Symptoms

Some people find their alcohol or other drug use becomes problematic, because the harm associated with it outweighs the apparent benefits.

Substance use may be a problem when someone:

• has difficulty meeting responsibilities at home, work or school
• has tried unsuccessfully to cut down or quit.
• uses more than they intended despite wanting to stop
• has recurring problems with health, safety, relationships, finances or the law through their substance use
• needs the substance to cope with everyday life or particular experiences
• organises other events or needs around their substance use
• needs increasing amounts of the substance to have the same effect
• feels sick or moody without the substance, but feel normal when they use again
• find themselves using as a way to maintain friendships or relationships.

The harm associated with drug use can occur in many ways, depending on:

• how you get hold of the substance, such as finding the money or risks in buying the substance
• how you put the substance into your body, such as drinking, eating, inhaling, smoking, snorting or injecting
• the effect of the drug on your body, through increased heart rate, unconsciousness or long-term liver damage
• what you do while under the influence of the drug , through increased risk taking or neglect of other responsibilities
• what happens after you use, which may include depression when ‘coming down’ or withdrawal symptoms.