Alcohol and drug abuse problems are on the rise. Widespread increase in alcohol consumption among all social groups, misuse of prescription drugs, abuse are causes for concern.

Be a Prevention Agent

There is a widespread mistaken notion that alcohol/drug use is a sure way to have fun, a panacea for all emotional problems, a cure for insomnia, and a tonic to improve the physique. As a counseller our views and opinions are highly respected. We are best suited to present facts, suggest healthy alternatives and effectively dissuade alcohol/drug use. Do take a strong stand against alcohol/drug use when dealing with individual patients and also while addressing groups. If at all one feels that he should have alcohol, emphasise cautious and restrained use.

Early Identification and Intervention

Early detection – the key to effective intervention – can be made based on a few early warning indicators. Apart from causing problems at work and in the family, addiction contributes to and complicates a variety of health problems.

Patients whose use pattern belong to the high risk category but are not yet addicted, can be helped to reduce the quantity and frequency of intake. Collecting details about the specific quantity and frequency is necessary to assess the pattern of intake. “Just a few drinks”, or “only occasionally”, are vague answers that are not helpful. Involving the family can be very useful.

Presenting facts in simple language and interpreting how this habit can interfere with his functioning can help the patient review his alcohol/ drug use pattern. Physicians who are seen as supportive and non critical are able to strongly influence patients to change their drinking/drug use patterns.

Administer a screening test

The cage questionnaire is a short and simple screening test that can be easily incorporated into the patient interview.

The CAGE questions adapted to include drugs(CAGE-AID)

Have you felt you ought to Cut down on your drinking or drug use?
Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking or drug use?
Have you felt bad or Guilty about your drinking or drug use?
Have you ever had a drink or used drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover (Eye-opener)?

If the answer to one of the above questions is “yes”, a detailed assessment would be necessary. A score of 2-4 indicates a substance abuse problem.









Name of Drugs

Short-term Effects


Long-term Effects


Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol and other Depressants

Loss of inhibition ; Drowsiness; Impaired attention, judgement, memory.

Depression ; Insomnia: Sexual Problems liver and neurological Disorders etc.,

Insomnia,Tremors, Weakness HALLUCINACIOLS and etc.,


Making a Referral to an addiction Treatment Centre

Around 20% of all drinkers become alcoholics. With other drugs of abuse a higher percentage become addicted. Addiction knows no boundaries. Age, sex, occupational status, family background, education-nothing matters. Addiction can happen to anybody. When addiction develops, your patient needs specialized intensive treatment to abstain from alcohol and drugs.

Refer him to an addiction treatment centre preferably in the same city or town where he lives. A good centre should offer medical help,a structured psychological therapy programme, a regular follow-up regimen along with a system that ensures family involvement. Encourage him to take help rather than keep convincing himself that he can handle it alone.

Help him get in touch with self-help groups of Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous if they do operate in the area.

Continue to stay in touch with the patient. Provide hope and instill confidence to support him in his recovery. Recovery from addiction obviously means total abstinence from alcohol/drugs as well as ensuring a qualitative lifestyle.




Can Make a Difference!

In your role as a social worker or good friend, you can function as a powerful prevention agent as well as carry out the most efficient intervention strategy that can curtail the progression of the disease of addiction. You can play this role and make a difference.