Dealing With Alcohol and Drug Problems: Introduction

The use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs is one of the more controversial issues in our society, and often a source of conflict between generations and between sections of society. It's not the purpose of this page - or of the University Counselling Service - to tell people how to behave or to seek to label them as alcohol or drug abusers. Alcohol and other drugs are powerful substances with a potential to harm users or to tempt them into overindulgence, so we do encourage students to take care of themselves when considering using them and to avoid taking any risks which they might regret later.

No universal classification of what constitutes unhealthy use exists. Many classifications ignore the fact that alcohol and drug use is an accepted part of many social sets. What is seen as risky behaviour by one group is accepted as normal by another.

Use of drink and drugs can be classified as -

Abstinent

No use is made.

Controlled

People have made a conscious decision, have evaluated the risks and can stop if they want.

Impulsive

Use is unpredictable and can lead to unexpected accidents and harm. However there is not continual use or dependency.

Habitual

The use of alcohol or drugs have become a significant and important part of the person's lifestyle. Stopping would not be easy.

Dependent

There is a high degree of physical and psychological addiction. Alcohol and drug use disrupts or rules the person's life. Stopping is not possible without considerable support.

Obviously abstinence and controlled use is the least worrying category and dependency the most problematic. However many people making impulsive or habitual use of drink and drugs are not totally happy with their situation.

11 May 2011