomach, triggers the release of acid and histamine, and can cause vomiting. Over time alcohol use can lead to gastritis or ulcers. Brain and liver cells are directly affected by drinking alcohol even occasionally.

Long term effects of heavy drinking may include:

- Liver damage such as cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis - High blood pressure, stroke, irregular heartbeat- Kidney failure- Increased risk to mouth, larynx, liver and gastrointestinal

cancers- Dietary deficiencies of essential nutrients such as iron,

folic acid and thiamine- Impairment of memory, thinking and concentration skills- Higher risk of injury from falls or accidents- Increased risk of dementia


ALCOHOL

ALCOHOL VS YOUR VITAL ORGANSCIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER – Chronic heavy drinking can cause alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis or complete liver failure. It develops as the liver becomes progressively and irreversibly damaged by alcohol use.

HEALTHY LIVER LIVER CIRRHOSIS

KIDNEY EFFECTS – The kidneys perform several functions including the elimination of waste products, regulation of fluid and electrolytes and the production of hormones. Alcohol compromises the efficent process of these functions which disrupts the balance of the body and creates ill health.

DAMAGE TO THE HEART – Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. The heart becomes weakened resulting in inadequate blood flow to the body’s organs and tissues. Arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, may occur. About one third of all cardiomyopathy cases are from excessive alcohol.


Standard drinks guide

A ‘standard drink’ is the measure of alcohol used to work out safe drinking levels. One standard drink contains 10g of alcohol. Often a glass or stubbie can contain more than one standard drink.

GUIDELINES FOR REDUCING HEALTH-RELATED RISKS FROM DRINKING ALCOHOLThese guidelines were developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council

If you drink regularly, to stay healthy, drink no more than 2 standard drinks a day

Young people under 18 years of age should not drink alcohol

On any single occasion, to stay healthy, drink no more than four standard drinks

The safest option for a pregnant or breastfeeding mother is not to drink alcohol at all.

Drinking less frequently and less on each occasion will reduce the lifetime risk of alcohol-related harm.

What is a standard drink?Standard drinks measure the amount of pure alcohol you are drinking. One standard drink equals 10 grams of pure alcohol.

*RTD (READY TO DRINK)

10g of Alcohol

350ml can of beer @ 4%

ALC

1 2.1 371 7.7 30

100ml glass of table wine @ 12.5% ALC

335ml glass of RTD* spirits @

12.5% ALC

750ml bottle of wine @ 13%

ALC

1000ml bottle of spirits @ 43% ALC

3 litre cask of wine @ 12.5% ALC

Standarddrinks


Using alcohol with other drugsBecause alcohol is a depressant, combining it with other depressants such as heroin or some prescription medications (e.g. Valium, Xanax, Oxycontin) can be extremely dangerous. The central nervous system can be depressed to the point that death occurs due to choking on ones own vomit or ceasing to breathe.

Alcohol and drivingBlood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is a measurement of the amount of alcohol in the body, measured in grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. For instance, a BAC of 0.10 means that %0.10% (one tenth of one percent) of 100 milliliters of a persons blood is alcohol.

Alcohol is involved in around one-third of all road deaths.

The only way to be absolutely certain of staying under 0.05 is not to drink alcohol at all.

However if you choose to drink then here are some tips:

FOR MOST ADULTS, DRINKING LESS THAN 2 STANDARD DRINKS ON ANY OCCASION WILL KEEP THE BAC BELOW 0.05

IT TAKES A HEALTHY LIVER AT LEAST 1 HOUR TO BREAK DOWN A STANDARD DRINK, SO YOU CAN STILL BE OVER THE LIMIT AFTER SLEEPING. IF IN DOUBT DON’T DRIVE.

