Let’s Talk About Drug Use: What do I need to know?

What do I need to know?

Drug use is something that affects many people, and it’s important to talk about it in a clear and honest way. Whether it’s alcohol, cannabis, prescription medication, or illegal substances, people use drugs for different reasons. Some try them out of curiosity, others use them to cope with stress, pain, or mental health problems.

Why Do People Use Drugs?

There’s no single reason. Some people use drugs to relax, escape problems, or feel better. Others may be influenced by friends or their environment. For some, drug use becomes a way to manage difficult emotions or trauma. It’s important to understand that behind every person who uses drugs, there’s a story.

What Can Drug Use Do to Your Health?

Drugs can affect your body and mind in many ways. Some may cause short-term effects like feeling high or relaxed, but they can also lead to serious problems like addiction, anxiety, depression, or physical illness. Long-term use can damage organs, affect memory, and even lead to overdose.
Mental health and drug use often go hand in hand. When someone struggles with both, it’s called a “dual diagnosis.” These cases need special care and support.

Helping, Not Judging

Instead of judging people who use drugs, we should focus on helping them. Harm reduction is one way to do this. It means making drug use safer—for example, by offering clean needles, safe places to use, or medicine like naloxone that can stop an overdose. Naloxone is a medication which opiate users can be given by community drug and alcohol services, in Sussex this is CGL- Change Grow Live. https://www.changegrowlive.org .

Recovery is possible, and it looks different for everyone. Some people stop using drugs completely, while others reduce their use or find safer ways to cope. Support from professionals, friends, and family can make a big difference.

Breaking the Stigma

One of the biggest problems is stigma—negative attitudes toward people who use drugs. This can stop people from asking for help or getting treatment. We need to change how we talk about drug use. Instead of blame, let’s show understanding and care.

Working Together at Addiction Counselling Sussex

At Addiction Counselling Sussex, working with myself I work closely with people affected by drug use. I work as a Dual Diagnosis Substance Misuse Nurse, and Addictions counsellor which means I support individuals who are dealing with both mental health challenges and substance misuse. In my work I aim to understand each person’s needs and helping them to explore the right path to recovery—whether that’s through counselling, harm reduction, or ongoing support. In my work at Addiction Counselling Sussex I offer a free initial assessment and information for people to understand or make a decision if this support is right for them. If counselling is not what is needed now, I will endeavour to sign post you to the right service. Please get in touch if this is to book an assessment or need more information.

Thank you

James