Substance use and addiction
Substance use and addiction can be defined as the harmful or compulsive use of alcohol and drugs, or behaviours such as gambling, used to cope with stress, trauma, or difficult emotions. Over time, these behaviours can become difficult to control and begin to affect a person’s health, relationships, finances, and daily life, increasing feelings of isolation, shame, and emotional distress. For some men, this can have a significant impact on mental health and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
Men often face social pressure to appear strong and self-reliant, which can make it difficult to talk about substance use and addiction. These pressures can mean struggles are hidden, minimised, or not recognised until they become more severe.
What may begin as a way of coping with stress, trauma, or difficult emotions can gradually develop into compulsive patterns that feel difficult to control. This can create a cycle where substances or behaviours are used to manage distress, but ultimately increase it over time.
As addiction develops, it can affect mood, sleep, judgement, and impulse control. It can also contribute to financial strain, relationship difficulties, and withdrawal from social support, increasing feelings of shame, isolation, and disconnection.
Substance use and addiction are closely associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour, with the two often influencing and reinforcing each other in complex ways.
47%
of people in England who died by suicide while in contact with mental health services had alcohol problems (2010–2020).
10-14x
higher risk of suicide for people with substance use disorders compared to the general population.
68%
of adults in drug and alcohol treatment in England are men.
Signs of substance use and addiction
Substance use and addiction, including withdrawal, can affect mental health and increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Recognising the signs early can help people access support and prevent problems from worsening.
- Changes in appearance, self-care, or personal hygiene.
- Unexplained weight changes or ongoing health complaints.
- Physical signs of substance use, such as bloodshot eyes, unusual pupil size, nosebleeds, or frequent sniffing.
- Repeated injuries or accidents with unclear explanations.
- Noticeable changes in mood, such as anxiety, irritability, paranoia, or emotional withdrawal.
- Loss of interest in hobbies, relationships, or activities once enjoyed.
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions.
- Becoming defensive or unwilling to discuss substance use.
- Secretive, suspicious, or unusually withdrawn behaviour.
- Struggling to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home.
- Financial difficulties, including regularly running short of money or borrowing from others.
- Changes in social circles or distancing from family and friends.
- Increased risk-taking or behaviour that feels out of character.
If gambling addiction is affecting you or someone you know, our Financial Stress page offers information, practical advice, and support services that can help.
Real stories
These stories from well-known men show that even after substance use and mental health struggles, recovery is possible and support can make a difference.
Tyson Fury, professional boxer
Despite reaching the top of his sport, Tyson Fury struggled with depression, substance misuse, and suicidal thoughts. By seeking help, speaking openly about his experiences, and leaning on the support of those around him, he found a way forward. Today, he uses his story to encourage others to seek help and hold on to hope.
Tom Hardy, actor
Tom Hardy’s early success was overshadowed by addiction to alcohol and drugs. After reaching a crisis point, he entered rehab and committed to changing his life. Since then, he has remained sober and found renewed purpose through his family and career. His story shows that recovery can begin with a single decision to ask for help.
Dwayne Johnson, wrestler and actor
Dwayne Johnson has spoken openly about periods of depression, heavy drinking, and feeling lost after major setbacks in his life. Through supportive relationships, fitness, and finding a renewed sense of purpose, he gradually rebuilt his wellbeing. His experience highlights that difficult periods do not last forever, and that recovery is possible with time and support.
Giving Voice to Mental Health podcast
In this episode of the Giving Voice to Mental Health podcast, Johnny shares his recovery story, reflecting on his experiences of deep depression, suicidal thoughts, isolation, and heavy alcohol and cocaine use. He talks about the moment of desperation that led him to seek treatment, and how community, therapy and finding a sense of purpose helped him rebuild his life and maintain his sobriety.
Are you struggling?
Substance use and addiction can feel overwhelming, but small, practical steps can help you regain a sense of control and reduce the pressure.
- Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling.
- Focus on getting through today rather than worrying about the future.
- Distract yourself with activities that improve your mood, such as exercise, gardening, or creative hobbies.
- If you’re concerned about your drug or alcohol use, speak to your GP, local drug and alcohol service, or a specialist support organisation.
- Consider joining a peer support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
- Explore professional support options, including talking therapies and addiction treatment programmes, which can help you reduce or stop substance use safely.
The following services can provide practical support, advice, and emotional help if substance use and addiction is affecting your wellbeing.
Change Grow Live
Confidential, judgement-free support for people affected by drug or alcohol use, smoking, homelessness, and related challenges.
