Alcohol and cannabis are often part of social and family gatherings, celebrations, or ways people try to relax after a difficult day. Some adults may use alcohol to manage stress after work. Some young people may use cannabis because friends use it, because they are curious, or because they believe it will help them sleep or feel less anxious.
But alcohol and cannabis can also affect mental health. They may change mood, sleep, concentration, motivation, relationships, and decision-making. For some people, use becomes a way to avoid painful feelings such as anxiety, loneliness, depression, grief, trauma, or stress. The relief may feel temporary, but the underlying problem can become harder to manage over time.
Alcohol can make depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and conflict worse. Cannabis affects people differently. Some people report feeling relaxed, while others experience panic, paranoia, memory problems, low motivation, or increased anxiety. Teens are especially vulnerable because their brains and coping skills are still developing.
Warning signs that alcohol or cannabis may be becoming a problem include:
- Using more often or using more than planned.
- Needing substances to relax, sleep, socialize, or feel normal.
- Hiding use from family members.
- Missing school, work, appointments, or responsibilities.
- Fighting more with loved ones.
- Using alcohol or cannabis after arguments, trauma reminders, or painful emotions.
- Continuing to use despite negative consequences.
- Feeling unable to cut down.
Families do not need to respond with shame, yelling, or labels. Instead, start with curiosity and concern. You can say: “I have noticed you have been drinking or using more lately. I care about you, and I want to understand what you have been going through.”
If substance use is affecting safety, relationships, work, school, mental health, or parenting, professional support can help. A counselor, doctor, substance-use program, or culturally responsive therapist can help a person build new coping skills without judgment.
If you or a loved one is facing these challenges in the Bay Area, you can find help by calling 211.
Reflection question: When stress becomes difficult, what healthy support could you use before turning to alcohol or cannabis?
Javier Nunton, MSW