Are you aware of the effect drugs have on your mental health?
It is all too easy to fall into a cycle of using drink and drugs. Whilst it may not feel like a problem now, there are strong links to drug usage and suicide.
Even if you’re using drugs lightly or recreationally they will still effect your mental health.
Drugs and your mental health
- People who use drugs have a 10-14 times greater risk of suicide
- Weed was present in 10% of suicides
- Cocaine was present in 5% of suicides
- Opiates were found present in 20% suicides
- After using stimulants like cocaine, you experience a ‘comedown’. Once the drug has worn off and you’re left feeling depressed and anxious, this can last for days.
Drugs in your system
If you take drugs outside of working hours it is likely that they will still be detected in your system.
Cocaine stays in your system for 3 days. It can stay in for up to 2 weeks if you’re a heavy user.
Cannabis can stay in your system for over a month.
MDMA will stay in your system for 4 days.
Opiates such as heroin, codeine & morphine will stay in your system for 2-7 days.
Ketamine stays in your system for up to 11 days.
The risks
If you regularly use drugs, you are likely aware of the risks that exist.
Without being regulated, you never truly know what drugs you’re taking. You could be taking deadly substances.
Without knowing the strength of what you are taking it can easily lead to an accidental overdose.
The risks become worse when mixing drugs and alcohol.
If you are regularly using drugs there is a huge cost impact. Which may put your financial situation at risk.
Click here to watch Gordon Ramsay find out about the toxic substances go into the production of cocaine.
Has it gone too far?
It may begin as something that seems harmless and weekend fun. It can easily spiral out of control.
When you’re friends with people who also have the same habits, it can be hard to recognise that there is a problem.
These are some common signs of a drug problem:
- Intense mood swings
- You’ve built up a high tolerance to drugs
- Losing interest in things you once enjoyed
- Lack of energy. Struggling to get through the day.
- Money problems
- You relationships with your partner, family or friends have become damaged
- Your life is revolving around using drugs
- Despite the consequences, you still use drugs
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