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Alcohol, drugs and mental health

How alcohol, miraa, bhang and other drugs affect mental health, ways to cut down, and how treatment and rehab can help.

Alcohol, drugs and your mind

Many people use alcohol or other substances to relax, stay awake or cope with stress. Over time, this can harm both mental and physical health.

Alcohol is linked to depression and anxiety. It can also lead to dependence, where it becomes very hard to control or stop drinking.

A 2022 NACADA national survey found that recent use of alcohol, tobacco, khat, bhang and prescription drugs was linked to depression in Kenya.

Miraa, muguka and bhang

Miraa and muguka are kinds of khat, a plant chewed for its stimulating effect. In a NACADA study, many chewers reported sleeping problems.

Some chewers reported mood swings, restlessness, tiredness and headaches when they had not chewed. Some also drink alcohol to come down, which adds risk.

Bhang (cannabis) can affect memory, attention and learning. Regular use can lead to dependence, and it can make some serious mental health conditions worse.

Signs it may be becoming a problem

It may be time to get support if you notice any of these:

  • Using more than you meant to
  • Finding it hard to cut down, even when you want to
  • Feeling guilty after using
  • People close to you are worried
  • Carrying on even when it causes problems with health, work or family
  • Needing more to get the same effect
  • Feeling unwell, shaky or anxious when you stop

Cutting down safely

Important: if you drink heavily and feel shaky, sweaty or anxious when you stop, do not stop suddenly on your own. This can be dangerous. Get medical help first.

Otherwise, small steps can help you cut down:

  • Set a limit before you start, and carry only a fixed amount of money.
  • Tell friends and family you are cutting down so they can support you.
  • Have several alcohol-free days each week.
  • Choose smaller or lower-strength drinks, and swap every other drink for water.
  • Eat before you drink.

Treatment, rehab and recovery

Treatment helps a person stop or cut down, and deal with the problems substance use has caused. It may include counselling, talking therapy, medical help with withdrawal and support groups.

Some people are treated while living at home. Others stay for a time at a residential rehabilitation (rehab) or recovery centre.

At a first appointment, staff usually ask about your substance use, health, work and family. Then they agree a plan with you.

In NACADA's 2022 survey, only 14 percent of people knew of a treatment and rehabilitation facility. Help exists, even if you have not heard of it.

When to get help

Get help if you are worried about your own use or someone else's. Get help too if you cannot cut down, or feel unwell when you stop.

Get emergency help straight away if someone who has stopped drinking is very confused or has a fit. The same applies if they see or hear things that are not there.

If you or someone else is in danger right now, use the crisis numbers on this page or call 999.

You can use Tymira Care Finder to find a counsellor, clinic, rehab centre or other support near you or online.

Talk to someone about this

A professional can listen and help you work out what's right for you, in person or online.

Find a rehab and recovery centre near you

General information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. A professional can talk through what's right for you. Reviewed 2026-11-01.

Sources

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