Abstract
Substance abuse (1) is the patterned use of a drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods which are harmful to themselves or others. Addiction (2) is defined as not having control over doing, taking, or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.
If we look back at in time, the use of mind-altering substances is nothing new and can be traced back to as far as 10,000 BCE (before common ere). For example, Opium has been used for thousands of years all over the world for its medicinal and recreational properties. This has been a silent problem for generations but what has changed in recent years is the socio-cultural representation of substance abuse and its relevance within our popular culture. We only have to turn the TV on to see reports of many popular figures who have been affected by addiction, and for some, have lost their lives to it.
When we think about addiction, there are some key risk factors that present in this disease which will be discussed during this lecture. However, addiction is non-discriminate and can affect anyone. It is a disease and should be treated in this way- with support, respect and a non-judgemental approach.
There is currently a lack of statists to analyse the presence of substance abuse within the veterinary profession, however evidence does exist within the medical health care field, with the UK Addiction Treatment Centres (3) claiming as many as 1 in 6 GPs may be at risk of substance abuse. Considering this statistic, should this be a topic of discussion within our own profession? This lecture will discuss the current statistics/ figures available and will offer support to anyone who is either struggling with substance abuse or is trying to support a loved one through this process.
References:
1- Wikipedia contributors. (2022, June 5). Substance abuse. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia. Retrieved 12:09, June 7, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Substance_abuse&oldid=1091703009
2- National Health Service (NHS). (2021). Addiction: What is it?. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/addiction-what-is-it/. Last accessed 7th June 2022
3- -The Risk Factors of Addiction - Rehab 4 Addiction
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | British veterinary nursing association |
| Publication status | Published - 9 Oct 2022 |
