In this chapter, we discuss drug use in Australia. We take a public health approach to the problems created by the use of drugs. Public health approaches to substance use focus on reducing harmful consequences of substance use, irrespective of the type of substance being used (Csete et al., 2016). Reducing population-level harms related to substance use can be achieved by reducing the numbers of people who use drugs, but also by reducing harmful patterns of use among those who choose to use. These two goals can be compatible. Public health responses to drug use acknowledge that some people will continue to use drugs regardless of legal or social sanctions. Consequently, policies aimed at reducing drug-related harm are central to a public health framework. Some public health policies (for example, appropriate taxation) work by reducing both the numbers of users and the harmful patterns of use (Anderson, Chisholm & Fuhr, 2009).

This chapter introduces the intersections between mental health care and drug and alcohol care. It addresses the implications for holistic health care needs related to dual drug and alcohol use, and concurrent mental health conditions. It tells the contemporary, real-life story of a person who developed an episode of psychosis following consumption of premixed alcohol and caffeine drinks. The chapter also describes change models applied to substance use and recovery, such as motivational interviewing and stages of change readiness. Both common and less common drugs and their misuse affect the physical, social, cognitive and mental health dimensions of people with mental health conditions. Reflective exercises guide readers to consider how they will be able to promote mental health and well-being and minimise drug-related harm to individuals and communities in a practice context.

This chapter introduces the intersections between mental health care and drug and alcohol care. It addresses the implications for holistic health care needs related to dual drug and alcohol use, and concurrent mental health conditions. It tells the contemporary, real-life story of a person who developed an episode of psychosis following consumption of premixed alcohol and caffeine drinks. The chapter also describes change models applied to substance use and recovery, such as motivational interviewing and stages of change readiness. Both common and less common drugs and their misuse affect the physical, social, cognitive and mental health dimensions of people with mental health conditions. Reflective exercises guide readers to consider how they will be able to promote mental health and well-being and minimise drug-related harm to individuals and communities in a practice context.

Substance use has always been a feature of societies with the use of alcohol and plants with psychoactive properties for medicinal, recreational, religious, cultural and ceremonial purposes. While the use of substances is common, and some substances such as those used as medicines can be helpful, the misuse of medicines, alcohol and other drugs can cause physical, psychological, social, family and community harm. Working in the area of substance use and the treatment of substance use disorders can be confronting. For health practitioners, there are often competing moral and ethical dilemmas. An understanding of the impact of substance use and awareness of one’s own attitudes towards substance use is important if nurses are to be effective in assessing the impact of substance use and ensuring that individuals and families have access to appropriate and timely care. This chapter focuses on this specialised area of drug and alcohol nursing practice including supporting people using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Substance use has always been a feature of societies with the use of alcohol and plants with psychoactive properties for medicinal, recreational, religious, cultural and ceremonial purposes. While the use of substances is common, and some substances such as those used as medicines can be helpful, the misuse of medicines, alcohol and other drugs can cause physical, psychological, social, family and community harm. Working in the area of substance use and the treatment of substance use disorders can be confronting. For health practitioners, there are often competing moral and ethical dilemmas. An understanding of the impact of substance use and awareness of one’s own attitudes towards substance use is important if nurses are to be effective in assessing the impact of substance use and ensuring that individuals and families have access to appropriate and timely care. This chapter focuses on this specialised area of drug and alcohol nursing practice including supporting people using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.