Substance Abuse

Substance abuse or misuse is 'the continual misuse of any mind altering substance which severely interferes with an individual's physical and mental health, social situation and responsibilities'.

The most severe forms of substance misuse are normally treated by specialist drug and alcohol rehabilitation services. For people with mental health problems who are also substance misusers, the community mental health team normally encourages contact with a specialist substance misuse service for help.

Shaw specialist mental health services, supported living and community care at home services all provide care, support and advice for many people with various degrees of dependence on substances.  

Alcohol dependence is the most common problem of this kind, but the misuse of any drug, including heroin, cocaine, crack and cannabis, comes into this category, as does the misuse of volatile substances such as glue and aerosols. Substance abuse may also include smoking cigarettes or drinking excessive amounts of coffee. Although not strictly a form of substance abuse, the eating disorder bulimia nervosa does involve the misuse of food.