Substance abuse and addiction are complex mental health issues that can affect anyone – regardless of age, background, or profession. They often carry stigma, but they are not a sign of moral failure or weakness. They are health conditions that deserve empathy, understanding, and effective support.

Addiction can have a profound impact on a person’s mental and physical wellbeing, relationships, and daily functioning – but recovery is possible, and help is available.

What is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of substances such as alcohol, drugs (prescription or illegal), or other chemicals. This use can lead to **physical, emotional, or social harm**, even if the person doesn’t feel “addicted.”

What is Addiction?

Addiction, or substance use disorder, is when someone develops a dependence on a substance – they may feel unable to function without it, despite negative consequences. This dependence can be physical, psychological, or both.

Common substances involved:

• Alcohol
• Cannabis
• Cocaine
• Heroin or opioids
• Prescription medications (e.g. painkillers, sleeping tablets, anti-anxiety meds)
• Nicotine
• Emerging substances (e.g. nitrous oxide, synthetic drugs)

⚠️ Signs of Substance Abuse or Addiction

Behavioural signs:

• Secretive or dishonest behaviour
• Mood swings or irritability
• Changes in performance or attendance at work
• Sudden financial problems
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or responsibilities

Physical signs:

• Bloodshot eyes or unusual pupil size
• Sudden weight change
• Slurred speech or unsteady movements
• Poor personal hygiene or appearance

Psychological signs:

• Anxiety or paranoia
• Depression or low mood
• Memory problems or difficulty concentrating
• Risk-taking or impulsive decisions

💡 People struggling with addiction may go to great lengths to hide it. A non-judgemental approach is key to helping.

The Cycle of Addiction

Addiction often follows a repetitive and destructive pattern that can be difficult to break without help. Understanding this cycle can increase empathy and awareness.

1. Trigger: Something internal or external – like stress, trauma, loneliness, or a difficult emotion – creates discomfort or distress.
2. Craving: The person feels a strong urge or compulsion to use a substance as a way to escape or numb the discomfort.
3. Use: The individual engages in substance use to relieve the craving and avoid the triggering feeling.
4. Temporary Relief: There may be a short-lived sense of calm, escape, or euphoria – but this feeling quickly fades.
5. Guilt / Repeat: After the effects wear off, feelings of guilt, shame, or regret often surface – along with any practical consequences (e.g. relationship strain, health issues, financial problems).The negative emotions become the next trigger, restarting the cycle.

💡 This cycle can become deeply ingrained, which is why support, compassion, and proper treatment are so important.

Addiction and Mental Health

Substance use and mental health are closely linked. People may use substances to cope with depression, anxiety, trauma, or stress – while others may develop mental health issues as a result of addiction.

This is known as dual diagnosis, and it requires careful, compassionate support.

Substance Use in the Workplace

Addiction doesn’t always look how we expect. In the workplace, you might notice:

• Changes in punctuality, reliability, or performance
• Frequent absences or unexplained sick leave
• Unusual behaviour, such as being withdrawn or agitated
• Accidents or near-misses
• Smelling of alcohol or appearing intoxicated

It’s important to avoid assumptions – and instead, create space for safe, honest conversations.

How to Support Someone with Substance Issues

• Be compassionate, not confrontational: Try: *“I’m worried about you – are you okay?”*
• Avoid blame or shame: Addiction is not a choice – it’s a health issue.
• Don’t enable: Be supportive, but don’t cover up or excuse harmful behaviour.
• Encourage support: Signpost to their GP, workplace support schemes, or specialist services.
• Set boundaries: Support doesn’t mean tolerating unsafe or disruptive behaviour.
• Be patient: Recovery is a journey, often with setbacks.

Treatment and Recovery

Recovery from addiction looks different for everyone – but help is available. Treatment may include:

• Talking therapies: e.g. CBT, motivational interviewing
• Rehabilitation programmes: inpatient or outpatient 
• Support groups: e.g. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, SMART Recovery
• Medication-assisted treatment: especially for opioid addiction
• Relapse prevention planning

💡 Relapse is part of recovery for many – it doesn’t mean failure.

🚫 What Not to Say

• “Why don’t you just stop?”
• “You’ve brought this on yourself.”
• “One drink won’t hurt.”
• “You don’t look like an addict.”
• “You were fine yesterday.”

These phrases can be deeply unhelpful and increase shame or secrecy. Instead, focus on support, not solutions.

📞 Where to Signpost for Help (UK)

• GP or local NHS addiction services
• FRANK (Drug Information Line): 0300 123 6600
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
• SMART Recovery
• Cumbria Alcohol Drug Advisory Service (CADAS)

Substance abuse and addiction affect people from all walks of life – including those we work with, care about, or even ourselves. By reducing stigma, showing compassion, and knowing where to signpost support, we can be part of someone’s recovery journey.

You don’t need to have all the answers – just being someone who listens can make a world of difference.