What Everyone Should Know about drug addiction

You’d never leave a fire burning in your home unattended, so why ignore the signs of drug abuse that can burn someone’s life to the ground?

What is Drug Abuse?

Drug abuse isn’t just about illegal substances—it also includes the misuse of alcohol, prescription medication, or those things that “just take the edge off.” It’s when someone keeps turning to a substance despite the damage it’s doing to their health, relationships, and future.

Men are especially at risk, often suffering in silence because of outdated ideas about what it means to be “strong.”

Is Drug Abuse a Mental Health Issue?

Yes, substance abuse is deeply connected to mental health. Many people use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress.

Irritability or Anger

Ever met someone who seems permanently stuck in grumpy mode? We’re talking snide remarks, road rage because of a red robot, or slamming things down because the Wi-Fi is lagging. This kind of irritability can be emotional overload in disguise.

For some men, anger is the only “socially acceptable” emotion they feel safe expressing. Risky coping mechanisms like drinking or using substances are often used to numb these volatile feelings.

Risk-Taking Behaviour

Think speeding down the road with music blaring, gambling with the rent money, or saying yes to one more drink or line just to feel something.

Risk-taking can feel like freedom in the moment, but it’s often a subtle sign that someone is trying to avoid something deeper—emotional pain, numbness, or a lingering sense of emptiness.

Withdrawal or Shutting Down

You know the guy who suddenly stops replying to messages, skips match night, and barely speaks at dinner? That’s not just introvert mode—it can be a red flag.

Substances often become a way to cope with being overwhelmed emotionally, but shutting down doesn’t make the pain go away. It just buries it deeper.

Physical Complaints with No Clear Cause

Headaches, stomach cramps, or constant fatigue? When the doctor says nothing is wrong, but your body keeps throwing SOS signals, there’s often a mental health story behind the scenes.

Sometimes people turn to substances to manage physical symptoms, not realising the real cause is emotional pain.

Why Don’t Men Ask for Help?

Men are less likely to seek mental health support—and more likely to use substances to cope. There’s often this quiet rulebook handed down from father to son:
“Be tough.”
“Don’t cry.”
“Handle it yourself.”

But emotional pain is not a weakness, and silence doesn’t heal wounds.

Warning Signs: What to Look Out For in Drug Addiction

Early detection can change everything. Keep an eye out for these signs:

• Sudden or increased use of alcohol or other substances
• Mood swings, irritability, or unusual bursts of anger
• A noticeable drop in motivation or energy
• Avoiding family, friends, or work
• Comments like “I’m fine, just tired” when they are clearly not
• Disinterest in hobbies or activities they previously enjoyed
• Physical signs like weight changes, fatigue, or bloodshot eyes

If any of these feel familiar—it’s not just you going through a rough time. It’s time to talk.

Getting Help Doesn’t Mean Giving Up Control

If you (or someone you know) are struggling, here are some resources in South Africa:

National Substance Abuse Hotline

📞 0800 12 13 14
A 24/7, toll-free, multilingual counselling line for those without medical aid. Offers support and referrals.

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)

📞 0800 567 567
Free counselling and access to online or in-person support groups.

SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence)

Offers education, prevention, assessment, detox, rehab services, and support groups nationwide.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) & Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Provide the 12-step programme. Men-only groups are available in some areas.

Bottom Line

When mental health struggles are not addressed, substance abuse can creep in. It might dull the pain for a while—but it won’t heal the wound underneath.

The good news? With the right support, mental health and substance abuse can be treated together. No shame. No judgement. Just real help.

Drug Abuse Awareness Day, during Men’s Mental Health Month, reminds us that men are hurting too. Some are just better at hiding it.

This is a call to stop the silence, break the stigma, and offer support. One honest conversation, one shared story, one step toward help—can be the beginning of healing.