CHECK THE LABEL ON THE BOTTLE FOR THE NUMBER OF STANDARD DRINKS CONTAINED

CONTAINS

5.5%

EATING BEFORE YOU DRINK SLOWS THE ABSORPTION OF ALCOHOL BUT WILL NOT ALTER THE LEVEL OF BAC IN YOUR BODY

WHEN THIRSTY DRINK WATER FIRST TO QUENCH YOUR THIRST

DRINK SLOWLY AND DON’T TOP UP YOUR DRINKS AS YOU WON’T KNOW HOW MANY STANDARD DRINKS YOU HAVE CONSUMED


IN AUSTRALIA AT LEAST ONE WOMAN DIES EACH WEEK AT THE HANDS OF HER PARTNER OR EX PARTNER.

INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IS THE LEADING CONTRIBUTOR TO DEATH, DISABILITY AND ILL HEALTH IN AUSTRALIAN WOMEN AGED 15 - 44

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT ALCOHOL IS INVOLVED IN UP TO 65% OF FAMILY VIOLENCE INCIDENTS REPORTED TO THE POLICE AND UP TO 47% OF CHILD ABUSE CASES EACH YEAR ACROSS AUSTRALIA.

1 IN 3 WOMEN HAVE EXPERIENCED PHYSICAL AND/OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE PERPETRATED BY SOMEONE KNOWN TO THEM

ALCOHOL IS A SIGNIFICANTLY IMPLICATED IN FAMILY VIOLENCE

ALCOHOL RELATED FAMILY VIOLENCEALCOHOL IS NEVER AN EXCUSE FOR VIOLENCE


WHAT IMPACT DOES ALCOHOL HAVE?

IN THE

COMMUNITYIncreased availability and promotion leads to higher use and a range of health and social harms including family violence.

ON THE

PERPETRATORS• Alcohol increases the severity and incidence of

family violence

• Alcohol makes perpetrators less aware of physical force and less aware of consequences

• Alcohol may be used as an excuse for violence

• Alcohol is used as a form of intimidation and control and alcohol use may indicate to partners that violence is likely to occur

VICTIM

SON THE• Alcohol may be

used as a coping mechanism to deal with family violence and trauma

• Alcohol excludes victims from being able to access support services

• Alcohol increases the likelihood of losing custody of children

OVER A MILLION CHILDREN (22% OF ALL AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN) ARE ESTIMATED TO BE AFFECTED IN SOME WAY BY THE DRINKING OF OTHERS, 140,000 ARE SUBSTANTIALLY AFFECTED AND MORE THAN 10.000 ARE IN THE CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM BECAUSE OF A CARERS’ DRINKING.

ON

CHILDREN• Alcohol may impede a parents

capacity to care for their children and protect them from harm

• Alcohol is responsible for some children being taken into care

Source: Foundation fro Alcohol Research and Education (FARE). (2015). National framework for action to prevent family violence


FACT SHEET O2:

CANNABISWhat is cannabis? Cannabis has been used in China, India and the Middle East for centuries for both its effects as a drug and the production of hemp fibre. Hemp can be used for rope, paper, textiles and clothing.

CANNABIS ALSO HAS A LONG HISTORY OF MEDICINAL USE AND WAS THE MOST COMMONLY USED DRUG FOR PAIN RELIEF BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF ASPIRIN IN THE LATE 1800S.

Cannabis comes from hemp plants such as the Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica. The primary active ingredient in cannabis is THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol).

Cannabis is a depressant drug. This doesn’t mean that you necessarily feel depressed when you use it but that it slows down the activity of the central nervous system and the messages going between the brain and the body.


Short-term effects When cannabis is smoked the THC is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the walls of the lungs, and the effect is almost immediate. Cannabis eaten in food can take up to 60 minutes to have an effect as it must be digested before it enters the bloodstream.

The effects of smoking cannabis vary considerably from one person to another. Influencing factors include mood, body weight, health, previous experience with cannabis and whether any other drugs are taken around the same time.

