Measuring & Tracking Substance Use
There are a range of devices used to measure and track the three major types of substances we have talked about so far – alcohol, cigarette smoke and recreational drugs. Breathalyzers are the major method for measuring alcohol consumption, portable carbon monoxide (CO) monitors are the primary way to indicate recent smoking and saliva and urine drug test kits help detect the presence of drugs in the system. Smart lighters can track how often they are used, which can help smokers become more aware of their smoking habits. There are various smartphone apps available for tracking alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and even drug use by recording and monitoring their habits over time. Some fitness trackers and smartwatches also have features that can help track habits like alcohol consumption and smoking.
Breathalyzers are devices used to measure a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) by analyzing the alcohol content in their breath.
AlcoHAWK Elite Slim Breathalyzer
BACtrack Mobile Smartphone Breathalyzer
AlcoMate Premium AL7000 Breathalyzer
BACtrack C6 Keychain Breathalyzer
AlcoHAWK Ultra Slim Breathalyzer
AlcoSense Pro Fuel Cell Breathalyzer
Breathalyzers
Carbon monoxide (CO) monitors and detectors are devices designed to detect and measure the presence of carbon monoxide gas in the air. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in high concentrations.
Universal Security Instruments MCND401B Eve Room (2nd Generation)
First Alert Z-Wave Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
Kidde Nighthawk Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Digital Display KN-COPP-3
Carbon Monoxide Monitors & Detectors
Smart lighters are electronic lighters that offer advanced features, such as rechargeability and safety mechanisms. These lighters are designed to be convenient, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional butane lighters. However, there are limited options when it comes to smart lighters.
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Plazmatic X: The Plazmatic X is a rechargeable electric lighter that uses a plasma arc to ignite fires. It's windproof, eco-friendly, and USB-rechargeable. It offers a sleek and durable design with a safety lock feature.
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Tesla Coil Lighter: While not a traditional "smart" lighter, the Tesla Coil Lighter is an electronic rechargeable lighter that uses a plasma arc for ignition. It's windproof, flameless, and USB-rechargeable. It offers a simple yet functional design.
Smart Lighters
Tobacco and substance use data refer to information collected and analysed to understand patterns, prevalence, and trends related to the consumption of tobacco products and various substances, including both legal and illegal drugs. This data is crucial for public health efforts to prevent and address the harms associated with tobacco and substance use.
Tobacco and substance use data encompass information vital for understanding consumption patterns and trends of tobacco products and various substances, including legal and illegal drugs. This data is essential for public health efforts to combat associated harms, offering insights into prevalence, frequency, and quantity of use, often segmented by demographics. It also tracks initiation and cessation patterns, health consequences, harm reduction strategies, treatment utilization, and the impact of policies and regulations.
Tobacco & Substance Use Data
Surveillance of tobacco, alcohol, and substance use refers to the systematic and ongoing collection, analysis, and monitoring of data related to the consumption of these substances within a population. This surveillance is a critical component of public health efforts to understand, prevent, and address the health and social consequences associated with the use of these substances. Here are key elements of surveillance for tobacco, alcohol, and substance use: Surveillance involves the collection of data through various methods, such as surveys, registries, healthcare records, and other sources. Surveys, including national and regional surveys, are often used to gather self-reported information on the use of tobacco, alcohol, and substances. These surveys may be conducted periodically to track trends over time.
Surveillance of Tobacco, Alcohol & Substance Use
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Decline in Smoking Rates: In many developed countries, smoking rates have been on a long-term decline. Public health campaigns, tobacco taxes, smoking bans, and increased awareness of the health risks associated with smoking have contributed to this trend.
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E-cigarette Use: The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vaping) among young people has been a concern. E-cigarette use surged in popularity but also raised concerns about nicotine addiction and health risks, including vaping-related lung injuries.
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Disparities: Smoking rates have shown disparities by socioeconomic status, with higher rates among lower-income individuals and certain racial and ethnic groups.
Trends in Smoking Use
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Increased Alcohol Consumption: There have been reports of increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic, possibly due to stress, social isolation, and changes in daily routines.
