Substance Abuse

Substance use occurs on a continuum, and not everyone who uses drugs or alcohol abuses or is dependent on them.  However, there are risks and potential negative consequences associated with drinking alcohol and/or using drugs.  Below are some signs that you may be negatively impacted by your current substance use.

Signs of Substance Abuse

Resources

Coping with the Substance Use of a Loved One

When a loved one is coping with substance use, you may feel helpless, scared, confused, frustrated, and a range of other emotions.  There are no simple solutions to the complex feelings and responses you may experience, but these strategies can help you care for yourself and feel equipped to support your loved one.

• Set healthy boundaries. Addiction is a challenging disease. The person with an addiction may try to push boundaries because of their dependence on substances. It may be necessary to take a step back and identify the boundaries you have, so that your life is not negatively impacted by the needs of a person using substances. Ultimately, you are not responsible for your loved one’s substance use and do not have the power to “fix” that person.  An addict must be motivated for sobriety to make recovery possible.
• Set realistic expectations. It is important to realize that if you return home for the holidays with a parent or loved one who has an addiction, they will not suddenly be free from their addiction without long-term therapeutic work. Setting realistic expectations will help you anticipate what behaviors you may need to cope with and aid you in creating appropriate boundaries.
• Learn about addiction. Educate yourself by knowing what addiction is and what to expect when someone suffers with addiction. This will help you set healthy boundaries and realistic expectations. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers additional information about substance abuse and a free referral helpline.
• Do not use substances with the person who has an addiction. This sends a message that you are tolerant of their use of substances, while also putting yourself at risk for developing an addiction.
• Find a healthy support system. Connect with others through your classes, clubs, friends, or organizations. It can be healthy to surround yourself with people who do not struggle with an addiction so that you can have a healthy model of relationships.
• Withstand the urge to rescue or please. You might feel the need to please or rescue a loved one from certain situations. While setting boundaries or saying no may cause you to feel guilty, you do not have to sacrifice your comfort of safety to please your loved one. It is not within your power to cure your loved one’s addiction.
• Practice self-care and utilize counseling. Supporting a loved one struggling with substance abuse can be demanding and may impact your own mental health. Talking to a counselor and practicing healthy habits will not change your experience overnight, but it is an important first step toward living a healthier life and processing the emotions that may come with supporting a loved one. Additionally, a counselor can help you reflect on your own boundaries and how you can communicate those to others.

Harm Reduction

There are many health and safety risks associated with drug and alcohol use.  These harm reduction strategies will not remove the risks and potential consequences of substance use but may help you reduce harm.

• Nourish your body: Try to eat nutritious food and drink plenty of water.  This will reduce hangover effects and ease the pace of alcohol entering your blood stream.
• Space out your drinks: Taking sips of alcohol, pacing yourself, and alternating between water and alcohol can slow down the effects of alcohol on your body.
• Avoid mixing drugs and alcohol: Consuming drugs and alcohol together stresses your heart and liver and can lead to overdose.
• Use with safe people in a safe place: This will help you feel more in control of your surroundings.
• Less is more: Try to find strategies to help limit your substance use to avoid overdose.  You might only give yourself access to small quantities of substances at a time or identify an accountability partner.
• Beware of withdrawal: If you stop using drugs and alcohol all together, and you’re experiencing shakes, seizures, vomiting, hallucinations, or suicidal ideation, seek emergency help.