CFA Research Article 6 -Drug use

Detailed information about drug and substance use can be accessed on the Drug Info website.

The information below is summarised from the Drug Info resources. http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au/drug-facts/drugs-the-facts

What is a drug?

A drug is a substance, other than food, which is taken to change the way the body and/or mind function. Mood altering drugs are also called "psychoactive drugs". They can affect the way a person thinks, feels and acts. These drugs usually have physical effects as well, but what sets them apart from other drugs is that they work on the mind and the senses.

Why do people use drugs?

People use drugs to relax, to function, for enjoyment, to be part of a group, out of curiosity or to avoid physical and/or psychological pain. Drug use is influenced by a number of factors. Most people use drugs because they want to feel better or different. They use drugs for the benefits (perceived and/or experienced), not for the potential harm. This applies to both legal and illegal drugs.

Tolerance and dependence

There is evidence that after prolonged use, many drugs are addictive. People who use a drug regularly can develop dependence and tolerance to it. This means they need to take larger amounts of the drug to get the same effect.

Dependence on a drug can be psychological, physical, or both. People who are dependent on the drug find that using the drug becomes far more important than other activities in their life. They crave the drug and find it very difficult to stop using it.  People who are psychologically dependent on a drug may find they feel the urge to use it when they are in specific surroundings, such as socialising with friends.  
Physical dependence occurs when a person's body adapts to a drug and gets used to functioning with the drug present.

Getting help

In Australia, there are many different treatment options for drug problems. Some aim to help a person stop using a drug, while others aim to reduce the risks and harm related to their drug use. If you, or a friend are finding your drug or substance use negatively affecting your life or relationships, it may be worth talking to your GP to get some advice about ways to address the issue.

In addition the CFA’s Welfare Services program may be the first contact point for people who are concerned that they have a drug or substance use problem. Remember, any CFA member or immediate family member can access Welfare Services at any time.

Welfare services are short term in nature. Members with long term clinical or complex needs will be linked to appropriate services where relevant, such as internal services (WorkCover or Volunteer Compensation) and external community based agencies.

• Peer support can be accessed through the Regional Duty Officer, Officer in Charge, Line Manager, the Peer Coordinator or via the CFA Welfare line (ph 1800 628 616)
• Chaplains can be contacted directly or by contacting Converge International on 1800 337 068
• Psychologists/Counsellors can be contacted directly by contacting PPC Worldwide on1300 361 008

If you have any comments about the Welfare Services programs, please email welfareservices@cfa.vic.gov.au

Other articles in the series;

CFA Research Article 1 - Research Confirms

CFA Research Article 2 - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

CFA Research Article 3 - Depression

CFA Research Article 4 - Anxiety

CFA Research Article 5 - Alcohol