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High-Risk Drinking: High-risk drinking patterns, including binge drinking and heavy drinking, continue to be a public health concern, contributing to various health and social problems.
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Alcohol Policies: Some regions have been implementing stricter alcohol policies, such as increasing alcohol taxes and regulating alcohol marketing, to address excessive alcohol use.
Trends in Alcohol Use
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Opioid Crisis: The opioid crisis, characterized by opioid abuse, overdose deaths, and the proliferation of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, remained a significant public health issue in many countries. Access to treatment and harm reduction strategies were key components of the response.
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Cannabis Legalization: Several states and countries have legalized or decriminalized the recreational and medicinal use of cannabis. This has led to shifts in drug policies and public perceptions of cannabis.
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Stimulant Use: The use of stimulant drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine has been a concern in some regions, with rising addiction rates and associated health problems.
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Psychedelic Research: There has been growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics like psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms) and MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy) for mental health conditions, leading to research and policy discussions.
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Harm Reduction: Harm reduction strategies, such as supervised injection facilities and the distribution of naloxone (an opioid overdose reversal medication), have gained acceptance as ways to address drug-related harms.
Trends In Illicit Drug Use
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Smoking Status: Data includes whether an individual is a current smoker, former smoker, or never smoker.
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Frequency of Smoking: Information about how often a person smokes, such as daily, occasional, or social smoking.
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Number of Cigarettes: Data on the number of cigarettes smoked per day or week.
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Duration of Smoking: The number of years or decades a person has smoked.
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Quit Attempts: Data on past attempts to quit smoking, including the number of attempts and the methods used.
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Second-hand Smoke Exposure: Information on exposure to second-hand smoke, especially in nonsmokers living with smokers.
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Use of Other Tobacco Products: Data on other tobacco products, such as smokeless tobacco, cigars, or e-cigarettes.
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Age of Initiation: The age at which an individual started smoking
Tobacco & Smoking Habits
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Frequency of Alcohol Use: Information on how often a person consumes alcoholic beverages, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.
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Quantity of Alcohol Consumption: Data on the number of drinks consumed on a typical drinking occasion.
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Binge Drinking: Information about episodes of heavy drinking, often defined as consuming five or more drinks in a short period for men and four or more for women.
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Patterns of Drinking: Data on the type of alcoholic beverages consumed (e.g., beer, wine, spirits) and the context in which they are consumed (e.g., at home, in bars).
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Age of Initiation: The age at which an individual began drinking alcohol.
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Consequences of Alcohol Use: Information on adverse consequences of alcohol use, such as accidents, injuries, or health problems.
Alcohol Consumption
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Types of Substances: Data on the use of various substances, including illegal drugs (e.g., cannabis, cocaine, opioids), prescription drugs (e.g., painkillers, sedatives), and over-the-counter medications.
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Frequency of Use: Information on how often a person uses these substances, ranging from daily use to occasional or experimental use.
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Quantity of Use: Data on the amount or dosage of the substance consumed.
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Route of Administration: Information about how the substance is taken (e.g., smoking, injection, ingestion).
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Polydrug Use: Data on the concurrent use of multiple substances.
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Age of Initiation: The age at which an individual first experimented with or started using specific substances.
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Perceived Risk and Attitudes: Attitudinal data related to the perceived risks and benefits of substance use, as well as perceptions about societal norms and peer influences.
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Treatment and Rehabilitation: Information about previous or current participation in substance abuse treatment programs or rehabilitation services
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Consequences and Adverse Effects: Data on the physical, psychological, and social consequences of substance use, including addiction, accidents, and health problems.
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Harm Reduction Practices: Information about harm reduction strategies employed by individuals, such as needle exchange programs or carrying naloxone for opioid overdose reversal.
Substance Use
Behavioural data collected for tobacco and smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and substance use typically includes a range of information related to individuals' behaviours, attitudes, and patterns of use. This data is collected through surveys, interviews, and other research methods to gain insights into these behaviours.