The allure of substance abuse during the holidays

Shadow of an alcoholic woman. (Courtesy/GettyImages)

People all over the world look forward to the festive season. It is a unique time that allows most people to reconnect, relax, and spend quality time with friends and family away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

It is also a time for people to reflect on the year that has just ended, take stock of successes and failures, and make plans for the new year.

One thing that remains constant in this festive mood is the need to indulge, leading to overindulgence in food and drink. While this is tolerable during this short window of low vigilance, there is a fine line between use and abuse, especially when it comes to substances such as alcohol and other drugs.

This begs the question: what is the difference between substance use and abuse? How do you tell the difference between occasional recreational use and abuse?

Substance use is the use of alcohol or drugs such as marijuana, tobacco and stimulants that may or may not be problematic. It includes occasional drinking, the appropriate use of medicines and the occasional use of recreational substances. Examples include having an alcoholic drink when attending a social event or taking medication to relieve pain caused by a medical condition.

This normal use of substances is characterised by moderate, irregular use that is normalised in social celebrations and medical treatment, where the user maintains control over his or her use and does not experience adverse effects in daily life.

Substance abuse, on the other hand, can be defined as continuing to use drugs or alcohol even when it has become a negative influence on a person’s life, including health, relationship or legal problems. Most show a pattern of excessive use that can lead to more advanced problems such as addiction.

This type of use is characterised by compulsive or routine use of substances, where users may be unaware of the harmful effects of their use on their personal and professional lives. While not all substance misuse leads to addiction, it significantly increases the risk.

It is important to note that not all substance use leads to abuse; however, regular use has the potential to become abuse if an individual begins to use substances as a means of coping with stress, emotions or social relationships.

Recognising the signs and symptoms of substance dependence can facilitate early treatment. Addiction to substances is associated with a variety of physical, behavioural and psychological changes.

Common signs to recognise or notice if you or someone close to you has developed some form of substance addiction include; Physically you will have increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms and changes in physical appearance.

Behaviourally there may be loss of control over use, neglect of responsibilities, risky and secretive behaviour and socially there may be financial, and relationship problems either at home or at work.

Early intervention by a psychiatrist or psychologist can reduce the risk of becoming addicted.