ALCOHOL AND DRUGS the facts Produced by Personal Services 2 (Army), Upavon Design by Design Studio, Upavon AC 64243 CONTENTS alcohol and the army are you fit for duty? alcohol and fitness dependence or addiction getting help 3 7 11 15 19 about drugs armed forces reject drug misuse compulsory drug testing spiking getting help what do drugs do? 21 23 25 29 31 33 cannabis ecstasy cocaine amphetamines heroin and opiates LSD steroids misuse of medicines, pharmaceutical & chemicals 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 medical action notes 51 55 1 ALCOHOL AND THE ARMY Alcohol has been a part of military life since well before the formation of the units that now make up the British Army. alcohol has been around for thousands of years 2 The Army’s message is not “anti-alcohol” and does recognise that moderate use of alcohol has a social function. made themselves ill through the misuse of alcohol. This does much to undermine the good image of the Army. The focus in the Army is now on professionalism and personal responsibility. This doesn’t mean that the Army expects its soldiers to be teetotal, although it's fine if they are. Drinking in the Army is part of the social scene and it can encourage bonding and comradeship, but it must not be at the expense of operational capability. Responsible drinking is what the Army expects and what the Army demands. Teamwork As a member of a team your actions and behaviour will have an impact on its effectiveness. Soldiers who misuse alcohol can damage trust and respect within the team and as a result have a negative impact on the operational effectiveness of their unit. In the Army 75% of violent offences are alcohol related. Time and resources are also wasted treating those who have injured themselves or This guide provides you with the information you need to examine your own levels of drinking and to advise you on the impact that alcohol has on behaviour and health. alcohol 3 Effects of Alcohol The effects of alcohol depend mostly on the amount that becomes concentrated in the blood. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) simply measures what quantity of your blood is alcohol. The liver can process 1 unit of alcohol per hour 1 UNIT = 1/2 PINT OF REGULAR Tolerance to alcohol Many soldiers believe that building up tolerance to the effects of alcohol is a sign of strength or bravado. It isn’t. All it means is that the liver has to process greater and greater amounts of alcohol and will fail that much sooner. Regular heavy drinking can also lead to dependence and alcoholism. The development of tolerance to alcohol can also be a sign of serious alcohol problems. The more you get used to drinking, the harder it will be when you have to stop. For example if you go on exercise or are deployed on a tour where drinking is limited, like N. Ireland or Bosnia, you could experience withdrawal symptoms. Someone experiencing alcohol withdrawal is a liability, a hazard and single-handedly undermines the operational effectiveness of the unit. How much can I drink to produce a particular blood alcohol concentration? Not everyone will end up with the same BAC after drinking the same amount of alcohol. Other factors are involved, for example: Sex In general women will get a higher BAC than men after drinking the same amount of alcohol. • Women have less of the enzyme that is needed to remove alcohol from the blood. • Alcohol mixes easily with water, but not with fat. Weight for weight, women have more fat in their bodies than men and less water. So the alcohol a woman drinks will be less diluted and more concentrated in the blood. Height and weight A large person will generally have a lower BAC after drinking the same as a small person, simply because the large person has more blood for the alcohol to mix with. However, if the difference is mostly fat, this does not apply. Stomach contents Drinking on an empty stomach allows alcohol to pass quickly into the bloodstream and it will have a more immediate effect on the brain. A full stomach will not stop the alcohol from getting into the blood, but it will slow it down. STRENGTH BEER OR 1 GLASS OF WINE OR PUB MEASURE OF SPIRITS 4 alcohol 5 ARE YOU FIT FOR DUTY? Fitness for Duty Health, safety and professionalism require that soldiers are fit for duty and not a liability to themselves and others. Under section 43(1) of the Army Act 1955 (AA 1955), it is an offence to be unfit for duty through drink. BAC limits for all Army personnel Even the slightest amount of alcohol can slow reaction times, distort vision and affect judgement. If a soldier