substance misuse

A drug is a chemical substance that acts on the brain and nervous system, changing a person’s mood, emotion or state of consciousness. Drugs are often classified by the effect they have.
Stimulants, such as cocaine, make people feel full of energy. Depressants (or sedatives), such as heroin, make people feel relaxed. Hallucinogens, such as LSD, make people see, feel or hear things that are not real. Drug or substance misuse is when a person regularly takes one or more drugs to change their mood, emotion or state of consciousness.

Our substance misuse Blogs

The role of paramedics in suicide prevention: links between sleep, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts

No Responses »
Profile photo of Kirsten Russell
Posted by
>,
megan-te-boekhorst-3sn9MUlx2ZE-unsplash

Kirsten Russell and Susan Rasmussen summarise a recent cohort study on self-reported sleep disturbance in ambulance attendances for suicidal ideation and attempted suicide, which suggests a possible role for paramedics in suicide prevention.

[read the full story...]

Alcohol: a drug in a class of its own

1 Response »
Profile photo of Ian Hamilton
Posted by
frank-luca-c-fbj_fTFUM-unsplash

Ian Hamilton summarises a systematic review published last week, which explores the role of alcohol use and drinking patterns in socioeconomic inequalities in mortality.

[read the full story...]

Cheers Covid-19: Will we consume more alcohol during this crisis?

No Responses »
Profile photo of Ian Hamilton
Posted by
shutterstock_1145346926

Ian Hamilton reflects on the empty shelves in the Supermarket alcohol aisle and wonders how our relationship with alcohol might change during the Coronavirus pandemic.

[read the full story...]

Mental disorders and intimate partner violence perpetrated by men towards women

1 Response »
Profile photo of Anna Sri
Posted by
sharon-mccutcheon-JYdssCgZgCY-unsplash

Anna Sri explores a recent longitudinal study exploring the links between mental disorders and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrated by men towards women, which finds that many psychiatric diagnoses were associated with an increased risk of IPV.

[read the full story...]

Is reading for pleasure in childhood good for your health?

No Responses »
Profile photo of Francesca Bentivegna
Posted by
Although an association between reading for pleasure and healthy behaviours was identified, causation is still unclear.

Francesca Bentivegna summarises a recent study of the benefits of reading for pleasure in childhood, which finds an association 3 years later with consuming more fruit and being less exposed to both cigarette and alcohol use.

[read the full story...]

The never-ending story: the problematic relationship between youth anxiety and later alcohol use

No Responses »
Profile photo of Francesca Bentivegna
Posted by
Featured

Francesca Bentivigna summarises a systematic review that explores the associations of child and adolescent anxiety with later alcohol use and disorders.

[read the full story...]

Long-term outcomes of childhood sexual abuse #ISTSS2019

3 Responses »
Raphael Underwood
Posted by
shutterstock_731750611

Raphael Underwood summarises a recent umbrella review (a synthesis of meta-analyses), which aimed to evaluate the current literature regarding childhood sexual abuse and long-term outcomes (psychosocial outcomes, psychiatric diagnoses and physical health outcomes).

[read the full story...]

The global drug problem: who cares? #LxAddictions19

No Responses »
Profile photo of Ian Hamilton
Posted by
shutterstock_161191178

Ian Hamilton shares his thoughts on the new Drug Use series published yesterday in The Lancet: The global drug problem – change but not progression.

[read the full story...]

Amphetamine-like stimulant use: what do we know about who uses them and how drug using careers develop?

No Responses »
Profile photo of Harry Sumnall
Posted by
charisse-kenion-AZRVxIyCLxY-unsplash

Harry Sumnall considers a systematic narrative review, which looks at the individual, social and environmental influences that shape key phases in the amphetamine-like stimulant use trajectory

[read the full story...]

“It doesn’t mean they aren’t after you”: sexual minorities and paranoia

1 Response »
Profile photo of Sarah Carr
Posted by
shutterstock_1151758097

Sarah Carr explores a recent cross-sectional study on sexual minority status and symptoms of psychosis, which looks at the role of bullying, discrimination, social support and drug use.

[read the full story...]