Mental Health

Mental health and substance use can influence each other in different ways. Understanding the relationship means looking at distress, daily life and care, without assuming that one explains everything about the other.

Mental health is more than whether someone has a diagnosis. It includes how they feel, think, connect with other people and manage daily life. Sadness, worry or a difficult period does not automatically mean a mental disorder, but distress deserves attention even when its cause is uncertain.

Alcohol or other drugs may offer temporary relief while adding difficulties later. Mental-health problems can also develop independently of substance use, and the two can share influences such as adversity or vulnerability. Someone does not have to decide which came first before asking for help with both.

If someone has thoughts of suicide or self-harm, seek immediate help from a health professional or crisis service. If life is at risk or someone cannot keep themselves safe, seek emergency help immediately. Sudden confusion needs immediate medical help. Suspected poisoning or overdose also needs urgent help if someone cannot be woken, is breathing abnormally, has a seizure or is rapidly deteriorating. Do not wait to identify the substance.

Alcohol withdrawal can be medically dangerous. Someone who may be physically dependent should not assume that abruptly stopping alcohol alone is automatically the safest course. Seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations or other signs of severe alcohol withdrawal require urgent medical attention.

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