Uni is a time for experimenting and socialising, but when does a bit of fun become an addiction?
What is addiction?
There are three main types of drugs – depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens. They all cause your mind and body to react in different ways.
- Depressants slow your body down; your breathing and heart rate can slow down, you can experience nausea and vomiting, and your ability to think and react to what is happening around you can be affected. You might also notice changes in your mood, both in the short and the longer term, as a result of regular depressant use. Alcohol, heroin, cannabis, sedatives and inhalants are depressants.
- Stimulants speed your body up. They increase your heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure. People using stimulants can feel an increase in confidence, motivation and energy, and a decrease in the need for sleep.Methamphetamines, cocaine and ecstasy are some of the commonly known stimulants.
- Hallucinogens affect your sense of time and your emotional state, and can cause you to experience auditory or visual hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there).Hallucinogens include LSD, ketamine and magic mushrooms.
Learn more about the types of alcohol and other drugs HERE
Ready to kick an addiction? Here are some sneaky ways!
- Build in some alcohol and/ or drug free days in your week. hellosundaymorning.org can help you stick to your goals.
- Tell your mates what you are doing and ask for their support know you are trying
- Worried about drinking while out? Leave the party early or decide not to go to parties where there is a risk you might use too much.
- Do things that take your focus away from drugs or alcohol – dance, music, games, art, sing or bike ride.
- Make it difficult to access drugs – hang out with friends who do not use drugs and alcohol.
- Try exercise, meditation or doing things you enjoy to tackle stress and anxiety rather than using drugs or alcohol.
- Look after your physical health by eating well, drinking water and exercising regularly.
- Ask a counsellor, doctor or health professional to support you as you try to change your habits.
- Changing habits takes time. Be prepared to hit a few roadblocks