drinks any alcohol at all before a driving or other safety-critical duty, he puts himself and others at risk. Responsible, professional soldiering requires all personnel to have a sensible approach to alcohol. penalties for drunkenness can include reduction in rank on the grounds of unsuitability 6 In practice, there are so many factors that can affect an individual’s ability to stay under the legal limit that the only safe advice is not to mix drinking and driving at all. • For safety-critical duties, activities like range work, guard duty, handling dangerous machinery, etc, you should not have any alcohol in your blood at all - 0mg. • So if a soldier drinks 2 pints of beer in one hour and then drives his car, he may well be breaking the law and therefore, be unfit for duty. • For driving in the UK, the legal limit is 80mg of alcohol. This can be reached for some with as little as 1 pint of beer or 2 glasses of wine. alcohol 7 You cannot judge the level of your BAC by how you feel How you feel may have nothing to do with your actual BAC. Just because you don’t feel drunk does not mean that you are safe to drive. Whether the effects can be felt or not, it has been proved that a BAC over 50mg can affect judgement, vision and general reaction times. Alcohol and safety critical duties Drinking and duty do not mix; especially when the duty involves safety-critical tasks. Any amount of alcohol in the blood can impair a soldier’s ability to: • • • • • react quickly make quick decisions perform precise tasks endure harsh conditions remain alert In the UK, if convicted of drink-driving you would lose your licence, pay a fine of up to £5000, or spend up to 6 months in jail or both. If you cause a death, the jail sentence could be 10 years. Being under the limit does not mean you cannot be prosecuted. If the police can prove that your ability to drive was affected by alcohol, you can still be charged with driving whilst unfit through drink. Never drink and drive. 8 alcohol 9 ALCOHOL AND FITNESS It is a soldier’s duty to be fit and combat-ready at all times. Anything less is unprofessional. Excessive drinking affects fitness in the following ways: • It interferes with fitness; heart and lungs work less efficiently • It damages muscles • It can lead to increased weight • It increases the risk of accidents and injuries • It damages the immune system, making you more prone to infection • It increases the time needed to recover from injuries and illnesses • It causes dehydration, making exercise dangerous and unpleasant Exercising when you still have alcohol in you can cause a heart attack, kidney failure, cramping, even convulsions. 24 hours after a heavy boozing session you may think you have recovered but your body has not. alcohol is full of calories 10 alcohol 11 Issues With longer-term heavy drinking, men can experience a “feminising effect”, leading to impotence, sterility, and enlarged breasts. Heavy drinking is definitely not ‘macho’! Binge drinking - drinking 2 or Over 50% of men convicted of sexual assault and rape had been drinking prior to the attack. An equally high proportion of victims of rape had themselves been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the attack. Women should take great care of not making themselves vulnerable through drinking. 12 more times recommended daily BINGE DRINKING Binge drinkers develop heart disease and hardening of the arteries much more rapidly than people who drink moderately. These effects multiply with age. Drinking more than 8 units a day is also associated with impotence and infertility. Consuming large amounts of alcohol in one session puts a strain on the liver and damage the brain. Heavy drinkers damage their brain cells, affecting intellect, concentration, memory and motor skills. Binge drinkers and heavy drinkers can cause accidents and damage to property, be involved in assault and sexual harassment cases, domestic disputes and other criminal activities. In other words, binge drinkers are an unacceptable nuisance and a liability. limit in one session. alcohol 13 DEPENDENCE OR ADDICTION Alcohol and Health Alcohol has serious consequences for physical and mental health due to its potential to damage nearly every part of the body. Regularly exceeding safe drinking limits puts you at risk of a variety of serious and potentially fatal conditions. The long-term effects of exceeding these limits can be seen after only a few months. What is a Safe Limit? The government’s current recommendations for healthy drinking limits are: • For men: up to 4 units per day • For women: up to 3 units per