Alcohol & Other Drugs
Drugs and alcohol change the balance of chemicals that help your brain to think, feel, create and make decisions. The drugs and alcohol you use can affect you both now and in the future. Changing drug and alcohol habits can take time, but with support and perseverance you will notice positive changes in your mental and physical wellbeing.
It is important to remember that areas of your brain are generally still developing into your twenties and you are more likely to
experience the negative effects of drugs and alcohol. Heavy alcohol use and drug use interferes with your brain’s development and can cause brain damage resulting in learning difficulties, memory problems, as well as anxiety and depression. For some people using drugs, such as cannabis, may also trigger psychosis. If you already have a mental health problem, drug and alcohol use can worsen their symptoms, while making recovery much harder. For further information on cannabis use and psychosis visit druginfo.adf.org.au It’s important to understand the risks. For more information visit ysas.org.au and theothertalk.org.au or read the info sheet from Beyond Blue |