This information is for general guidance only. For personalised advice about your situation, please speak with a qualified health professional.
How Substance Use Affects Mental Health
Many Australians experiencing depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions turn to alcohol, tobacco or other drugs to manage difficult feelings. While substances might bring short-term relief, they often make mental health problems worse over time.
Regular substance use can affect brain chemistry, particularly the chemical messengers that help regulate mood, motivation and anxiety. This creates a cycle where mental health problems and substance use reinforce each other, making both conditions harder to manage.
How substances commonly affect mental health:
Alcohol: May temporarily reduce anxiety but disrupts sleep quality, lowers mood over time, and can worsen depressive symptoms with continued use.
Cannabis: Can interfere with emotional regulation. Frequent use or high-strength products may increase anxiety or depressive symptoms, particularly in younger people or those with existing vulnerabilities.
Stimulants (methamphetamine, cocaine): May trigger agitation, mood swings, paranoia, or in some cases, experiences such as hallucinations or unusual beliefs.
Nicotine: Often linked with increased anxiety and depression, particularly in people with pre-existing mental health conditions.
The severity of impact varies depending on frequency and duration of use, genetics, existing mental health conditions, and individual vulnerability.
Common Mental Health Conditions Linked to Substance Use
Depression and Mood Disorders
Substance use can increase the risk of developing depression or worsen existing symptoms. Common signs include persistent sadness, low energy, loss of interest in daily activities, and difficulty functioning at work or home.
These symptoms may result from how substances affect brain chemistry, disrupt sleep patterns, impact nutrition, or affect social connections. In some people, depressive symptoms continue even after substance use has stopped, highlighting the complex relationship between the two conditions.
Anxiety Disorders
Substance use can both trigger and worsen anxiety. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent worry or rumination
- Panic attacks or sudden fear
- Restlessness or difficulty concentrating
- Physical tension or insomnia
Certain substances, such as stimulants and cannabis, can intensify anxiety. Withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines can also produce severe anxiety symptoms.
Important: Withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines can be medically serious and potentially life-threatening. Anyone using these substances regularly should speak to a doctor before stopping, as medical supervision may be required.
Repeated cycles of use and withdrawal can increase baseline anxiety levels over time.
Psychosis and Related Symptoms
Some substances may trigger hallucinations, unusual beliefs, or disorganised thinking, particularly in susceptible individuals. This is more common in people with a family history of mental illness or those who begin using substances during adolescence when the brain is still developing.
Substances most commonly associated with these symptoms include stimulants, hallucinogens, and high-strength cannabis. While some symptoms are temporary and resolve after the substance leaves the system, prolonged or heavy use may contribute to longer-term mental health conditions in vulnerable individuals.
When Both Occur Together
Mental health conditions and substance use frequently occur together. Important points to understand:
- Treating only one condition often leads to incomplete recovery
- Research suggests that addressing both issues together tends to achieve better outcomes
- Integrated care approaches are increasingly recognised as best practice
- Recovery is possible with appropriate, coordinated support
Recognising the Signs
Early recognition of co-occurring mental health and substance use issues can make a significant difference to outcomes. Signs may include:
- Persistent low mood or sadness
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Sleep disruption or ongoing fatigue
- Excessive worry, panic attacks, or agitation
- Mood swings or sudden emotional changes
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of hopelessness or self-harm
Physical changes may also appear, such as changes in appetite, energy levels, or personal hygiene. Seeking support early can help prevent symptoms from worsening and reduce risks to overall health and wellbeing.
Seeking Help and Support
Support should be sought when mental health symptoms interfere with daily life, relationships, work, or safety. People who are actively using substances can still access mental health services. Care that addresses both mental health and substance use at the same time often produces better outcomes.
Practical steps for support:
Speak to a GP: They can assess symptoms, provide medical support, and arrange referrals to specialist services if needed.
Be open about substance use: Honest discussion helps health professionals understand your situation fully and provide more effective support.
Explore therapy options: Psychological interventions such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy can be offered alongside medical care.
Consider integrated care: Coordinated approaches that address both mental health and substance use together may improve recovery outcomes.
Develop a personalised care plan: Working collaboratively with health professionals ensures treatment addresses all relevant aspects of your wellbeing.
Treatment Options for Co-Occurring Conditions
When both mental health conditions and substance use are present, treatment typically involves a combination of approaches:
Psychological therapies: Evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), or motivational interviewing can help address both issues.
Medication: Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or other psychiatric medications may be prescribed to manage mental health symptoms. Your doctor will consider how these interact with substance use.
Support programs: Structured programs addressing substance use, peer support groups, and rehabilitation services can provide valuable support alongside mental health treatment.
Lifestyle interventions: Sleep hygiene, nutrition, exercise, and stress management strategies support both mental health and recovery from substance use.
Your healthcare team will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Substances can disrupt the brain’s natural mood and stress regulation systems, which may lead to or worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety.
No. Effects vary considerably between individuals. However, people with pre-existing mental health vulnerabilities or family history of mental illness are at higher risk of experiencing negative mental health effects.
Treatment typically involves a combination of psychological therapy, medical support, and sometimes medication. The most effective approach addresses both conditions simultaneously through integrated care.
Yes. Health professionals can provide assessment, support for stabilisation, and coordinated care for both mental health and substance use. You don’t need to stop using substances before seeking help.
Consult a GP or trusted health professional who can assess your symptoms and refer you to specialist services as appropriate. This is the first step towards getting the support you need.
Not necessarily. Treatment plans are individualised. Some people benefit from residential rehabilitation programs, while others manage recovery successfully with outpatient support. Your healthcare team will discuss options suited to your situation.