day be careful units of alcohol depend on strength and size of drink 14 These are daily limits and units should not be ‘saved up’ for the weekend and drunk in one go. Who Should Avoid Alcohol Altogether? • Soldiers going on safety-critical duty • Pregnant women • Children • Those taking medication Alcohol and Drugs Alcohol can interfere with the actions of all drugs: prescription, over-the-counter and illegal drugs. The results can be very harmful if not fatal. If you are taking any drugs or medications, do not drink. Health Benefits of Alcohol Research has indicated that people who regularly drink very modest, sensible amounts of alcohol tend to live longer, and enjoy better health, than either abstainers or those who abuse alcohol. Drinking more than the recommended limits can drastically reverse those benefits and greatly increase the risks of disease and death. alcohol 15 Physical Dependence on Alcohol This is caused by the body’s adjustment to the routine presence of alcohol. It leaves the individual vulnerable to withdrawal symptoms if alcohol is not available. Withdrawal symptoms range from slight shakiness and nausea through to withdrawal fits and uncontrollable shaking. This condition, in its most severe form, can be fatal. Psychological Dependence on Alcohol This can be equally serious. It can lead to difficulty in giving up alcohol, and in severe cases to loss of control over drinking behaviour. The result can be the breakdown of all normal social behaviour, severe mental and physical illness, and premature death. Dependence on alcohol can cause or aggravate serious mental illness such as: • Depression. This can be caused by excessive drinking alone. If you drink heavily when you are already depressed, you are likely to make yourself worse. • Anxiety and stress can also be made worse by heavy drinking. ALCOHOL - DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM? You may have a problem if you: • believe you have to drink in order to have fun • always turns to alcohol to relieve uncomfortable feelings • drink more and more to get the same effect • forget what happened when you were drinking • can’t predict whether or not you will get drunk • have trouble on duty due to hangovers • need a drink in the morning as an ‘eyeopener’ • keep making promises to yourself or others that you will stop getting drunk • you are regularly involved in public or domestic fights when you have been drinking • you drink alone, or hide your drinking from others If more than one of the above applies, you may have a drink problem or be at risk of developing one. If this is the case, you really should seek advice or talk with the Medical Officer. 16 alcohol 17 GETTING HELP Confidential Support Line Contact Numbers UK 0800 731 4880 Germany 0800 1827 395 Cyprus 080 91065 Alcohol Concern 020 7928 737 offers general information about alcohol. Call to find your nearest alcohol advisory service. Paradigm Home Link, dial Homelink access number, then enter *2999 at the PIN prompt. Alcoholics Anonymous see Yellow Pages for local branches across the UK and Germany. From anywhere in the world (Callback) +44 (0)1980 630854 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 0888 provides self-help sessions for people whose lives are affected by someone else’s drinking. Drinkline 0345 32 02 02 (calls charged at local rate, or dial and listen freecall 0500 801 802) gives confidential information and advice and can put you in touch with your local alcohol advice centre for one-to-one help. Mon-Fri 11am-11pm. (GMT) the army has facilities to get soldiers back on their feet 18 • Contact your local community alcohol and drug team - you can find the number in the yellow pages. • Your MO or GP can refer you to local alcohol counselling agencies. Or look in the local telephone directory. Your local Alcohol Advice Centre (in most areas) can provide confidential counselling for people with drink problems. alcohol 19 ABOUT DRUGS As with all social groups, the Army has values and standards and for practical reasons we don’t accept drug misuse in the Army. Soldiers are not like employees of supermarkets, in that they do not work for their own gain or the profit of a company: soldiers are public servants responsible for the defence of the country and the protection of British interests at home and abroad. In addition, today’s professional soldier is in charge of highly dangerous weapon systems and expensive and sensitive equipment. Soldiers must be fit and ready to fight at a moment’s notice. The misuse of illegal drugs puts lives at risk and undermines the public’s