People use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs for many reasons. Some people use these substances to help them to relax, to feel more lively, to feel less inhibited or to feel pleasure. Others find the effects of substances make it easier for them to cope with problems.
Substance use can be problematic for people and particularly their families, even when they are not highly dependent or addicted to the substance. It becomes a problem when it starts to impact on important elements of daily life, including work, school, family, and/or friendships.
Some of the more common substances that can be problematic include legal substances (alcohol, benzodiazepines: anti-anxiety drugs, painkillers with codeine in them like Nurofen Plus or Panadeine Extra/Forte and tobacco) and illegal substances (including cannabis-marijuana, heroin and amphetamines including dexamphetamine without prescription, and ice). These are all drugs that can bring about high levels of dependence, and can be problematic even when used in low doses.
When we think about substance use problems, we often think of stereotypical ‘addicts’ or ‘druggies’ as the ones who have the ‘real’ problem. However, most who with substance use problems are just everyday people who might use substances to ease the stressors and difficult feelings of everyday life. However, often they use these substances in a way that makes their problems worse in the long-run.
It can be very difficult and painful to watch your child go through this and not be able to stop them. However, if you reach out to them in a positive, concerned and supportive way – they are likely to accept the help.
The psychologists at VCPS are specialised in reducing these behaviours in a number of ways, including:
