THE IMPACT OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

+ Addiction, dependence and withdrawal

Words like addiction, withdrawal, detox and dependence are used a lot when talking about drugs and/or alcohol but what do they mean?

Addiction is a word that is used to describe being dependent on a substance. At YSAS we use the word dependence instead.

Most drugs can cause dependence if used often over a long period of time. Dependence can vary from one person to another. Regular drug use can result in developing a tolerance, which means more of the drug is needed each time to get the same effect.

Drug or alcohol use may start as an occasional or recreational activity but if use becomes much more frequent or intensive a person can start to become dependent on the substance. This is sometimes described as drug or alcohol abuse.

Signs of drug dependence often involve cravings for drugs or alcohol and use becoming a priority.

Physical dependence is when the body slowly becomes used to having a substance, and it starts to need it to function normally.

Psychological dependence is when use has become an important part of daily life and helps someone feel ‘normal’, it also makes stopping or cutting down very hard.

Both kinds of dependence can affect mental health and physical health. Being dependent on drugs can cause feelings of anxiety, depression and a sense of being out of control.

Withdrawal is what is experienced when drugs or alcohol use is stopped or reduced. Physical withdrawal symptoms may include aches and pains, anxiety, strange dreams, hot and cold flushes, nausea and other flu-like symptoms.

Stopping or reducing doesn’t always cause withdrawal symptoms. The level of dependence and whether or not withdrawal symptoms are experienced is usually related to:

  • The type of drug (s) used (some are more likely to cause more physical dependence than others)
  • Length of use
  • Frequency of use
  • Level of use (how much of a substance is used)

Substance dependence can have very negative effects on relationships, wellbeing and health. People might feel like they cannot function or feel comfortable without drugs. They may have cravings which are constant and intense. Other signs of dependence include spending more money than they can afford to keep up their supply, and doing things they wouldn’t have previously done to get drugs.

Also, some drugs like benzos and alcohol, when used regularly for a long time can cause withdrawal symptoms which can be really dangerous. Because of this it is a good idea to get advice or get medical help if you think a young person may be dependent on one of these and are planning to stop using.

If you are worried about a young person’s drug and/or alcohol use and want to talk Contact Us.

+ Reasons that drug and alcohol use can become a problem

There are lots of reasons why drug or alcohol use can become a problem for someone.

While for most young people drug use will not become an issue some people who try drugs find they are more than just a bit of fun.

Some young people say that drug and alcohol use helps them manage bad thoughts, feelings or anxiety. If drugs help someone in this way increased use is more likely. However, what happens in the long term is that the problems re-emerge because they haven’t gone away, they have just been hidden or masked.

Drug use can cause some issues of its own too –relationship conflicts, health issues and money troubles. These problems are likely to add to bad thoughts and anxiety, leading to more use and this can become a cycle.

People use drugs for a reason. Nobody chooses to have a drug problem. No matter how or why a problem has developed there is help available.

If you are worried about a young person’s drug and/or alcohol use and want to talk Contact Us.

+ Some signs that drugs or alcohol might be a problem

Understanding the signs can help you know what to pay attention to and when to respond.

Drug and/or alcohol use is usually considered a problem when:

  • It has frequent negative impacts on a young person’s health and wellbeing.
  • A young person has less control over their substance use than they desire.
  • Substance uses gets in the way of important activities such as school, work and family life.

The following signs may indicate a problem is developing:

  • Changes in appetite or significant weight loss/gain.
  • Sudden or frequent changes in mood.
  • Fluctuating energy levels. Hyperactivity/agitation or lethargy and low mood.
  • Unusual smells on the young person or in the house. Many drugs have distinctive smells (especially if smoked).
  • Extensive efforts by a young person to cover up smells such as strong perfume etc.
  • Signs of intoxication-slurred speech, unstable on their feet.
  • Changes in school performance.
  • Not turning up to school.
  • Changes in friendships, seeing less of friends they used to.
  • Financial problems or a need for money.
  • Loss of interest in hobbies.

With every single one of these situations there can also be other reasons, apart from the emergence of a drug problem that could explain why they are occurring. Mental health concerns, relationship difficulties or even the normal ups and down of growing up may account for some of these.

Understanding these signs will help you pay attention to a young person and their wellbeing but they won’t diagnose a problem. Open and supportive communication remains the most important element in finding out what is going on for your loved one.

If you are worried about a young persons’ drug and/or alcohol use and want to talk Contact Us.

+ Understanding psychosis

There can be a close relationship between mental health concerns and drug use. For some young people, mental health issues can begin to emerge when they stop using. For others their drug and alcohol use exacerbates mental health concerns and for some young people use is a way to try to manage existing mental health concerns.

One of the most frightening experiences can be when the brain confuses what is real and what is not – this is called a psychotic episode or psychosis.

If you are worried that your loved one is at risk of psychosis here are some early warning signs to look out for:

  • Confused thinking: a young person may find it difficult to concentrate follow a conversation, or remember things.
  • False sense of reality: thinking someone is there when they aren’t, or strongly believing something that probably is not true.
  • Paranoia: for example, thinking they are being followed or someone’s always watching them.
  • Hallucinations: seeing, hearing & smelling things that aren’t there.
  • Difficulty showing emotions, withdrawal from friends, family or normal activities, and mood swings are other potential signs.

The good news is, psychosis is treatable. Young people do recover and the earlier they seek help, the better the outcome.

The treatment for psychosis is usually medication, helping a young person to understand what they are experiencing, counselling, family support, avoiding stress and staying off the drugs.

If your loved one is experiencing psychosis they will likely be feeling frightened and alone, fearful, mistrustful, angry and agitated. It is important to remember that they are not behaving this way because they are acting out - they are unable to control these experiences. Some helpful strategies to support your loved one through psychosis are:

  • Try to remain calm and be supportive
  • Keep a quiet, reassuring tone to your voice
  • Seek help from GP or mental health service such as Headspace
  • Now is not the time for disagreements or getting into an argument. Avoid conflict (and topics that trigger conflict) until the young person is well enough to talk things out properly.
  • If a young person is talking about harming themselves, get support from your local mental health service, hospital or emergency services.

We also recommend these great articles about psychosis and recognising a problem from Headspace for further reading.

If you are worried about a young person's drug use and mental health check out Headspace for more advice and support.

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