confidence in its Armed Forces. drug misusers are 5 times more likely to be involved in an accident outside the work place 20 drugs 21 ARMED FORCES REJECT DRUG MISUSE Drug misuse is a question of Health and Safety and Operational Effectiveness. Teamwork Being in the Army revolves around belonging to a team. Soldiers who take drugs will damage trust and respect within the team and unit. Crime To obtain drugs, soldiers must have dealings with criminals. This exposes them to a range of very real dangers, including blackmail and violence. Fit to fight Every soldier knows that keeping fit depends on willpower. The physical effects of drug misuse cannot always be seen. Damage done by illegal drugs is often gradual and not always apparent. Damage to mental capacity through drug misuse is frequently permanent. Consequences By buying illegal drugs, a soldier injects money directly into criminal activity. Due to the international nature of the drugs trade, this may ultimately pay for the ammunition fired at British Service personnel. are you fit to fight? 22 drugs 23 COMPULSORY DRUG TESTING (CDT) CDT for illegal drugs is highly accurate. Those admitting to drug misuse, or caught at CDT face administrative discharge. Does CDT work? Here are some facts: • CDT tests every sample. • CDT is very accurate. • CDT is always improving its capability and accuracy. Someone using drugs only needs to be caught once to face administrative discharge. Detection techniques are improving all the time, so make sure you are not taken in by wild claims that the test can be beaten. ‘Working the ticket’ Some soldiers, unhappy with their life in the Army, consider that the quickest way to terminate their Service is to misuse or claim to have misused drugs to secure an administrative discharge. However, this can easily backfire, as getting worthwhile civilian employment becomes difficult for soldiers with drug misuse recorded on their discharge documentation. Do not do it - you have a lot cdt tests wherever you serve 24 to lose. drugs 25 Suspicions of Misuse If you suspect a fellow soldier of misusing drugs you should report it to the chain of command or leave a confidential message on: SIB Drugs Watch Confidential Line Freephone 0800 616888 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 • Possession A soldier caught illegally ‘in possession’ of a controlled substance will generally face a custodial sentence at MCTC followed by discharge or dismissal from the Army. Normally, the CO will deal with such cases under summary powers, although it could lead to court martial. Use by Others It is illegal for an occupier or person in charge of any premises to allow anyone to produce or supply controlled drugs to others on those premises. For a soldier, this means that you are breaking the law and face prosecution if you knowingly allow anyone to misuse drugs in your quarter, even if you have had no involvement. However, the law does allow you either to remove the drugs from the person committing the offence and hand the drugs straight to the police, or to destroy them immediately. • Intent to Supply If a soldier is convicted of ‘possession with intent to supply’ the penalties become even more severe. Courts-martial (not the CO) will deal with these cases. • Penalties The penalties and sentences for possession or supply vary according to the type of drug and the severity of the offence, but generally range from custodial sentences and fines to a maximum of life imprisonment. 26 drugs 27 SPIKING It is done by covertly adding drugs to food and drinks and other substances that are ingested. Avoid being Spiked Soldiers who don’t keep an eye on their drinks, accept other people’s hand-rolled cigarettes or associate with those who use illegal drugs, expose themselves to trouble and so do those who get drunk. Actions on Spiking If you suspect you have been spiked, you should immediately report to the medical officer and then inform military or civilian police. You must also inform the unit guardroom and request that it be noted in the incident report. Genuine cases of spiking can be quickly identified and innocent victims should not hesitate to report such cases immediately. False claims of spiking will not be accepted as an excuse for a CDT positive. Alcohol misuse could make you an easy target for ‘spiking’ and the ‘Sharkwatch’ system is a good way of protecting against it. remember ‘sharkwatch’ 28 drugs 29 GETTING HELP Padre Padres will maintain confidentiality, unless the drug misuse presents an imminent threat to others. Confidential Support Line Contact Numbers UK 0800 