Late one evening, a woman picked up the phone, her hands trembling, her heart heavy. She dialled the number to Sikh Helpline, feeling utterly drained. Her voice shook as she…
View More A Call for Help: One Family’s Journey Through Alcohol and Towards Healing and HopeCategory: Substance Abuse
Introduction to Substance Abuse
Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of substances, including consuming excess amounts of alcohol, smoking and drugs. The use of recreational or prescription drugs, alcohol or smoking can cause addiction and negative consequences.
Repeated substance abuse can lead to the development of behavioural, cognitive, and physiological problems, causing a strong desire to take the drug and difficulties in controlling its use. These effects can make it difficult to stop despite harmful consequences, resulting in a higher priority given to drug use than to other activities and obligations, increased tolerance, and sometimes a physical withdrawal state.
It is therefore very common for substance abuse to lead to problems at work, home, school, and in relationships. It is not uncommon to feel isolated, helpless, or ashamed. Nevertheless, if you are worried about yourself or a friend or family member who is suffering from substance abuse, it is important to get help. Recognising that you have a problem is the first step and takes tremendous courage and strength.
Talking to the Sikh Helpline can help to give you a better understanding of the problem and how to best deal with it. We can help by supporting and getting you in touch with the right agencies. The Sikh Helpline is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help and you can contact us anytime.
Read articles, case studies and other information related to this topic below.
Testimonial (Domestic Violence)
Domestic Violence Case – Call received by the Sikh HelpLine “Bless the helpline to continue help silent victims like me..” Testimonial (Real Case Study): A call was received by the Sikh…
View More Testimonial (Domestic Violence)Alcohol Misuse – Sikh Helpline
Alcohol misuse occurs when you drink in a way that’s harmful or when you’re dependent on its consumption. If someone has lost control over their drinking and has a strong…
View More Alcohol Misuse – Sikh HelplineThe Unspoken Alcohol Issue by a Punjabi Woman – Alcoholic Abuse
I’m writing to you to offer my support, guidance, strength and hope to other alcoholics. I am a 37 year old recovering alcoholic. I am a Punjabi woman and have…
View More The Unspoken Alcohol Issue by a Punjabi Woman – Alcoholic AbuseThe Unspoken Alcohol Problem Among UK Punjabis
BBC – For many British Punjabis, alcohol abuse is an open secret. Alcohol consumption is glamorised across different aspects of Punjabi culture and shame stops many seeking the help that…
View More The Unspoken Alcohol Problem Among UK PunjabisIssues That Matter – Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault “spiking”
In the video below, the characters re-enact a scene which happens too often to too many people. Here, the girl is distracted from her drink and whilst the boy has…
View More Issues That Matter – Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault “spiking”