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Drug Facts & info

Drug facts & info

Drugs, alcohol and your mental health

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Drugs, alcohol and mental health

There can be strong a relationship between drug use and mental health and wellbeing. The connection isn’t always straight forward.

Does cannabis cause schizophrenia? Does ice make you paranoid?

So what’s the relationship between drugs and mental health?

Generally speaking, drugs can change the way you feel (that’s why people use them!) so it makes sense that there can be a strong connection between emotional/mental health and drug use.

1. - Some people use drugs to feel better when they are distressed, feel down, or have mental health concerns
  - Other people feel down and distressed as a result of using drugs
  - Sometimes the relationship is more complex where drugs may help to relieve mental health concerns in the short term but increase mental distress over time
  - For some people there is no relationship between the two

Factors such as family history, existing mental health conditions and drug use can also influence the relationship between drug use and mental health. Some drugs have the potential to make existing mental health problems worse- this is thought to be the case with cannabis and people who already experience psychosis.

Being aware of your mental health, emotions, moods and feelings at the same time as your drug use can be a good way of seeing if you can find any links or patterns between the two. Sometimes it can be good to get another perspective- you might want to check in with friends and family about any changes they might have noticed.

Our article about understanding your use is also useful for exploring the relationship between your drug use and mental health.

The relationship between your drug use and your mental health is specific to you

Get help now

YoDAA is a free and confidential online and phone service that offers supports to young people, families and professionals. You can contact 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

Further Reading

Slip-ups and using again

Looking after yourself when you’re using

Cutting down without stopping

Early Psychosis Program | headspace

What is psychosis? | headspace

Understanding why I use

Anxiety | What is Anxiety & The Effects in Young People | headspace

How does alcohol affect mental health | headspace

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