731 4880 Germany 0800 1827 395 Cyprus 080 91065 SSAFA Confidential Support Line This is a totally confidential telephone line which provides support on a broad range of issues, including drug misuse. Paradigm Home Link, dial Homelink access number, then enter *2999 at the PIN prompt. From anywhere in the world (Callback) +44 (0)1980 630854 there are many sources of help 30 drugs 31 WHAT DO DRUGS DO? 32 Psychological Dependence Whilst the body can function without the drug, individuals are driven by the impulsive urge for the sensations created by drug misuse. Physical Dependence Prolonged drug misuse causes changes to a variety of chemical functions until the body cannot physically perform without the drug. Tolerance Tolerance of a drug develops over time as the body adapts to the pattern of misuse. The user requires greater amounts of the drug to achieve the effect, until the drug is being used in large quantities just to feel normal. Withdrawal Any attempt to break the cycle of physical dependence can be a painful and dangerous process and can result in severe bouts of nausea and possibly coma. Specialist treatment will be required in some cases. drugs 33 CANNABIS (as at Mar 03) Sedative Class B Maximum Penalty: Possession - 5 yrs + fine Intent to Supply - 14 yrs + fine The Government’s decision to reclassify cannabis to Class C in 2003 will not result in any change in the Army’s approach to those who test positive for cannabis. Its use remains incompatible with service in the Army. Cannabis is the most commonly misused drug in UK. Its dangers and length of effect are not widely known, and are often played down. Cannabis can vary in strength from 2 - 40%. cannabis is more carcinogenic (ie may cause cancer) than tobacco 34 Dangers • Psychosis (permanent mental illness) • Respiratory damage • Loss of co-ordination • Apathy (not caring) • Short and long term memory loss • The active ingredient of cannabis can stay in your system for up to 6 weeks after ingestion • Cancer Effects Users might experience some of the following: • Paranoia • Hunger • Nausea • Depression 35 ECSTASY Stimulant Class A Maximum Penalty: Possession - 7 yrs + fine Intent to Supply - life + fine The ‘Ecstasy’ group of chemicals are designed to trigger a massive release of a naturally-produced body chemical called serotonin. Serotonin controls your mood: rather like the release of adrenaline, it gives a sudden burst of energy, mental alertness and feelings of well being. However, a major concern identified by research is that there is a limit to the amount of serotonin the body can produce and the supply may be depleted. This leads to depression and in the longer term, the possibility of mental illness as the ‘stock’ of serotonin has been depleted. 36 Dangers • Long term mental illness • Uncontrollable moods • Long term depression • Dehydration & heat exhaustion • Renal failure (Liver & kidneys) • Water intoxication • Paranoia • Coma • Convulsions Effects • Visual distortions • Headaches • Nausea/vomiting • Anxiety/paranoia/panic attacks 37 COCAINE Stimulant Class A Maximum Penalty: Possession - 7 yrs + fine Intent to Supply - life + fine in the uk there are on average two deaths each week resulting from cocaine misuse 38 Dangers • Increased risk of heart attack • Brain haemorrhage • Physical dependence • Convulsion • Permanent cell membrane damage (nasal septum and heart wall) • Hallucinations • Uncontrollable aggression • Severe agitation and paranoia • Sleeplessness Effects Users might experience some of the following: • Increased energy and alertness • Heightened emotions 39 AMPHETAMINES Class B (Class A when prepared for injection) Maximum Penalty: Possession - 5 yrs + fine Intent to Supply - 14 yrs + fine Dangers • Increased risk of heart attack • Brain haemorrhage/Catatonia and paralysis • Physical and Psychological dependence • Convulsion • Coma • Damage to the immune system • Uncontrollable aggression • Severe agitation and paranoia • Sleeplessness • Exhaustion Effects Users might experience some of the following: • Increased energy and alertness • Heightened emotions amphetamine misuse causes muscle contraction particularly in the face 40 41 HEROIN AND OPIATES Sedative Class A Maximum Penalty: Possession - 7 yrs + fine Intent to Supply - life + fine Dangers • Indifference at work • Hallucinations • Injection associated issues • HIV & Hepatitis • Collapsed veins and poor circulation • Abscesses • Limb amputation • Overdose • Dependency 42 Effects Users might experience some of the following: • Euphoric rush followed by drowsiness • Suppressed emotional