Is your drink or drug use getting out on control?

You’re not alone. Many people use drink or drugs to have fun and socialise with friends, relax or deal with stress. However, for some people, this can become excessive and out of control, which can lead to serious problems.

If you think drink or drugs are causing problems in your life, it’s probably time to seek some help.

The dangers of drink and drug

For most people, most of the time, moderate drinking or drug use does not cause a problem. However, it is easy for problems to begin when your use becomes more regular and you use drink or drugs to improve your mood or as a way of coping with life.
Health problems caused by substance abuse:

• High/low blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heart/lung/liver disease
• Depression
• Anxiety/panic attacks
• Psychosis/paranoia
• Trouble sleeping

When alcohol or drugs become a problem, people may do things that are out of character such as commit a criminal act or put themselves in risky situations where they may be taken advantage of or hurt.