Substance Use
What is substance use?
We all may use substances from time to time to alter our mood state, create different perceptual experiences or to relax. Substances include things like alcohol and cannabis, or other illicit drugs. However for some of us, our substance use can become excessive or cause harm, and might be accompanied by feeling a strong desire to use or craving the substance when we’re not using it. If you experience these things – it might mean that you are struggling with your substance use. Substance use can affect anyone, and it often begins subtly before becoming a significant challenge.
Language is often very important when supporting a loved one who might be struggling with the way they use substances. There is a helpful link to language that is affirming and non-judegmental available here. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, please reach out. We offer counselling in Footscray and psychologists who service the Western Suburbs of Melbourne.There are plenty of evidence-based treatments available to help people cut down or stop using a substance if they think it is causing them harm. Our psychologists are trained and able to support with a wide range of substance use issues. Please contact us to find out more.
When might my substance use be harmful?
If you feel like you are using alcohol, prescription medications, or other drugs in ways that impact your daily life, it might be time to seek some support. You might develop physical health issues as a result of your use, it might negatively impact your relationships, or you might not be able to fulfil your work and home duties in the way you would most like to. For some people, they may behave in ways they’re not proud of, or spend an increased time seeking out, acquiring or recovering from their substance use. Sometimes, substance use can lead to other associated mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety. Many people have reasons for using substances or even depending on substances to live, and these might be linked to things such as trauma or grief and loss. This may be due to trauma, anxiety or other mental health difficulties.
Our pychologists in Footscray can offer evidence-based treatment for diffiiculties with substance use. Some common therapies that may help include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy and Psychodynamic-Informed Psychotherapy.
There are a range of organisations that support people and their loved ones to manage substance use. The Self Help Addiction Resource Centre and Alcohol and Drug Foundation have support groups, peer programs and free hotlines for onling counselling support. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a well known peer-led communtiy program, for people who struggle with alcohol use, and there are carer support groups as well. There are also different branches of AA, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which pertain to substance as used in the title of the group.
Signs and symptoms of substance use
- Changes in behaviour — becoming withdrawn, secretive, or unusually irritable
- Physical changes — tiredness, weight changes, poor hygiene
- Mood swings — sudden highs or lows, increased anxiety
- Decline in responsibilities — missing work, school, or important commitments
- Financial difficulties — unexplained spending or borrowing money
- Risk‑taking behaviour — unsafe driving, unsafe sex, or mixing substances
- Cravings — feeling unable to cut back or stop, or having a strong desire to use the substance
- Dependence – having withdrawal symptoms, or feeling psychologically or physically unable to live without the substance
- Spending an increased amount of time acquiring the substance, using the substance or recovering from the effects of the substance
So, what can I do?
Substance use doesn’t just affect the body—it influences mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Early support can prevent long‑term harm, reduce feelings of isolation, and help people reconnect with what matters most. Many individuals feel shame or fear about seeking help, but recovery becomes far more achievable with the right guidance and a safe, non‑judgmental space.
Our team is made up of psychologists in the Western suburbs and we are trained to support people at every stage of their journey, offering personalised strategies that promote stability, confidence, and long‑term wellbeing. Our clinicians provide compassionate, evidence‑based support to help individuals regain control of their substance use in a way that works for them. We also work with people who support someone they love who uses substances.
Help is available, please contact us to find out more and we can chat about matching you with a psychologist in Footscray who’s a good fit.
We have Medicare rebate psychologists, to help with the cost of therapy and also offer telehealth psychologists, Workcover psychologists TAC psychologists in the Western suburbs of Melbourne.
Psychology FAQs
Have a question? Take a look below… these are some of the common questions we get.
Ready to talk?
Please get in touch today to have a chat to our friendly team so we can match you with an appropriate psychologist. If you are an existing client, you can book online.