Forward Trust
Support for people recovering from addiction, helping them rebuild their lives, relationships, confidence, and sense of purpose.
Turning Point
Advice, treatment, and recovery support for people affected by drug and alcohol use, including detoxification and rehabilitation services.
GamCare
24/7 support for gambling-related harm, including helpline, webchat, and counselling.
Naked Truth Project
Support, education, and recovery resources for people affected by pornography use and its impact on wellbeing, relationships, and daily life.
Contact your GP
They will help you get support from the right services and will sometimes take appointments over the phone.
- Find your GP contact details
- If your GP practice is closed or unavailable, call NHS 111
- Visit the NHS 111 website
Stay Alive app
Whether you’re struggling with your mental health or suicidal thoughts, or supporting someone else, our NHS-recommended Stay Alive app offers practical tools and access to over 800 resources to help you stay safe.
Grounding techniques
Access breathing exercises and grounding techniques that can help deal with overwhelming anxiety, pain or emotions.
Safety plan
Create a Safety Plan to recognise warning signs early and outline the steps you can take if a suicidal crisis is beginning or escalating.
LifeBox
Upload photos and memories to your LifeBox. These reminders can help ground you, bring comfort and offer a moment of calm when you need it most.
Stay Alive app
All of these tools and more are available on our Stay Alive app, making them easy to access when you or someone you are worried about is struggling.
Did you know? Our free app was the first in the UK, has won multiple awards and is helping a million people all over the world. Please consider a donation (whatever you can afford) to continue to develop the maintenance and development of our app.
Are you worried about someone?
It can be hard to talk about how we are struggling but listening, offering support, and encouraging someone to seek help can make a real difference.
Here are some ways you can support someone you are worried about:
- Send them a link to this web page so they have all the resources and signposting they may need.
- If someone approaches you with concerns about substance abuse and addiction, the first step is an easy one: just listen. Offering emotional support to someone who is struggling can go a very long way.
- Don’t judge or dismiss their feelings.
- Try to explain how their alcohol or drug use is affecting you.
- Find ways to spend more time together. You could try joining in with any activities that they enjoy.
- Go to appointments with them, if they would like you to. This may especially help for their first visit.
- If you are worried they are feeling overwhelmed and having suicidal thoughts, our Ask now, save lives page has guidance on how to start a conversation. Asking someone if they’re suicidal could protect them.
Change Grow Live
Practical advice on talking to someone about their drug or alcohol use, helping them seek support, and understanding how addiction can affect families and friends.
We Are With You
Advice and guidance for supporting someone with drug, alcohol, or addiction-related issues, including tips on starting conversations and encouraging them to seek help.
UKAT
Guidance on recognising when addiction has become a serious problem and how to plan an intervention to help someone access support.
Stay Alive app
Our award-winning Stay Alive app provides additional information on how to keep someone safe, including warning signs, practical steps, things to avoid and more.
Learn more about how to approach a conversation about suicide and support someone who may be struggling.
Gain the skills to support men
Whether you’re experiencing substance use and addiction yourself or supporting someone who is, remember that help is available and recovery is possible. Small steps, practical support, and open conversations can make a real difference, and no one has to face these challenges alone.
Men's Suicide Prevention Hub
Sources
Substance abuse and addiction
Substance misuse is a major risk factor for suicide due to its effects on impulsivity, emotional regulation and social isolation – World Health Organization, Suicide Worldwide in the 21st Century, 2023.
Men are more likely to use substances as a coping mechanism and less likely to seek help early – Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Adult Substance Misuse Treatment Statistics, 2024.
Shame, secrecy and withdrawal commonly accompany addiction and increase suicide risk – Samaritans, Suicide Risk Factors: Alcohol and Drug Misuse, 2021.
Boxed statistics
10–14x higher risk of suicidal behaviour in individuals with substance use disorders compared to the general population – Suicide Risk in Alcohol Use Disorders: Literature Review and Study Protocol with Preliminary Data for a Study in Treatment-Seeking Inpatients – PMC.
47% of people in England who died by suicide while in contact with mental health services had alcohol problems (2010–2020) – Co-occurring mental health and substance use delivery framework – GOV.UK.
68% of adults in drug and alcohol treatment in England are men – Adult substance misuse treatment statistics 2024 to 2025: report – GOV.UK.
Image credits
Tyson Fury by Mike DiDomizio – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87653411
Tom Hardy by Daga Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71148891
Dwayne Johnson By Harald Krichel / WikiPortraits, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=191912221