Short-term effects may include:

- A feeling of being ‘stoned’ relaxed, euphoric and uninhibited

- Enhanced sensory perceptions, for example enjoying food or music more

- Panic reactions, anxiety, confusion and feelings of paranoia

- Nausea, headaches, bloodshot eyes

- Sleepiness

When the active ingredient (THC) is especially strong, psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations can occur.

The short-term effects of smoking cannabis can last between 2-4 hours but the drug is stored in fatty tissue for anything up to four weeks, or more.

Long-term effects Ongoing use may:

- Increase the risk of lung cancers

- Lead to depression and lack of motivation

- Cause chronic bronchitis and permanent damage to airways

- Damage the cardiovascular system

- Affect the brain through impaired concentration, memory and learning ability

- Affect hormone production resulting in a lowered sex drive and sperm count


Mental Health Cannabis use can have serious mental health effects for some people. There is some evidence that smoking cannabis increases the likelihood of psychotic symptoms in people who are already vulnerable due to a personal or family history of mental illness.

For people with schizophrenia, cannabis can make psychotic symptoms worse, and also inhibit the chances of recovery from a psychotic episode.

Heavy use from an early age is associated with an increase in the risk of depression in later life.

Using cannabis with other drugs Mixing cannabis with alcohol or drugs, illicit or prescription, can create unpredictable results. Using cannabis with alcohol may lead to reactions such as nausea and/or vomiting, panic or paranoia. Often cannabis is mixed with tobacco, and the risks to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems appear to be higher than when they are used separately.

Withdrawal After a period of use some people who cease taking cannabis may experience symptoms of withdrawal.

These may include:

- Anxiety

- Moodiness

- Irritability

- Sweating

- An upset stomach

- A disturbed and restless sleep

These symptoms are generally the most acute in the first week but may last up to three weeks


CANNABIS USE CAN HAVE A RANGE OF MENTAL HEALTH EFFECTS FOR SOME PEOPLE INCLUDING ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND DEPENDENCE.


FACT SHEET O3:

AMPHETAMINESWhat are they?The term amphetamine relates to a group of synthetic drugs that are classified as stimulants. Stimulants impact a user’s central nervous system by speeding up the messages between the brain and the body.

Methamphetamine evolved from amphetamine and has a greater impact on the user creating a longer and stronger experience of symptoms.

Crystal-methamphetamine is highly purified methamphetamine and is widely known as Ice.


IceWhat does Ice look like?

Ice can range from large clear coloured crystals through to a crystalline powder.

How is Ice used?Ice is most often smoked through a small glass pipe. It can also be injected, snorted or swallowed.

What are the effects?The immediate effects from Ice can be intense pleasure and clarity. People may experience that they have lots of energy and can think clearly, feel like they can make good decisions, and plan effectively. Prolonged use however can include the opposite effects of these first experiences as the chemistry in the brain becomes affected.

Physical effects can include dilated pupils, an increased heart and breathing rate, a reduced appetite and an increased sex drive.

Most people who use Ice won’t become aggressive or violent and it may be difficult to be sure if someone has been using. One of the risks with Ice is that its purity means that very small amounts can create very large effects. This means people may experience the effects of using for very long periods of time; including not being able to sleep for a night or two, or even longer.


How does it work?Ice triggers the release of powerful naturally occurring chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. This affects the way people think, feel and behave. The three main neuro transmitters involved are Serotonin, Dopamine and Noradrenalin.

Dopamine regulates thinking processes such as attention and working memory, planning, decision making and emotional regulation. High levels of dopamine have been linked to psychosis.

Noradrenaline activates the flight or flight system. It is also connected to arousal, learning and concentration.

Serotonin regulates mood (optimism) focus, appetite, sleep, cognition, perception and sexual behaviour

Signs and symptoms of useSigns and symptoms can vary markedly from person to person.

