Drug addiction and abuse are serious problems in Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, approximately 1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental health disorder, with drug addiction and abuse being one of the most common causes.

This blog post will discuss the state of drug addiction and abuse in Australia and how first aid courses can help you be better prepared to deal with an addict who may be suffering from an overdose or other medical emergency.

 

 

What Is Drug Abuse?

Drug abuse is the use of drugs in a way that is not prescribed or safe. Usually, abusers take more medication than prescribed, use drugs for recreational purposes, or mix drugs with other substances (such as alcohol).

Drug abuse can lead to addiction, health problems, and social and legal problems. The most common drugs abused in Australia after Marijuana are prescription opioids, amphetamines, and ecstasy. At least 11.2% of Australians over the age of 14 have used ecstasy, meaning that over 3,000,000 people suffer from dependency.

 

What Is Drug Addiction?

Drug addiction can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. There are many different types of drugs that can be addictive, including alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, illegal drugs, and prescription medications. Addiction is a disease that causes compulsive drug use, even in the face of negative consequences.

Drug addiction can lead to criminal activity, job loss, financial problems, and relationship conflicts. It can also lead to serious health problems, including overdose and death.

 

How Prescription Opioids Aren’t Helping The Situation

In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of Australians using prescription opioids. The increase is mainly because pharmaceutical companies have marketed these drugs as safe and non-addictive. However, this is far from the truth.

In 2017, doctors wrote over 14 million prescriptions for opioid painkillers. That may not sound like a lot, but it is a significant number when you consider there are only 25 million people in Australia. Moreover, it’s important because 1 in 10 people become addicted to prescription opioids even though they genuinely need the medication.

What’s even more concerning is that opioid overdoses have been rising in recent years. In fact, between 2012 and 2016, the number of Australians who died from an opioid overdose increased by over 60%. Despite that, the unsettling statistic remains, pharmaceutical opioids are related to at least 70% of opioid overdoses. Prescription opioids are highly addictive and can lead to serious health problems, including overdose and death, so it is vital to be aware of the risks.

 

What Are The Signs Of Drug Abuse?

Knowing what signifies drug abuse can be challenging with so many different drugs that people can abuse. The signs of drug abuse can vary depending on the drug involved.

If someone is abusing drugs, they may exhibit changes in behavior, such as becoming secretive or withdrawn, having mood swings, or changing their social circles. They may also have physical changes, such as weight loss or gain, changes in appearance, bloodshot eyes, or a lack of coordination.

 

Other signs may include:

• Using the drug daily or having cravings several times a day for the drug.
• Someone is spending money on the drug even though they can’t afford it.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug.
• Need more of the drug over time to achieve the desired effects.
• Having problems at work or school due to drug abuse.
• Driving or doing risky activities while under the influence of the drug.
• Stealing or borrowing money to buy drugs.
• Continuing to use the drug even though it’s causing severe health and psychological problems.
• Someone failed multiple attempts to quit using the drug.
• Having intense and urgent thoughts about the drug blocks out all other ideas.

 

How First Aid Courses Can Help

If you know someone struggling with drug addiction or abuse, it is essential to be prepared to help them in an emergency. First aid courses can teach you how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an overdose and how to administer first aid treatment.

If you think someone is experiencing an overdose, it is important to call emergency services immediately. Until help arrives, you can administer first aid treatment to help keep the person safe and comfortable. First aid courses can also teach you how to deal with other emergencies that may occur due to drug abuse, such as an overdose or a mental health crisis. Knowing how to provide first aid for these emergencies can help you save a life.

If you are concerned that someone you know is abusing drugs, it is essential to talk to them about your concerns and get them help. Many resources are available to help people struggling with addiction, including counseling, support groups, and rehab programs.

 

Steps To Administer First Aid For A Suspected Overdose:

If you notice that someone is overdosing or unconscious after a suspected overdose, you can take specific steps to help them. You don’t have to be a first aid expert to help someone in an overdose emergency – just remember to stay calm and act quickly.

The following are the steps to take for an overdose emergency:

• First, assess the scene and the person’s condition; note any drug residue or other unsafe items nearby.
• Check to see if the person is responsive and breathing. If they are not responsive, call 911 immediately.
• Make sure the person is safe and won’t hurt themselves or someone else.
• Check for a pulse and breathing. If there is no pulse, start chest compressions.
• If they are still unresponsive, administer naloxone if available.
• If they are responsive and breathing, place them in the recovery position and wait for help to arrive.
• Do not give the person anything to eat or drink.
• If the person has a seizure, do not move them and call 911 immediately.

 

How To Acquire The Best First Aid Skills

In Australia, drug addiction is an increasingly prevalent problem. First aid courses can provide you with the skills to help someone struggling with addiction. First Aid Pro Perth offers first aid training courses designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to help someone in an emergency. The training is unique, thorough, and aligns with the standards of the Australian Resuscitation Council.

They offer training with flexible schedules. With an affordable price and multiple locations, participants can have their certificate on the same day. First Aid Pro Perth is a nationally trusted RTO, and its courses are endorsed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian College of Nursing. For more information, visit First Aid Pro Perth today.

Published: 2022-04-10 10:21:03