Drug & Alcohol Abuse
Understanding substance abuse and finding the support you need
What Is Drug/Alcohol Abuse?
There are many reasons we might initially try alcohol or drugs, e.g. curiosity, peer pressure, stress or difficulties at home or at work. However, drug or alcohol use can quickly turn into abuse which isn't something we should take lightly.
Drug or alcohol abuse occurs when these substances are used excessively or in the wrong way. Abusing drugs or alcohol can be detrimental to our physical and mental health and, in severe cases, it can be life-threatening. Both of these substances alter how we think, feel and act, often resulting in diminished interest, failure to meet obligations, loss of control and relationship issues.
It is important to become aware of potential substance abuse as early as possible, before it turns into an addiction. Early recognition of symptoms increases the chances for successful treatment.
Note: the information provided in this module is not designed to diagnose you but rather to demonstrate the consequences of drug/alcohol abuse and to point you in the direction of relevant resources to help you if you are struggling right now.
What Is An Addiction?
A drug or alcohol addiction is a serious condition where a person cannot stop using a substance, despite the harm it causes them. Often, this is done to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. The person may be unaware of, or deny their addiction and go to great lengths to hide it from their loved ones.
It is important to remember that no one ever plans to become an addict. Addiction is a serious health condition that heavily impacts how someone thinks, feels and acts. By the time they realize that they have a problem, the drugs or alcohol may have seized control, making the person unable to stop using on their own.
If you have tried to cut back on your own and weren't able to, you may want to try other options and look at our helplines.
Note: videos depict scenes containing alcohol and/or other drugs, so if that is something that triggers you, you might want to decide not to watch them.
How Does This Link To The Terrace Metrics Assessment?
If your indicator for alcohol and drug abuse was in the at risk range following your assessment it means that you may be experiencing problems with alcohol and/or drug use. You may currently be using either or both of these substances excessively or in the wrong way. You may be experiencing trouble sleeping, diminished interest, failure to meet your obligations and/or relationship issues. You may be unable to stop using the substance, even though you want to. If this is the case, we recommend that you SEEK MEDICAL HELP from your GP as soon as possible. If you cannot wait to speak to your GP then please contact one of the helplines that you can find below.
Looking Back At Your Assessment Results
It is also important to consider that all of the indicators in the Terrace Metrics assessment are fundamentally linked. This means that whether your score for alcohol and drug abuse is at risk, optimal or somewhere in between, there are various tools that you can use to enhance your resilience and increase your coping ability. Take some time to revisit your report and look through all of your individual indicator scores.
The alcohol and drug abuse indicator is closely linked to hope, global satisfaction and ostracism. By working on improving your scores in these areas you will be better equipped to handle adversity and may also start to see improvements in other areas as a result.
Looking after your mind is just as important as looking after your body and the tools we provide are designed to help you do that.
Get Help Now
If you need emergency help, find helplines here
Find Help NowAdditional Resources
Below are some links to helpful articles and videos that provide more information on the warning signs of drug and/or alcohol abuse as well as tips for managing symptoms. We have also created an additional module on coping strategies that includes exercises and tools that can be helpful when you need to deal with stressful situations or difficult emotions.
Note: videos depict scenes containing alcohol and/or other drugs, so if that is something that triggers you, you might want to decide not to watch them.
Substance Abuse Overview. An overview of substance abuse, including alcohol and illegal drugs, but also substances such as caffeine and nicotine.
Withdrawal. Explains withdrawal symptoms, causes, types and treatments.
Caffeine Addiction. Explains the negative effects that too much caffeine can have on us as well as symptoms and helpful tips.
5 Signs Of Alcohol Abuse. Tips on how to tell that someone might be abusing alcohol.
Coping Strategies
Access our comprehensive module with exercises and tools to help when dealing with stressful situations or difficult emotions.
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