Substance use and misuse often embody significant challenges that silently afflict many individuals, creating a hidden battlefield of problematic use, addiction, intervention, and recovery. These issues can weave a complex web of difficulties, extending their reach far beyond the 'identified individual' to touch families and communities in profound and intricate ways. That said, it is acknowledged that many people can use substances like alcohol and drugs, including prescribed medications, in healthy and helpful ways. In this blog, our objective is to delve into the realm of problematic substance use, aiming to uncover its foundational causes and shed light on the avenues leading to healing and recovery. We approach this matter with deep empathy and understanding, acknowledging the often arduous journey those affected undergo whilst recognising the collective effort required to support individuals in regaining control over their lives.
Understanding Substance Misuse: Symptoms and Coping Mechanisms
Many individuals turn to substances as a coping mechanism for a multitude of reasons, often seeking solace and temporary reprieve. The symptoms of substance misuse can manifest physically, socially, and behaviourally, often beginning as an innocent attempt to escape reality or dull, long-held emotional pain. Over time, what starts as a coping mechanism can develop from recreational use into habitual use, dependency, and addiction, ensnaring individuals within its harmful grip.
Understanding Substance Use
The mechanisms behind substance use are multifaceted; some individuals may utilise substances to self-medicate for underlying mental health conditions, while others might succumb to peer/work pressure or societal influences. Factors such as trauma, stress, or genetic predispositions can significantly influence individuals towards substance use. Grasping these complexities is pivotal in effectively addressing these issues. Within the UK, NI and Ireland, the two main drugs most reported within assessment treatment centres are Cannabis and Cocaine. For example, within NI, the portion of those reporting drug use is Cannabis: 57.8%, Cocaine: 46.4%, Benzodiazepines: 16.9% and Pregabalin: 14.1% (Statistics from the Northern Ireland Substance Misuse Database: 2022/23 | Northern Ireland Executive).
The Role of Counselling in Recovery
 Counselling can play a crucial role in supporting individuals dealing with substance use issues by providing a safe environment to address the underlying causes of their struggles, develop effective coping mechanisms, and begin the journey to recovery. Personalised therapy sessions help individuals identify behaviour patterns and adopt healthier coping strategies while also building a support network to assist in achieving long-term goals.Â
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It is important for readers to be aware of the life-threatening dangers associated with individuals coming off substances too quickly, as well as the risks for those returning to substance use with potentially reduced tolerance levels. Informed counselling services such as Time2Talk can help resource clients and help them safely navigate these challenges.
Supporting Family, Friends and Loved Ones
Substance use can deeply impact the individual, their families, and their loved ones. Counselling can extend much-needed support and guidance to those affected by a loved one’s substance use, aiding them in navigating complex emotions, establishing healthy boundaries, and enhancing communication skills.
Embracing Recovery and Relapse Prevention - The Journey to Recovery
Recovery from substance use or addiction is a path fraught with challenges, requiring sustained commitment, perseverance, and a robust support system. Counselling provides individuals with essential tools to traverse this challenging journey, empowering them to reclaim their lives and forge a future free from the bonds of problematic use and addiction.
In the battle against substance use, counselling emerges as a beacon of hope, guiding individuals towards a brighter, healthier future. If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use issues, remember that help is within reach. By reaching out to support services like Time2Talk, you take a crucial step towards reclaiming control over your life from the clutches of substance misuse and addiction.
As a trained and experienced Drug and Alcohol Counsellor, I use validated tools, including professional assessment and monitoring tools such as the ASI, CUDIT, AUDIT, etc. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based practice, emphasising harm reduction, risk management, and relapse prevention support. At Time2Talk, we know that people often don’t just present with substance concerns without other aspects of their lives being impacted, too, including employment, education, finances, relationships, diet, general health, sleep and childcare. For this reason, I often use Dual Diagnosis, Integrated Treatments, Motivational Interviewing, Child Therapy, EMDR, and Family Systemic Counselling approaches to best assist the client and their extended network of family, friends, and loved ones when needed and agreed upon, with much success.
Relapse Prevention
While relapse is a harsh reality for many on the journey to recovery, it can be navigated successfully with the right understanding of triggers, the development of coping strategies, and a connection to a support network. Counselling can play a crucial role in relapse prevention, offering the necessary support and encouragement to help mitigate against these setbacks.
Together, let us embark on this journey towards healing and recovery. Remember, you are not alone; support is available. Through compassion, understanding, and professional support, there is hope for a brighter, substance-reduced and substance-free future.
Want a little more detail? Read on...
A closer look at Cannabis and Cocaine:
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, weed, pot, hemp or grass, is a plant with psychoactive properties. Here are some key points about cannabis and its associated risks:
Cannabis refers to a group of three plants: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The plant contains over 100 compounds known as cannabinoids. The most well-known are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects, and CBD (cannabidiol), which is non-psychoactive and often used for medicinal purposes. Cannabis is used both recreationally and medicinally. Recreational use is primarily for its psychoactive effects, while medicinal use can include pain relief, reducing inflammation, and managing symptoms of conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. It can be consumed in various forms, including smoking, vaporising, edibles, and oils.
Cannabis use can increase the risk of mental health issues, including short-term psychosis and long-term mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia.  Smoking cannabis carries similar risks to smoking tobacco, including inflammation and irritation of the airways, and it may contribute to bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Long-term use can lead to cognitive impairment, affecting memory, attention, and learning. There is a risk of developing a dependence on cannabis, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms when usage is reduced or stopped. In Northern Ireland, cannabis is classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, with possession holding up to a five-year prison sentence, whilst supply and production holds up to a 14-year sentence, an unlimited fine or both (www.nidirect.gov.uk).
The strength of cannabis has significantly increased more than tenfold in the past 50 years (www.newscientist.com). In the 1980s, the average THC content was about 4%, whereas today, it averages around 15% (www.cannabisfactcheck.org). These higher THC levels can lead to stronger psychoactive effects and may increase the risk of adverse effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, psychosis and dependence.
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant derived from the South American coca plant (Erythroxylum coca) and is a substance with a significant impact on both individual health and society. Known by various street names such as Coke, Blow, Snow, Crack, and Dust, its consumption methods include snorting, injecting, smoking, and taken orally. Â It is often used as a party drug as it can increase dopamine levels in the brain, leading to heightened feelings of euphoria, confidence, alertness and performance. Â In Northern Ireland, cocaine is legally classified as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, holding up to seven years in prison for possession and even life imprisonment for supply and production. Beyond the legal repercussions, the risks associated with cocaine encompass mental health issues like increased anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis, as well as cardiovascular complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension, whilst it poses a high potential for dependence and addiction.
Further Resources:
Further help can be available from your GP, community addictions teams and organisations like Lifeline 0808 808 8000. In emergency situations, please go to your nearest A+E or call 999. See NI Direct link below for more details and resources:
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