When substance use become substance misuse.
Alcohol or drug use may start with experimentation or voluntary use, be it drinking and using drugs on the occasional social setting or taking prescription medication for medical reasons. Some people in this experimentation stage are able to stop using by themselves and will only participate occasionally. Substance use becomes misuse when they are used regularly or in the case of prescription drugs, used in a way that they are not meant to be. Some people may not realise that they have a substance misuse problem, despite using regularly and it impeding on their day to day life. They may find themselves feeling they need to use substances such as alcohol or drugs to boost confidence, in order to be able to have fun, help them get through a certain situation or as a way to relax. Others may turn to substances for varying different reasons. This may include boredom, peer pressure, to help cope with mental health or trauma related issues, or following in the footsteps of another family member.
Substance misuse may also lead to addiction which can have a detrimental impact on an individuals life, as well as those around them.
How substance misuse can negatively impact your life.
Dugs, alcohol and Mental Health
While each person’s experience with addiction is different, there are certain types of mental and physical symptoms of substance misuse that are important to understand. Of course, these symptoms will vary depending on a persons substance(s) of choice, how long they have been misusing the substance and their overall mental and physical health.
When someone’s substance of choice becomes an obsession they can often find it difficult to maintain healthy relationship or succeed in work or college. It can also sometimes result in financial issues and legal problems. Sadly, social isolation can develop quickly as drugs or alcohol become more important than anything else. When this occurs, and you sever ties with close friends or family members, you’ll face the loss of the important support system that you may need to overcome your addiction.
Sadly, social isolation can develop quickly as drugs or alcohol become more important than anything else. When this occurs, and you sever ties with close friends or family members, you’ll face the loss of the important support system that you may need to overcome your addiction.
Breaking the cycle
In spite of all the negative outcomes that addiction is known to cause, help is available to help you break unhealthy patterns of behaviour and return to a substance-free life. If you are concerned about your use of substances, speak with your keyworker who will be able to support you accessing services like Young Hackney Substance Misuse Service