Stop abusing drugs and alcohol!
Why is it important?
This advice is by far the most important one among all the tips that I've listed as Self-Help. Alcohol and drug abuse often cause poor concentration, irritability, poor sleep, depressed mood, anxiety, or paranoia. They are also infamous for worsening mental illnesses. Most people won't snap out of depression and won't be able to control their mood swings unless they cut down on their drinking. It's extremely difficult -if not impossible- to treat psychosis when somebody abuses ice or speed. Alcohol and drugs are also linked with serious physical illnesses. For example, drinking can increase your risk of liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, cancer, and accidental injury .
Quitting or cutting down?
Alcohol: The national guideline for alcohol consumption indicates that drinking no more than two standard drinks per day reduces your risk of illnesses over your lifetime; and that drinking no more than four standard drinks on a single occasion reduces the risk of injury during that occasion. A new study however shows that even these figures might be too much . I advise to avoid alcohol as much as possible if you have psychological problems.
Drugs: There is no acceptable amount of use for drugs. I strongly recommend avoiding drugs, particularly if you have psychological problems.
How can I stop abusing?
You need to talk with a professional if you're dependent on alcohol or drugs. This means that you've built up tolerance, you use large amounts regularly, or you show withdrawal symptoms if you skip a day or two. Please be aware, that severe withdrawal can include seizures or other life-threatening reactions. To discuss this further and to find the right service, please call DirectLine on 1800 888 236.
If your alcohol or drug use is not so severe and you are keen to do it on your own, then you need to set a date for quitting, announce your intention to others, get rid of alcohol and drugs, avoid people or places associated with alcohol or drug abuse, and identify the best ways of resisting temptation. Please consider having a confidential chat with a professional at DirectLine. You can also get support from former abusers at Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.