A substance use problem is when the problematic use of an illegal or legal substance adversely impacts a person’s life.

A substance use disorder is characterised by excessive consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs (illegal, legal or prescription drugs for non-prescribed use). Misuse of substances can cause changes in the brain and other organs, as well as long-term damage. Substance misuse, is a significant contributor to mental illness and is often used as a maladaptive coping strategy - so what came first? Chicken or egg. Commonly people who live with a substance use problem also have a co-occuring mental health condition. Therefore, it’s important to take a dual diagnosis and treatment approach.

One in every twenty Australians lives with a substance use problem, yet evidence suggests that people are less likely to seek professional help for their substance use problem than other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. This could be directly attributed to stigma, societal or self-stigma.

Alcohol is the most commonly misused substance in Australia. Approximately one in every six Australians drinks at risky levels - either drinking daily or binge drinking. We don’t like the term ‘alcoholic’ it’s incredibly stigmatising and can discourage individuals from seeking the help they need. Alcohol can increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and violent behaviour in the short term, as well as long-term medical complications such as liver disease, cancer and a decline in mental health, which may result in a mental health disorder.

What are the signs?

Many Australians enjoy a social drink now and then, and many also drink to dangerous levels. When a person loses control of their alcohol or drug intake and when the substance begins to cause harm such as injuries or medical problems, damaging relationships, violence or causing problems at work, it can be a sign that use is becoming a problem.

Other signs that you or someone you know or work with may have a problematic relationship with drugs or alcohol could include:

• Regularly using more of the substance

• Attempting to reduce of discontinue use on a regular basis but having difficulties

• Devoting excessive time to obtaining, using or recovering from a substance

• Cravings

• Frequently failing to meet responsibilities at work, home or school because of substance use

• Continuing to use a substance despite the fact it has impacted relationships

• Withdrawing from social activities

• Continuing to use despite a known physical or psychological problem that the substance may have caused or exacerbated

• Violence

• Repeated lying, deceit or dishonesty

• Legal issues

• Secretive behaviour

• Financial issues

• Paranoid, fearful, or obsessive thoughts

• Negative self-image

• Feelings of apathy or disinterest

How does substance misuse affect mental health?

In Australia, alcohol is the most commonly used drug, with over 75% of people consuming alcohol in the past year. Alcohol is known to pause and multiply anxiety. Have you ever experienced a night of drinking, go to bed, only to wake at 3am with crippling anxiety. Or wake in the morning with worries of the night because or anxious thoughts for no reason? We call this Hangxiety.

Alcohol is a type of drug that slows down the brain and is classified as a depressant. Depressant drugs slow down the central nervous system and reduce the speed of brain functions, impacting how you think, feel, and behave. This is why alcohol can lead to speech difficulties, slower reaction times, and impaired judgment.

Our brains depend on a delicate balance of chemicals and processes to manage emotions and mood. Over time, using alcohol can lead to a decline in chemicals that play a crucial role in maintaining mental wellbeing and naturally decreasing anxiety.

Much like other drugs, alcohol also activates receptors in the brain that release dopamine, a chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure. This tricks your body into experiencing pleasure and connecting alcohol consumption with positive emotions, the cause-and-effect approach can keep people coming back for more. However, the more you drink, the less dopamine your body produces. This can result in prolonged periods of feeling down or sad.

Some people may develop clinical depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses as a result of substance misuse. Individuals living with mental health problems like depression and anxiety can turn to alcohol as a method of managing their symptoms - maladaptive coping strategies. A maladaptive coping strategy refers to an unhealthy or ineffective way that individuals use to manage stress, emotions, or difficult situations. Instead of effectively addressing the problem or emotions at hand, maladaptive coping strategies often worsen the situation or lead to additional problems in the long run. These strategies might provide temporary relief (such as feeling relaxed after drinking, the view that it helps you ‘sleep better’), but they don't contribute to overall wellbeing and can even contribute to the development of mental health issues or other negative outcomes.

Some individuals use alcohol to hide their symptoms or to find relief, often without realising that it can end up worsening their condition. Studies have shown that those who use alcohol as a way to "self-medicate" have a higher chance of developing long-term dependence and alcohol-related disorders. Antidepressants, for example, can be rendered ineffective by alcohol. In the short term, alcohol is a significant contributor to violence, antisocial and suicidal behaviour.

Signs that Alcohol is impacting your Mental Health

• Experiencing sadness or a decreased mood

• Difficulties with sleeping (waking at 3am or struggling to get to sleep)

• Frequently feeling tired and experiencing hangovers

• Feeling uneasy and stressed in situations and around individuals that wouldn't usually cause such feelings

• Experiencing regret or guilt after drinking

• Lacking the energy and drive for everyday tasks

• Pulling away from friends and usual activities

• Escalating the consumption of alcohol or other substances

Where to get help?

Contact one of our Sobriety Coaches to talk about your goals, we can help you reduce, gain or maintain sobriety.

Consult your doctor if you believe you or someone you care about has a substance abuse problem. You could also use healthdirect's Symptom Checker to determine when you should seek professional help. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker/tool?symptom=GNRC

If you or someone you know is having a personal crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online.

Daybreak - https://hellosundaymorning.org/daybreak/

Australian Drug Foundation - https://adf.org.au/

Learn more

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about how to approach someone about whom you are concerned about their drug or alcohol use.

Contact us today and register for a Mental Health First Aid course.