Drugs and Alcohol - Mann Mela - Museum of Mental Health Stories

When is alcohol or drug use a problem?

Many people use alcohol and drugs for recreation or fun, in a way that does not harm them or cause negative impacts to their mental health. But when used in excess, or when relied on to cope with stressful life problems, alcohol and drug use can interfere with someone’s day-to-day life and negatively impact their mental health. This can create an unhelpful vicious cycle that is bad for their mental health.

What are the warning signs of overuse or abuse?

What counts as a problem may be different from person to person, but these are a few questions that might help you consider whether your use of alcohol and drugs is problematic:
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Are you comfortable with the amount you drink or use drugs?
Do you feel in control of your decisions to drink or use drugs?
Do you feel you need to drink or take drugs to feel ok or to cope with stress?
Has your drug or alcohol use been increasing over time?
Do you find yourself prioritising alcohol or drugs over other things that are important to you (like your education, employment or relationships)?

How do I draw the line?

Healthy alternatives

Make a list of things you can do when you have the urge to use, including a range of activities that help you to relax, feel good, give you a sense of achievement or are good distractions.
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Pros and cons

Make an honest list of all the good and bad things about using, and all the good and bad things about cutting down or stopping using to help you see things more clearly.

Keep track

Use a diary or a tracking app to know how much you actually use.

Get support

Let key friends or family know you are trying to cut down or stop so they understand and can support you. There are also mental health and de-addiction services that can offer you advice and treatment.

Set goals

Start with small daily or weekly goals or set yourself specific ‘dry days’.

I’m worried my friend/family member is abusing alcohol or drugs. How can I help them?

It can be distressing if someone you care about is using alcohol or drugs in a way you think is bad for them. The bottom line is that you cannot make someone stop using substances if they don’t want to - it is something they have to decide for themselves. But here are things you can do to offer your support:
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1.

Let them know you are worried

Do this as directly and honestly as you can and at a time and place where you think they might best be able to take this in.
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2.

Encourage them to seek help

If they are willing, you can look into this with them and even find local services to visit together.

3.

Ask them how you can
help

If they are working on their use, don’t be afraid to ask them about it and find out from them what would be helpful for you to do (or not do!).
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4.

Spend positive time
together

Look for ways to do things together that you both enjoy and helps you both feel connected.

Get Help Now

We all experience low points at different times in our lives and it’s not unusual to feel sad, anxious or stressed especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Sangath’s tele-counselling services offer free phone-based counselling for frontline workers and young people in need of psychological support.

CALL

011-41198666

Everyday | 10 AM - 4 pm

An initiative by

Creative Partner

Supported by

Mann Mela is a project by It’s Ok To Talk, Sangath. It is supported by the Wellcome Trust, UK. It’s Ok To Talk is a national anti-stigma campaign for youth mental health that works through new media, arts, community-based events, training and leadership building.

Get in Touch

Sangath, E-5, Lane 1,
Western Marg, Saiyad ul ajaib,
Saket 110030, New Delhi, India

info@itsoktotalk.in

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All the information on this website is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. The opinions, beliefs and views expressed by the various storytellers on our website are personal to the storytellers and do not necessarily represent those of Mann Mela, It’s Ok To Talk and Sangath or official policies of Sangath. Any content provided by our storytellers are their own opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, community, company or individual.

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This Website includes stories and descriptions of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and suicide. Therefore, some contents may be upsetting or trigger an adverse reaction. Reader discretion is advised.