SOMEONE USING ICE MAY FIND IT DIFFICULT TO:

THEY MAY FEEL:

THEY MAY ALSO HAVE:

- Concentrate or pay attention

- Store things in their memory

- Plan

- Make good decisions or

- regulate emotions

- Anxious, jumpy or hypervigilant (flight)

- Suspicious or aggressive (fight)

- Flat, depressed and unmotivated when coming down

- Low levels of energy

- Unusual exhaustion at odd times of the day

- An inability to attend to specific tasks


INCREASED TALKATIVENESS

REDUCED APPETITE

FEELINGS OF EUPHORIA AND EXCITEMENT

SWEATING AND HIGH BODY TEMP

INCREASED MOTIVATION AND CONFIDENCE

EXTENDED WAKEFULNESS

NERVOUSNESS, ANXIETY, AGITATION, PANIC

DIFFICULTY SLEEPING

REPETITION OF SIMPLE TASKS

GRINDING OF TEETH AND JAW CLENCHING

OTHER EFFECTS INCLUDE:

Coming downAs the effects of Ice begin to wear off a person may experience a range of symptoms. These effects can last for several days or longer and may include:

- Radical mood swings

- Exhaustion and a desire to sleep heavily

- Lethargy

- Tension

- Depression

- Feeling restless, irritable and anxious

- Paranoia


Methamphetamines and psychosisAlmost one quarter of regular methamphetamine users will experience a symptom of psychosis in any given year.

Methamphetamine psychosis typically involves feeling overly suspicious, having strange beliefs about things that are not plausible, or hearing and seeing things that are not there. These symptoms can vary in intensity and usually last up to two to three hours, but sometimes symptoms can be severe and last for days.

People with schizophrenia are far more likely to experience psychosis after using methamphetamine than other users.

ALMOST ONE QUARTER OF REGULAR METHAMPHETAMINE USERS WILL EXPERIENCE A SYMPTOM OF PSYCHOSIS IN ANY GIVEN YEAR.


ALTHOUGH THERE ARE MANY SOCIAL DETERMINANTS THAT AFFECT AN INDIVIDUAL’S EXPERIENCE OF USING ICE, MOST OFTEN THE PERIOD OF RECOVERY FOR A LONG TERM USER TO GET BACK TO FEELING ‘NORMAL’ CAN TAKE MANY MONTHS. THIS IS PRIMARILY DUE TO THE IMPACT THAT ICE HAS ON THE BRAIN’S NATURAL SYSTEM OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS BECOMING COMPROMISED OR ‘WORN OUT’. ALTHOUGH RECOVERY IS A LONG PROCESS AND SOMEONE MAY FEEL FLAT FOR A SIGNIFICANT PERIOD OF TIME, RETURNING TO HEALTH AND WELLBEING IS DEFINITELY ACHIEVABLE.


THE MORE YOU HAVE, THE MORE YOU NEED A couple of beers used to be enough but now you have to drink a lot more for the same buzz. This means you have built up a tolerance to the effects of alcohol. This can occur for illicit drugs as well and a sign could also be you are spending a lot more money for the same high

THE COSTS ARE MOUNTINGHow much are you spending on alcohol or other drugs? Are you taking from money that should be going elsewhere?

IS IT GETTING AWAY FROM YOU?


YOUR HACKLES ARE UP If somebody questions your drinking or drug use how do you react? Often people who are in denial about their substance use will react defensively when someone tries to talk to them about it.

YOU GET A HEAD START You might be having a few before you go to the pub or to meet friends. Alternately you’re staying in and not going out because it’s easier to drink how you want to at home. Are you starting in the morning?

CUTTING BACK HURTS When you try to stop it’s not as easy as it used to be and the symptoms of withdrawal are getting stronger. These signs can include not sleeping, anxiety, mood swings, anger, aches and depression.

IT IMPACTS ON YOUR LIFE Work, relationships, family are all beginning to suffer as a result of your drug or alcohol use. Are you being honest with yourself about this? Are you neglecting things that you used to do for fun?

