Using drugs and alcohol is about changing the way you feel. We may drink from time to time to celebrate a happy event, commiserate at a loss, escape from an unwanted emotion or to reward ourselves maybe at the end of a hard day’s work. It’s the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption that determines if it’s becoming problematic to your health. This can be recognised by an increased amount and/or frequency to reach the desires level of effect, (intoxication). Once dependant one may:

• Experience intense urges for the substance, occurring frequently throughout the day.
• Develop tolerance, needing more of the substance to achieve the desired effect.
• Obsess over maintaining a constant supply of the substance.
• Spend money on the substance despite financial difficulties.
• Decrease involvement in social or other activities.
• Fail to meet responsibilities at work, with family, or in studies.
• Lie about substance use when questioned.
• Engage in illegal activities, such as theft, to obtain the substance.
• Take risks, like driving under the influence.
• Attempt but struggle to quit substance use.
• Experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using the substance.

What’s motivating that? Drug and alcohol issues frequently coexist with psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression. This correlation often arises as individuals attempt to alleviate or conceal underlying psychological issues through self-medication. Indeed, drug and alcohol use may also be driven by attempts to alleviate symptoms such as chronic pain and insomnia. My approach to care centers on Motivational Interviewing, where I focus on addressing ambivalence and understanding each individual’s motivational processes to foster meaningful change.

This approach is characterised by its non-coercive nature, honouring each person’s values, beliefs, and desires for change. I prioritise supporting individuals in aligning their goals with their own values, concerns, and wishes, without imposing external pressure or mandates that may contradict their autonomy.