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 HelplineCategory: 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.
The 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”A 5 Years Old Child Fed Alcohol By His Father
Binge drinking amongst teenagers is rising at an exponential rate and can be bought on by a variety of factors. One often overlooked factor is the influence a childs own…
View More A 5 Years Old Child Fed Alcohol By His FatherTeenage Girl Pressured to Drink Alcohol – Peer Influences
University is a difficult time for young girls and boys as peer group pressure means that its most often your closest friends that can lead you on to a path…
View More Teenage Girl Pressured to Drink Alcohol – Peer Influences