ALCOHOL AND DRUG MISUSE

Alcohol and drug misuse relates to the use of alcohol and/or drugs which affects someone’s health and wellbeing and those around them. Misuse can involve being dependent on substances or taking them in a way that causes harm. Some substances, such as illegal drugs, cause harm however you take them.

Alcohol and drug misuse becomes an issue when it affects someone’s day-to-day life, feelings and emotions, health, and their relationships with others.

Do you or someone you know need help? If you recognise any of the signs below in yourself or someone else help is available.

• Increasing use of drugs or alcohol – this could involve taking substances more often, in larger quantities, or substances of greater strength or purity
• Feeling a need or craving to take substances
• Changes in psychological health – including changes in mood and emotions
• Changes in physical health – including feeling unwell, tiredness, loss of appetite
• Changes in daily life – finding it more difficult to go to work or school, or carry out daily activities
• Changes in appearance and behaviour

It may not be clear that someone is having difficulties with alcohol or drugs. You may not be aware of how much they are consuming, and they may try to hide this. People can appear well but may be struggling with the effects of substance misuse.