People take drugs and drink alcohol for lots of different reasons, but they can affect you in ways you might not expect. Using drugs can trigger mental health problems, or make them worse. Long-term use can change the way people live, act and look.

Studies show that around half of all people with a mental illness have a drug or alcohol problem, but it’s difficult to know which happens first. A person with a mental illness might be more likely to abuse drugs to help ease their symptoms, while drug use can trigger the first symptoms of a mental illness.

Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, takes its toll in other ways as well. It can affect personal relationships, cause financial stress and lead to homelessness and criminal behaviour.

People from all walks of life take drugs, and the type of drug they use can depend on socioeconomic factors such as their cultural background, where they live and what their income is.

Learn more about alcohol and other drugs such as ice (crystal meth), MDMA (ecstasy), marijuana (cannabis), cocaine, speed, ketamine, GHB, heroin and LSD, including how they might affect your mental health.

Find information about drugs, help and support services, and treatment options, on the Druginfo and National Drugs Campaign websites.

You can also visit Head to Health, an online gateway funded by the Australian Government that can help you find free and low-cost, trusted phone and online mental health resources, including information about drugs, alcohol, and other substance-related or addictive disorders.

If you are caring for someone with an addiction it is also just as important to continue to look after yourself, visit the Carer Gateway or call 1800 422 737 (Monday-Friday 8am-6pm) for more information.