Substance Misuse

What is Substance Misuse

Substance Misuse is where a person uses alcohol or drugs to the extent that they cause harm to themselves, Substance abuse is more common among people who are suffering from Mental Health issues.

How common is Substance Misuse

Reporting Substance Misuse

Citizens advice recommend the following steps.
1. Find somewhere safe to stay (relative, friends, refuge emergency
or rented accommodation)
2. It recommends that women in Wales looking for a refuge ring Live Fear Free on 0808 8010 800, for England they should ring the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
3. For men requiring a refuge in England they should ring Mens Advice Line on
0808 8010327, for men in Wales it’s the same number as above 0808 8010 800.

The MET police state that you should use the emergency number
999 if your life is in danger, otherwise call 101.
Otherwise, if you need help or advice use our signposting database to
locate the support you require.

 

Substance Misuse is directly associated with Mental Health issues and as such should follow the same process.

As stated above manifest in different ways and should be treated differently. However, MHFA use the acronym A.L.G.E.E to support the person

  • Approach the person and assist
  • Give support
  • Encourage the person to seek professional help
  • Encourage them to find someone to talk to, who they are comfortable discussing their issues.

Rethink Mental Illness also state the importance of directing them towards a medical professional

  • Encourage them to seek help from a medical professional
  • If they do not wish to do this, you should contact  a GP or your local mental health services

Substance Misuse in regards to race

There are no statistics that specifically highlight the numbers of
domestic abuse associated with the BAME communities.
Due to the disproportionate incarceration of black men and women
in the UK, there is little faith in the police, which means that people
of colour are less likely report their abuse.
There is also, in many communities also a language barrier to
reporting domestic abuse.

As is pointed out in the Mental Health section the BAME community rates of issues are substancially greater than those of white people, which means that the alcohol and drug use within the BAME community would also be higher.