Hi Sam, I'm turning 16 in a few weeks, when I was 11 or 12 I had a pretty bad smoking and drinking addiction, to the point where sometimes I couldn't go days without drinking, and my parents never found out, I never let them, I took gaps between drinking and smoking and dentist appointments so it wouldn't be obvious, now that I've gotten older and looked back on it, I majorly regret it, I'm already chronically ill and get sick a lot, recently I relapsed (it's not as bad as it was though) and I'm wondering if it's worth it to get help now then to let it sink it again, during summer I get bursts of depression, which I take medication for, but sometimes I feel like it isn't enough and nothing helps during summer as I have spikes of it, some days I'm good and others are my worst, I feel crazy, I'm in the middle of getting diagnosed with ocd, and I can't help but think that my head is just making it all up.
Sam
Hi there,
People may start to smoke or drink for lots of different reasons. For some, they might feel pressured to start, others might drink because they’re struggling with other parts of life. If you’ve been drinking a while, you can become addicted and that can make it feel worse when you stop.
Smoking or drinking might feel like it helps in the moment when actually it’s making things harder. Alcohol can have a negative effect on how you feel, your health, and it can make your mental health worse. With the right support, you can find ways to stop and feel more in control.
Whether it’s related to your OCD or not, lots of people will question whether they actually have a problem with drinking. It can help to think about your behaviour. Hiding your drinking, using it to cope, and seeing it have an impact on your life can all be signs you need help. Remember, when you’re under 18 any amount of alcohol can be bad for you.
It’s never too early to get the right support with your drinking. Getting help from adults or professionals you trust in your life can make you more likely to be able to stop and keep control of what’s happening. The services you can access vary a lot based on how old you are and where you live, but your doctor can advise and support you. You could also talk to professionals you’re already working with, like at school or when you’re being assessed for OCD.
You’re not alone in how you’re feeling. Lots of people have struggled with alcohol and smoking, and many of them have gotten help to stop. Even if you’re not ready to talk to people in your life, you can get support from us. Our counsellors are here any time, both online and on the phone.
Take care,
Sam
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