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Substance Use (Drug and Alcohol)

Speak with one of our trained psychologists about how to regain control over substance use.

Substance use can pose challenges for individuals, even without a severe dependency. It becomes problematic when it begins to affect crucial aspects of daily life, such as work, family, and friendships, even in the absence of full addiction.

Given that the root causes of substance abuse vary from person to person, tailored treatment services are necessary to address the unique needs of individuals struggling with substance abuse.

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The effects of alcohol and other drugs on the body can be relatively predictable and easy to replicate, so people often use certain substances to elicit a certain response and change in how they feel. These changes due to substance use generally only affect a person in the short term, so to continue to achieve the desired outcome, a person may begin to use a substance more and more frequently. It is at this point that some people can develop addictions to certain substances, whether it be a behavioural addiction, physiological addiction or psychological addiction.

Continued substance abuse may have an appeal to an individual as it meets their needs in some way. However many individuals who use substances also experience significant negative impacts from their use.

Common negative impacts of substance abuse can include:

Financial impacts and higher expenses to obtain and use substances

Relationship difficulties

Health problems

Psychological problems (i.e. depression, anxiety)

Social isolation

Impact on work, school or home responsibilities

Feelings of being controlled

Poor role modelling for children

Using more than originally intended, feeling out of control of use

Problems with the law

Problems with safety

Needing the substance to cope with everyday life or specific experiences

Organising events or needs around substance use

Tolerance to substances, needing to increase amounts to feel the same effect

Feeling sick or moody without the substance

Seeing a psychologist can help you to manage your decision to stop or reduce your substance use. A psychologist can help you to work towards living a life that you choose, that is meaningful and fulfilling.

Additional substances we can help with

Substance use is typically thought of as use of alcohol and illicit drugs, however a psychologist can also assist you in your management of other substances including:

Tobacco

Over-the-counter medications

Prescription medications (for non-prescriptive use)

Caffeine

Sugar

Match with a Psychologist

Steps you can take

Contact us at Strategic Psychology via phone, email or drop in to our office to schedule an initial appointment to see one of our experienced psychologists to begin addressing problematic substance use.

No referral is needed to make an appointment, however you can contact your GP to receive a referral under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (if eligible) to receive a rebate through Medicare.