This can be an important question.
People may use substances because they help them:
- relax;
- sleep;
- manage anxiety;
- feel more confident socially;
- switch off difficult thoughts;
- cope with trauma;
- manage pain;
- feel less lonely;
- feel more energised;
- cope with academic pressure;
- feel emotionally numb;
- enjoy themselves;
- avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Understanding this is not about making excuses for substance use.
It can help identify what support needs to replace or address the thing that alcohol or drugs are currently doing for you.
You might find it useful to ask yourself:
What would be harder for me if I stopped using tomorrow?
That answer can be a useful starting point for support.