IT IMPACTS ON YOUR HEALTH Some signs are obvious, others are less apparent, such as insomnia, headaches or injuries related to being intoxicated. Substance abuse can also contribute to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or psychosis.

YOU BECOME SNEAKY Are you hiding your supply? Not being honest about your use to your family and friends? Drinking by yourself to conceal how much you are using? Are feelings of shame beginning to influence your actions?


HOW

TO DR

INK LE

SS AT HOMEDecide on how much you will drink in a day and then stick to it. Once you have stabilised on that amount start to slowly reduce by going down a drink or two a day.

Get all the alcohol out of the house apart from your daily limit.

Don’t buy cartons or large amounts of wine or spirits. It may be expensive initially, but it will reduce the temptation and in the long run you will save much more.

Have an alternative in the fridge. Have something else cold to drink like a fresh fruit juice or soda water.

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Have alcohol-free days: Set a goal for having a number of days when you don’t drink at all. It may be 2, 5 or even 7.

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Keep a diary: Write down how much you drink each day and any feelings and thoughts you have before during, and after you drink. This can make you more aware of exactly how much you drink and perhaps some of the reasons why.

Try a low-alcohol alternative: A wide range of light beers are available. Low-alcohol or non-alcoholic wines are also becoming more available. Most places that serve cocktails also serve non-alcoholic versions.

Start with a soft drink: You will drink much faster if you are thirsty, so have a non-alcoholic drink to quench your thirst before you start drinking alcohol.

Use standard drinks: Monitor how much alcohol you drink. By converting what you drink into standard drinks, it is easier to keep track.

Drink slowly: Take sips and not gulps. Put your glass down between sips.

Eat before or while you are drinking: Eating slows your drinking pace and fills you up. If you have a full stomach, alcohol will be absorbed more slowly.

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OUT & ABOUTAvoid salty snacks: Salty food like chips or nuts make you thirsty, so you drink more.

Avoid “shouts”: Don’t get involved in shouts or rounds. Drink at your own pace- not someone else’s. If you do get stuck in a shout, buy a non-alcoholic drink for yourself when it’s your turn.

One drink at a time: Don’t let people top up your drinks. It is hard to keep track of how much alcohol you have drunk.

Pace yourself: Try having a “spacer”, which is any non-alcoholic drink you can have in between drinks with alcohol in them

Stay busy: If you have something to do, you tend to drink less. Play pool or dance- don’t just sit and drink.

Be assertive: Don’t be pressured into drinking more than you want or intend to. Tell your friends ‘thanks, but no thanks’, or ‘I’m driving’, or ‘I’ve got an early start’.

Until you get your drinking under control you may have to make some tough decisions about your high risk or trigger situations. This may mean avoiding going to the pub after work or visiting a friend you know is a heavy drinker.

DON’T BEAT UP ON YOURSELF! CHANGE CAN BE HARD AND YOU WILL HAVE TOUGH TIMES BUT ANY HABIT CAN BE BROKEN. DEAL WITH ANY LAPSE BY REFLECTING ON WHAT CAUSED IT AND BEGINNING AGAIN THE NEXT DAY WITH AN EVEN STRONGER RESOLVE!

Practice saying ‘NO’ and ask a counsellor for different ways you can do this.

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NOTES:

Alcohol, Drugs AnD the WorkplAce36

NOTES:

BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DRUG & ALCOHOL SUPPORT

VICTORIA & TASMANIAIncolink provide specialist Drug & Alcohol Counselling and support for members and their families. Our team of counsellors also offer generalist counselling services for any mental health issue including stress, depression, anxiety, relationship problems or financial difficulties.

If you require support for any issue please call (03) 9668 3061.

incolink.org.au

1 Pelham Street, Carlton VIC 3053

Telephone: (03) 9639 3000 Facsimile: (03) 9639 1366

Freecall: 1800 337 789

Email Operations: [email protected] Email Member Services: [email protected]

ASSOC IAT ION

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