Substance misuse and mental health

Substance misuse is when you take drugs or alcohol to excess on a regular basis. These substances can be legal or illegal, and prescription or non-prescription. Substance misuse can vary from occasional use to addiction and is often linked with certain mental health conditions.¹

Sometimes using drugs is necessary, like taking medication for illnesses. Some people can also use substances responsibly. But when you struggle with substance misuse, you cannot control your usage.

Studies have shown a connection between substance misuse and mental health conditions. If a person misuses substances, they are more likely to experience mental health conditions and vice versa. This does not necessarily mean that one causes the other.¹

Some mental health conditions that have been linked with substance misuse include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Schizophrenia.¹

Drug use can change your thinking, your mood and your behaviour. In some cases, drugs can increase problems you may be experiencing with your mental health. Substance misuse may also increase the risk of depression, schizophrenia and other mental health issues.²

Some people may use illicit or legal substances to help them deal with any mental health issues they may be experiencing. This is not recommended as it doesn’t treat mental illnesses and can lead to dependency or addiction.²

If you need help, make an appointment with your GP and they will discuss potential treatments options and next steps. Your GP will not judge you and will only share information if it is required by law.³

If you are worried about seeking help from your GP, Well can help you access a range of services online or at your local pharmacy.

You can also reach out to different organisations such as FRANK, the NHS and Adfam for more information and support.

Your first appointment with the GP will be focused on the substances you use, your living situation, your work and home life. This is to gain a better understanding of who you are and the potential reasons for substance misuse.

You and your health practitioner will discuss potential treatment options which are personalised to your needs. You may be assigned a keyworker to support you through your treatment process.³

Part of your treatment may involve a form of talking therapy. This can be in the form of cognitive behavioural therapy or guided counselling.⁴

Cognitive behavioural therapy is aimed at helping you to challenge your way of thinking and your behaviour.¹ You may be asked to attend between 5 to 20 sessions.⁵

Guided counselling is a therapy which helps you deal with difficulties in your life. You will meet a counsellor who will talk to you about your experiences. Your counsellor isn’t there to judge you and you should be able to discuss topics in confidence. Counselling sessions can last between weeks or months depending on your needs.⁵