Understanding Substance Abuse: Impact, Awareness Strategies, and Support Services in Rural Communities

Running head: NURSING ASSIGNMENT
NURSING ASSIGNMENT
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1NURSING ASSIGNMENT
According to the World Health Organization, substance abuse can be defined as the
hazardous consumption of alcohol and drugs that fall under the category of psychoactive
substances (World Health Organization, 2014). As stated by Galanter et al. (2014), psychoactive
substances can potentially lead to dependence syndrome. Dependence syndrome can be
explained as a combination of behavioral, cognitive and psychological phenomenon that leads to
the development of a strong desire or addiction to consume drugs (Pullen & Oser, 2014).
Individuals engaging in substance abuse experience difficulties in exercising control over self
and prioritize the drug use over other obligations. According to a report, published by the
National Bureau of Economic Research, it has been mentioned that there is a strong connection
between substance abuse and mental wellness (Galanter et al., 2014). Increased dependence on
substance abuse can invariably affect changes in perception, thought-process, mood and
behavior. It should further be mentioned in this regard that substance abuse not only affects the
physical wellbeing of the individuals engaging in it but also severely affects the immediate
family and social circle of the individual. Research studies have invariably talked about a strong
connection between substance abuse and domestic violence which diminishes the standard of life
of the family members of the addicts (Connors et al., 2013). This assignment would majorly
discuss the awareness strategies in relation to substance abuse within the rural community as
mentioned in the case study. It would further talk about the support services that are available
within Victoria and devise recommendation strategies so as to reduce the prevalence of
substance abuse among the men within the rural community.
Research studies have identified that the prevalence of substance abuse within rural and
remote areas is primarily on account of lack of awareness about the negative implication of
substance abuse on the health of people. Sarah’s primary objective in this case would be to

2NURSING ASSIGNMENT
spread awareness about the negative impact of substance abuse on the physical and mental health
of the people. The three key messages that she would focus on with respect to the problem within
the community awareness campaign would comprise of the following: Substance abuse can
potentially lead to the development of disease, disability or chronic medical condition which
would lead to an increase in medical expenditure. Substance abuse and mental illness are
interconnected to one another and often co-exist. Increased dependence on substance abuse could
lead to behavioral disorder which could negatively affect the social circle of the individual
engaging in substance abuse
The key messages would be imparted to the community members with a supporting
rationale so as to convince them to overcome the addictive behavior and adapt a healthy lifestyle.
The most commonly misused substances within the remote and rural communities of Australia
include alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs and prescription
medications (MSI, 2013). Uninterrupted use of the mentioned drugs leads to the development of
addiction, which can be defined as a condition that impairs the normal functioning of the
physical as well as the mental health (Stuart et al., 2013). It is important to note in this context
that increased dependence on substance abuse and addiction not only affects the individual
engaging in it but also the family and the immediate community associated with the individual.
Therefore, in this context, it should be mentioned that the first key message would be covered
with the discussion on the harmful effect of substance abuse on the vital organs of the body.
Overconsumption of alcohol or smoking could lead to abnormal weight loss or sudden weight
gain and fluctuate the normal blood pressure range of the human body. Also, excessive alcohol
consumption could lead to liver Cirrhosis. Further, smoking cigarettes could lead to lung cancer,
mouth cancer or even gastric ulcer. Long term effects of alcohol consumption include, distorted