activity • Low sex drive 43 LSD Hallucinogen Class A Maximum Penalty: Possession - 7 yrs + fine Intent to Supply - life + fine LSD is a drug that alters the brain’s recognition of time, speed, distance and context. The unpredictability of the drug’s effects is a major concern. Users have no control over the 'trip', either when the drug is initially ingested or later as a ‘flashback’. Dangers • Hallucinations • Flashback • Unpredictable effects and consequences • Nervous breakdown • Depression • Anxiety Effects Users might experience: • Changed perception 44 45 STEROIDS Performance Enhancing Drugs Class A to C (depending on drug) Maximum Penalty: Possession - 7 yrs + fine Intent to Supply - life + fine Fitness is an important part of Army life. However, especially when preparing for important sporting events, some soldiers are prepared to do anything regardless of the risk, to gain a physical edge. CDT is aware of steroid misuse: testing can and does identify these drugs. Dangers • Uncontrollable aggression • Shrinkage of testicles and impotence in men • Development of breasts in men • Masculinization in women • Jaundice Effects Users might experience: • Increased muscle bulk • Puffiness in the face • Sense of well being • Mood swings and irritability 46 47 MISUSE OF MEDICINES, PHARMACEUTICALS AND CHEMICALS Prescription & non prescription Class C (controlled drugs only) Maximum Penalty: Possession - 2 yrs + fine Intent to Supply - 5 yrs + fine There is a wide variety of pharmaceutical and over-the-counter products that are misused, including both prescription and non-prescription medications. Generally, these products fall into one of the following groups: • Sedatives (tranquillisers/downers) • Stimulants (uppers) • Analgesics (painkillers) • Solvents 48 Details of pharmaceuticals and chemicals given here are not exhaustive. If in doubt ask your Medical Officer. CDT can and does test for misuse; you should not take prescription medicines that have not been specifically prescribed to you. Make sure you know what prescribed medications you’re taking and declare them at CDT. Dangers Include • Physical Dependence • Loss of co-ordination • Short and long term memory loss Analgesics • Impaired vision and hallucination • Heart, Kidney and Liver failure • Dependence • Masked pain may allow further damage Stimulants • Risk of heart attack • Brain haemorrhage and nerve damage • Convulsion, fitting and loss of consciousness • Respiratory failure • Uncontrollable aggression 49 MEDICAL ACTION Most of the following information is common sense, but remember, safety is the key priority. If you suspect that a fellow soldier is heavily under the influence of alcohol or under the influence of controlled drugs they must be placed under medical supervision until released by a MO. However, if you are one of the first to deal with the incident, take the following steps: Safety • If the individual is unconscious you must call for medical assistance immediately. (i.e. dial 999 or phone the Med Centre or Guardroom) • Check ABC (Airway, Breathing and Circulation): you may need to conduct CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) if breathing or a pulse is not detected. • When breathing and pulse have been established, place the individual in the recovery position and stay with them. if an individual is unconscious you must call for medical assistance immediately 50 • Monitor body temperature and ensure that the individual gets neither too cold nor too hot and check for signs of choking. 51 Information • Try to identify exactly what substance (alcohol or drugs) has been used, how much has been taken and when. Witnesses and/or the individual may be unwilling or unable to assist, but the information is critical, particularly if the individual is unconscious. • If you find any substances that have been taken, but are unable to identify what it is, pass them on to medical staff. • Identify whether the individual has been drinking and pass this information on to medical staff. Reassurance • Act in a calming way and reassure the individual that the symptoms will pass. An individual who is under the • Do not frighten or startle the individual. influence of a controlled drug is • Encourage the individual to settle down in a quiet, dimly lit space. • Ensure that someone monitors the individual constantly until they are passed on to medical care. likely to be tense and panicky, or very drowsy, depending on the type of drug. If you are able to establish this, pass it on to medical staff. 52 53 NOTES 54 55 56
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