It can be hard to know if you are using substances to cope. You may feel alone or scared. We will help you see signs. We will use clear and straightforward language. Our approach will be kind and transparent. If you need assistance, we are here to help. What Is Substance Use? Substance use means using drugs or alcohol. Some people use them once in a while. Others use them more and more. When use starts to cause harm, it may be a substance use disorder. That means the use is affecting daily life, mood, work, or health. Why People Use Substances to Cope People turn to substances for many reasons. You might use them to: Calm down when you feel anxious or stressed . Stop feeling sad or lonely. Sleep when your mind is racing. Forget hard times or bad memories. Using once does not always mean a disorder. But if it becomes a main way to cope, it can become a problem. Signs to Watch For Look for changes in how you feel and act. These signs are warning flags: You use more than you planned. You try to cut down but can’t. You spend a lot of time getting, using, or recovering. You crave the substance. You keep using even when it hurts your body or mind. You stop doing things you used to enjoy. Your sleep or eating changes a lot. Your mood swings or you feel more anxious or angry. You have money or legal trouble because of use. You hide your use or lie about it. If several of these fit you, it may be time to get support. Changes in Your Life to Notice Substance use shows up in everyday life. Check for: Work or school problems. Trouble with friends or family. Missing events or not caring about plans. A mood that swings from happy to very low. Health problems like stomach pain, headaches, or more colds. These changes may be small at first. They can grow if not noticed. How to Ask Yourself Simple Questions Try these short questions. Answer with yes or no: Do I feel better when I am sad or scared? Do I think about using a lot during the day? Have I tried to stop and could not? Has my use caused trouble at home, work, or school? If you said yes to one or more, reach out to someone you trust or a health provider. When to Get Help Get help right away if you: Feel like you might hurt yourself. Think you might hurt someone else. Have severe shaking, fever, or you cannot wake up. Need more of the substance just to feel normal. Call emergency services or go to the nearest clinic if this happens. How We Can Help at Life and Destiny Health We work with you in a kind and whole-person way. We offer both in-person and telehealth visits. This means you can talk to us from home or come in. Our services include: Primary and urgent care for physical health. Mental health services to support your mind. Substance use care and help to make a plan. Health education and wellness coaching to build new skills. Dr. David Selasi Kwami leads our care with deep experience. He has worked in primary care, mental health and substance use care. He meets patients where they are. He respects your story and your pace. What to Expect When You Reach Out When you call or book a visit, we will listen first. You can tell us what you want. We will not judge. We will ask about your use, health and how it affects your life. Then we will make a simple plan with you. That plan may include: A safety plan for hard moments. Planning for medical care or testing if needed. Therapy to learn new ways to cope. Medication when it can help. Referrals to support groups or rehab if needed. We can help in one visit or many. We work with you step by step. Simple Ways to Start Right Now Try one small step you feel okay with: Tell one person you trust how you feel. Delay use by 1 hour when you feel the urge. Use that hour to walk, call, or breathe. Write down why you want to change and keep it where you can see it. Make a list of safe people to call when you feel low. Schedule a visit with a health provider for a check-in. Small steps add up. You do not have to do everything at once. You Are Not Alone Many people use substances to cope. Many people also find help and healing. Asking for help is brave. It does not mean you failed. It means you want to take care of yourself. If you want to talk, we are here. Life and Destiny Health offers telehealth and in-person care. Dr. Kwami and our team are ready to listen with care. You can ask for a visit for mental health, substance use support, or general health needs. We will meet you where you are and help you find the next good step. FAQs Q. What is a substance use disorder? It is when using alcohol, drugs, or medicines causes harm in your life. It makes daily life harder. Q. Does this include prescription medicine? Yes. Using more medicine than your doctor told you can be a problem too.