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Understanding alcohol and drug use

Dependence on alcohol and other drugs can have a negative impact on the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. It’s an issue growing in importance in many countries, including Australia, with ongoing discussions about how best to address it.

Psychologists work with individuals, families, communities, and governments to reduce the harms caused by alcohol and other drug use.

  • Alcohol and other drug use: The use of legal substances like caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco is very common. While alcohol and other drug use is decreasing in Australia, many people still believe it is increasing.

  • Influencing factors: A person's age, gender, cultural background, and social environment can influence their use of alcohol or other drugs. People use substances for different reasons, and how they use them can vary widely.

  • Impact on wellbeing: Alcohol and other drugs can affect many aspects of life, including physical, mental, social, financial, and legal wellbeing. The effects can be felt by not just the person using substances, but also their family, friends, colleagues, and wider community.

  • Misconceptions: Many people believe certain substances are harmful only because they are "addictive." However, any substance that affects the mind can cause harm, and the more it is used, the greater the potential for harm.

  • Complex issue: There are many different theories about harmful substance use, but none of them fully explain why some people struggle with it. Prevention requires addressing a variety of social and personal factors.

Why People Use Alcohol and Other Drugs

People may use substances to meet certain needs, such as reducing stress or enhancing pleasure. Alcohol and other drugs affect the brain and can seem like an easy way to change how a person feels in the short term.

Alcohol and drugs are often part of important social rituals like celebrations, socialising, relaxation, or spiritual practices. In some communities or social groups, using alcohol or drugs can be seen as a way to fit in.

The choice of substance depends on what the person is trying to achieve. Different people may experience the same drug in different ways, which can influence their use.

When Substance Use Becomes a Problem

For some, alcohol or drug use becomes problematic when the harm it causes outweighs any perceived benefits. Substance use may be a problem when:

  • It’s hard to meet responsibilities at home, work, or school

  • The person has tried and failed to cut down or stop using

  • They end up using more than intended, despite wanting to stop

  • Health, safety, relationships, finances, or legal issues arise

  • The person needs the substance to cope with everyday life

  • Events and plans are shaped around the substance use

  • Increasing amounts are needed for the same effect

  • They feel unwell or moody without the substance but feel ‘normal’ when they use again

  • They use substances to maintain relationships or friendships

The harm of drug use

Drug use can lead to harm in many ways, including:

  • How you access the substance: This might involve risks in obtaining the substance or spending money on it.

  • How the substance enters your body: Whether it’s drinking, smoking, inhaling, or injecting.

  • The drug’s effects on your body: For example, a faster heart rate, unconsciousness, or long-term liver damage.

  • What happens while under the influence: Increased risk-taking behaviours or neglect of responsibilities.

  • After-effects: This can include feeling depressed or having withdrawal symptoms once the substance wears off.

Treatment

There are many psychological treatments available that can help people struggling with alcohol or drug use. If you or someone you know needs help, reaching out to a professional is an important step toward recovery.

Seeking Help

If you or someone you care about is facing mental health challenges, it's important to seek help. With the right support, people can manage their symptoms and live a fulfilling life.

Talk to a mental health professional, your GP, or reach out to us for more information and support. We are here to help and encourage open conversations about mental health within our community.

Remember you are not alone.

Share this resource with your friends and family and help raise awareness about mental health in the Tamil community. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels comfortable talking about mental health.