Witrand report showcases devastating effects of substance abuse
Hospital statistics from April to December 2023 showcased 78 patients, 19 of them youths who were referred to J.B. Marks for Rehabilitation on discharge
In the past ten months, most patients who were admitted to Witrand Specialised Hospital presented with numerous conditions related to substance abuse.
According to Witrand Hospital spokesperson, Nico Masiu, the worst-case scenario is poly-substance dependence and struggling with multiple substance addictions, with 50 patients admitted as a
result of poly-substance-related disorders.
“Poly-substance dependence refers to a type of substance/drug use disorder in which an individual indiscriminately uses at least three different classes of (drugs) substances e.g. cannabis, amphetamine, and alcohol. We saw about 11 of those with Cannabis-related disorders, phencyclidine-related disorders (seven), alcohol abuse disorder (four), followed by amphetamine-related disorders
(four), and three other related disorders,” stated Masiu.
Substances commonly associated with substance abuse and mental health problems involve the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, like alcohol, prescription medications when misused, and various illicit drugs like cocaine, crystal meth (also known as amphetamine), cannabis/marijuana, nyaope, and hookah pipes. The misuse of any substance has the potential to harm your mental health.
“Substance abuse can disrupt brain chemistry, trigger or exacerbate mood disorders like depression and anxiety, and even lead to psychotic disorders. It’s a complex relationship, and co-occurring
substance use and mental health disorders require specialised treatment.”
Signs of substance abuse:
*Changes in behaviour
*Neglecting responsibilities
*Withdrawal from social activities
*Physical health problems
*A strong desire to use the substance
despite negative consequences.
Harmful and fatal substance abuserelated conditions:
1. Amphetamine-related psychiatric
disorders:
This is a high index of suspicion for patients presenting with a sympathomimetic toxidrome. These include tachycardia, hypertension, mydriasis, hyperthermia, and
agitation.
How serious is tachycardia?
When your heart beats more than 100 times a minute at rest, that’s tachycardia. Because your heart
beats too often, it doesn’t have the time it needs to fill with blood between beats. This can be dangerous if your heart can’t supply all your cells with the blood and oxygen they
need.
Mydriasis is excessive or prolonged dilation of the pupil of the eye.
Hyperthermia occurs when the body’s heat-regulating mechanisms don’t work
effectively.
A temperature of 40 °C (104°F) or higher is life-threatening. Confusion, nausea or vomiting, and rapid breathing are some symptoms. Agitation is a feeling of irritability or severe restlessness.
2. Cannabis-related disorders:
A problematic pattern of cannabis use leading to clinically significant impairment
or distress, as manifested by at least two of the following, occurring within 12 months:
Cannabis is dangerous when often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than
was intended.
What are the symptoms of acute
cannabinoid overdose (ACO)?
ACO symptoms can include panic and anxiety, feelings of paranoia, agitation,
visual and auditory hallucinations, and nausea. These symptoms, often requiring
emergency medical attention, can take several days to fully resolve. At some point,
it may trigger severe mental conditions, including schizophrenia.
Common types of mental illness
include:
*Depression, a mood disorder characterised by persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and feelings of hopelessness. Depression can happen to anyone.
*Anxiety disorder, a condition characterised by excessive worry, fear, and avoidance behaviours.
*Schizophrenia, a complex mental health disorder that affects a person’s thinking, emotions, and perceptions. This disorder may lead to hallucinations and delusions.
“Avoid using substances by all means. Don’t do drugs. You can take care of your mental health by doing regular exercises, getting enough sleep, managing stress in healthier ways, and seeking support from families, friends, and professionals where needed,” ended Masiu.
