Substance abuse is a major problem faced by around 1 in 20 Australians. If you ever feel like you’re alone in your struggle against addictive substances, you really aren’t, and you can and should make a concerted effort towards gradual and meaningful improvement.
Full Disclosure: Cognitive Clarity is not an alcohol and other drugs (AOD) counselling service. We can support you to better manage your substance use if drugs or alcohol are used as coping mechanisms for depression, for example. If you require drug or alcohol counselling as a primary service, we strongly encourage you to seek assistance from an AOD specialist.
In this article, we will talk about substance abuse and explore how treatment can benefit your mental health.
What is Substance Abuse?
Many Australians struggle with substance abuse, but even more have indulged in legal or illegal substances at some point in their lives. There is a difference between having a few drinks at a wedding or birthday party and indulging in alcohol daily or binge drinking to excess every weekend, for example. But where is that line drawn?
Unfortunately, many individuals have to cross the line into addiction until they come to realise that at some point they weren’t dependent upon the substance. It’s a line many regret crossing because it would have been much easier to refrain in the beginning, when quitting or turning down the substance would have been much easier back then.
Simply put, substance abuse is the consumption of too much alcohol or drugs, often evident in how it negatively impacts general health and/or one’s ability to function normally.
It could involve using more of the substance than intended, failing to quit using the substance even after attempts to quit, continual usage even after understanding the dangers, or eschewing duties to family, work, or otherwise to pursue consumption of the substance.
If You Feel Like You’re Alone, You Aren’t
Substance abuse can have its own dangers related to the substance itself, but in many cases, it can lead individuals to spiral out of control and indulge in self-harm or suicidal tendencies. Call 000 (triple-zero) immediately if you or someone else is at risk of suicide for immediate assistance. Ask for an ambulance.
The realisation that one is using substances more than desired, or even becoming addicted can be extremely isolating indeed, and it can compound problems that you may be facing. It is time to get help, and it is time to start making positive changes in your life. While the addiction can be treated through various means, the mental health problems that may spring up can also be treated, and you can begin to live a more meaningful life.
How Substance Abuse is Treated and How it Can Benefit Your Mental Health
There are many possible ways to treat substance abuse, which depend on the individual and the substance, the severity of the misuse or addiction, as well as risk factors that may be present.
For the substance addiction itself, treatment from a qualified specialist or even hospital treatment may be necessary. Specific forms of treatment include: incremental changes to lifestyle and habit-forming, individual/group counselling, peer support, rehabilitation programs, residential or hospital treatment, and social support. Psychology can play a role in addressing the habit forming behavioural and lifestyle changes, as well as overcome barriers to accessing social supports.
For the mental health issues you may be experiencing, such as depression or anxiety, a qualified psychologist can make a world of difference towards improving your mental health and providing clarity and direction forward.
Individuals with mental illnesses tend to use drugs at a higher rate than the general community, and it may be highly beneficial to seek treatment if you suffer from one.
Cognitive Clarity
Get help by scheduling a consultation with psychologist in Brisbane at Cognitive Clarity. We provide mens mental health support services, and can provide assistance for individuals seeking to address substance misuse as part of broader mental health support.
If you are experiencing an immediate mental health crisis and are feeling unsafe, please call one of the 24/7 emergency lines:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Line: 1300 659 467
- If there’s immediate risk: 000