COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING

UNIT TEN : Substance abuse

Question I
What do you understand by substance abuse?
Ans:
Is a maladaptive pattern of substance use resulting in repeated problem and adverse
consequences.
Question II
Define the following terms:
a) dependence
b) tolerance
c) with-drawl
Ans:
a) dependence – The psychophysical state of a substance users in which the usual or
increasing dose of the substance are required to prevent the on set of withdrawal symptoms.
b) tolerance – Is the requirement for an increased amount of the substance to achieve a
desired effect or there is markedly diminished effect regular use of the same dose.
c) with-drawl – specific organic brain syndrome that resulting for cessation or reduction in
intake of substances.

Question III
Differentiate between:
Psychological dependence and physical dependence.
Ans:
Phycological dependence Physical dependence

Is a compulsion that required periodic or It is a body’s biological need evidence by

continuous exposure to a substance to tolerance or with-drawl symptoms.
produce pleasure and or avoid discomfort.

Is a continuous or intermittent carving of a

substance.
Question IV
What facilitate the use of substance or abuse?
Ans:
Drug variability, user variability and environment facilitates the use of substances.

Question V
What are the factors contributing an individual to substance abuse?
Ans:
Factors contributing an individual to substance abuse are:
1. Availability
2. Cost
3. Mode of administration
4. Speed of onset
5. Termination effect

Question VI
List some of the substances abused by an individual.
Ans:
List of some of the substance abused by individual are:
1. Alcohol
2. Tobacco
3. Cocaine
4. Hashish marijuana

Question VII
What possible problems would you be associated with the substance abuse.
Ans:
Problems associated with substance abuse are:
1. Health related problems
2. Economic consequence
3. Social problem
Question VIII
Explain on the consequences of the substance abuse?
Ans:
Consequence of the substance abuse varying from health related problems, economic
problems and social problems. The substance user will suffer from other health related
problems due to the adverse effect of the substances and the individual will face lot of health
related problems. Due to continuous usage of substances, the individual as well as family as a
whole will face economic problems. The individual will face economic crisis and the family
as a whole will have low way of living standard resulting in poor health. As a substance
abuser, the individual will face social problems where as the community or society will
isolate him/her and even the individual will be isolated by spouse and families. So, there will
be social problems such as divorce, prostitution, crime, accident, dangerous vagrancy, etc.,

Question IX
Describe the types of management and controlling measure to substance abuse.
Ans:
MANAGEMENT
The purpose and goal of Rx is to prevent and reduce the incidence and severity of problems
associated with the use of substances.
The Rx include;
 Early detection of cases and early intervention before complicate occurs.
i. Gradual withdrawal
ii. Substitution of less addictive
iii. Symptomatic treatment
 Pharmacotherapy (to prevent relapse once on initial remission)
 Psychotherapy and counselling
Rx designed to produce a response by mental ratter than by physical effects.
 Long term Rx and rehabilitation include
i. Education
ii. Family/friend support
iii. Self-help group
iv. Vocation rehabilitation
CONTROLLING MEASURE
Control of production, supply and availability
 Stopping the supply process as its source
 Crop eradication
 Crop substitution
 Control of distribution and access.

Demand reduction
 Reducing consumption
 Increase price
 Control of advertisement and promotion.

Rational prescribing, dispensing and uses of narcotic and psychotropic drugs.

 Proper diagnosis and decide on the use of drugs
 Keep records
 Take as prescribed
 Not use for non-medical purpose, etc.,
 Increasing individual resistance from social pressure by health education.