7 signs your drug/alcohol use may be a problem: when not enough is too much

Look at some of these reasons that people give for their use - do any describe your experience? 

I use because:

"It helps me to socialise - I need to use before I can meet up with a friend or friends. I feel unable to talk comfortably until I've used."

"It makes life more interesting - I find it hard to have fun without it. Life is bland and boring without substances."

"It helps me to get away from my feelings - I find it difficult to tolerate or manage my feelings without the use of alcohol/drugs."

"It helps me study - I don't have the energy or attention span needed for studying without the use of drugs/alcohol."

"Once I start I can't stop - I end up bingeing, feeling that I can't control my use."

Are you confused by descriptions of what problematic drug/alcohol use is? Take a look at the following descriptions to help you think further about your use. If you are having similar experiences then you might find it helpful to talk to someone about your relationship with drugs/alcohol.  

Blackouts

Loss of memory of where you've been, what you've done or said, and who you've spent time with etc.

Friends commenting on your behaviour

They don't like the way you use and the way you behave when using.

Outpacing your friends

Using drugs/alcohol in larger, faster quantities than anyone else in your social group.

Your friendship group is predominantly based on using drugs/alcohol

Your friendship circle is narrowing for the sole purpose of using.

Binges

Alternating periods of non-use or non-problematic use interspersed with heavy use that feels out of control or out of character.

Increase in consequences

An escalation in falls, injuries, fights, depression or anxiety.

Developing tolerance

Needing larger quantities for the same effect.

If any of these are familiar to you and you feel you may have a problem with your substance use, you can contact these free helplines for advice, counselling and further information on where to access help:

UK National Drugs Helpline: 0800 776 600 (24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week)

Drinkline: 0300 123 1110 (9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and 11am to 4pm at weekends)

Rachel Euba, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, UCL Student Psychological Services