Help with Substance Misuse

A drug is any chemical that a person takes.  This can be in the form of a pill, a liquid and a powder or in another form.  These can affect the way you think, feel and act.  Alcohol is also included within this.

A drug can be something legal and commonly used, such as over the counter tablets or prescriptions. However, it is mostly the illegal drugs that people take for enjoyment or any other non-medical reason.

There are lots of different reasons why people might take drugs or drink alcohol. It might be:

• to fit in with a group or appear popular
• to see what it feels like
• because they feel like they should, or they feel pressure to do it
• to distract from difficult thoughts or feelings, or to try to make these feelings go away
• to feel more confident or able to talk to people

It can be hard to recognise when you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, as this can develop over time without you noticing. Below are some common signs that you might have a problem with drugs or alcohol.

• You feel like your drug or alcohol use is no longer under your control, and that you cannot cope without it – you “need” to do it, even if you don’t want to.
• You build up a tolerance to the drug, meaning you might start to need more and more of it in order to feel the effects.
• You get withdrawal symptoms when you don’t take it. For example, you might feel sick, anxious or develop shakes
• You often have unexplained cuts and bruises, blackouts, confusion and difficulty remembering what happened while drinking or on drugs.
• You are feeling secretive and ashamed about what you are doing, or doing it in private or on your own.

It is important to reach out for help if you are worried about your drug or alcohol use. In Bolton young people can contact the 360° Substance Misuse Service on 01204 462444. If you are over 18 you can receive support from Achieve on 01204 483090. If you struggle to speak to people over the phone you could send a Chat Health message to a Bolton Public Health Nurse on 07507 331753

FRANK also offers friendly, confidential advice on all things drugs-related. You can call them for free on 0300 123 6600