29/03/2026
Understanding Psychosis, Recreational Drug Use, Childhood Trauma and ADHD
Darleen Barton Dr
DIPAC & Associates Dr (hc) Darleen Barton Best-Selling Author | Senior Consultant | Practitioner Founder – DIPAC & Associates (Est. 2009)
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March 29, 2026
Note: "It is important to remember that no one wakes up and thinks, 'Thank goodness I am an alcoholic or an addict.' When substance use becomes consistent, it is often a sign that something deeper is happening, such as stress, trauma, or emotional pain."
The following information is shared to educate, not to criticise. As a counsellor and therapist, I understand that there is no single definition of normal each of us is unique, with our own strengths and imperfections."
The Impact on Families, Children, and Marriages - If you enjoyed this article, please click the link to read more: Blogs - DIPAC and Associates
Psychosis is a state in which a person loses touch with reality. It can include hallucinations, which means seeing or hearing things that are not there, delusions, which are strong fixed false beliefs, paranoia, which is feeling watched or unsafe, and disorganised thinking or behaviour. Psychosis can arise from many causes, and recreational drug use is a significant factor in the twenty-first century.
It is important to approach this topic with compassion. People often use substances for understandable reasons, such as curiosity, stress, trauma, or social influence, without fully appreciating the potential consequences for themselves or their loved ones.
Recreational Drug Use in Australia
Drug use has existed throughout human history, but the patterns, potency, and accessibility of substances today are unprecedented.
Common recreational drugs in Australia include:
Cannabis, also known as ma*****na, w**d, pot, or g***a
Co***ne, also known as coke, snow, or charlie
Methamphetamine, also known as ice, crystal, or tina
L*D, also known as acid or tabs
M**A, also known as ecstasy, E, X, or molly
Ketamine, also known as K or special K
Prescription drug misuse, including opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants
Alcohol, which remains one of the most widely used substances and contributes significantly to mental health and relationship challenges
Even with widespread education, many people underestimate the risks. I often hear people say, "I have always smoked ma*****na and I am fine." While that may be true for some, long-term use can affect the brain, lungs, heart, and overall wellbeing. Chronic smoking can lead to life-threatening conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heavy use of stimulants or co***ne can cause heart strain, stroke, or kidney damage.
Note: Irreversible condition- COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is a long-term lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe because the airways and air sacs in the lungs become damaged and inflamed. Smoking, including ma*****na or to***co, is a common cause.
We also now have people online claiming medical expertise, offering advice or even substances with no medical training, and the quality, potency, or safety of these drugs is completely unknown. This is particularly risky for anyone experimenting, especially young people or vulnerable adults.
How Drugs Affect the Brain, Body, and Behaviour
Different substances carry different risks.
Cannabis
Brain: Alters memory, attention, and decision-making, and may trigger psychosis in vulnerable individuals
Body: Lung damage if smoked, and possible effects on the heart and circulation
Behaviour: Reduced motivation, social withdrawal, anxiety, or paranoia
Co***ne
Brain: Overloads dopamine pathways, producing euphoria, hyper-alertness, and paranoia
Body: Raises heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack
Behaviour: Impulsivity, aggression, and poor judgement
Methamphetamine
Brain: Massive dopamine release; may cause hallucinations, paranoia, and long-term cognitive changes
Body: Severe weight loss, dental decay, and heart problems
Behaviour: Aggression, insomnia, compulsive behaviours, and social withdrawal
L*D
Brain: Alters perception, senses, and thought patterns; intense hallucinations are possible
Body: Usually low toxicity but may cause nausea, tremors, or increased heart rate
Behaviour: Risky or disorganised actions and difficulty distinguishing reality
M**A
Brain: Floods serotonin; may produce euphoria but also anxiety, confusion, and post-use depression
Body: Dehydration, overheating, and heart strain
Behaviour: Impulsivity, emotional swings, and impaired judgement
Ketamine
Brain: Dissociative; out-of-body sensations and impaired memory
Body: Bladder and kidney damage, and high blood pressure
Behaviour: Risk-taking, disconnection from reality, and unsafe decisions
Alcohol
Brain: Affects judgement, memory, and emotional regulation; can trigger depression and anxiety
Body: Liver damage, heart problems, and increased risk of certain cancers
Behaviour: Aggression, impulsivity, and impaired decision-making
Financial Impact of Drug Use
Drug use can be expensive, and spending often increases as tolerance develops. Typical weekly costs in Australia include:
Spending hundreds or thousands of dollars per week can create financial stress, debt, and conflict, affecting not just the user but the entire household.
Cannabis
1 to 2 grams per week: $20 to $80
5 to 10 grams per week: $100 to $400
15 or more grams per week: $300 to $600 or more
Co***ne
Half to 1 gram per week: $125 to $300
2 to 5 grams per week: $500 to $1,500
10 grams or more per week: $2,500 or more
Alcohol
2 to 4 drinks per day: $30 to $60
5 to 8 drinks per day: $75 to $150
10 or more drinks per day: $150 to $300 or more
Why People Start Using Drugs
Understanding why people use drugs helps us approach the topic with empathy. Common reasons include:
Curiosity and experimentation, exploring new experiences
Peer influence from friends, social groups, or cultural pressures
Stress relief or coping with anxiety, depression, or trauma
Boredom or thrill-seeking, seeking excitement or novelty
Mental health self-management, using substances to cope with undiagnosed conditions
Accessibility and exposure, substances available at home, school, or online
Cultural and media influence, glamorisation of drug use in music, movies, or social media
Childhood Trauma and Substance Use
Childhood trauma is one of the strongest predictors of later drug use. Experiences of neglect, abuse, loss, or other adverse events affect brain development, emotional regulation, and coping skills.
Coping with Emotional Pain: Children who experience trauma may use substances to numb feelings of fear, sadness, or shame.
Altered Brain Development: Trauma affects reward pathways, impulse control, and stress regulation, making experimentation more likely to escalate.
Attachment and Relationship Patterns: Trauma can disrupt trust and connection, leading individuals to seek validation from peers or use substances to feel accepted.
Self-Medication: Trauma survivors may use drugs to manage anxiety, depression, nightmares, or emotional numbness.
Early support and therapy can reduce the risk of substance use and help individuals develop healthy coping strategies.
Impact on Families, Children, and Marriages
Drug and alcohol use rarely occurs in isolation. For those living with users:
Emotional environment: Children may feel unsafe, anxious, or neglected
Conflict escalation: Substance use often increases aggression or unpredictability
Role modelling: Children observe behaviours and learn coping strategies
Parental capacity: Emotional regulation, decision-making, and nurturing may be impaired
Marriages and partnerships: Many marriages fall apart due to the stress, conflict, and mistrust associated with ongoing substance use -
Even occasional use can affect trust, attachment, and the emotional safety of family members. We know Domestic Violence increases in homes where Alcohol and Drugs are misused
Key Considerations
Drug-induced psychosis may be temporary, lasting hours or days, or persistent, lasting weeks or longer
Frequent or high-dose use can permanently alter brain chemistry
Psychosis may reveal underlying mental health conditions
Long-term use affects individual health, family wellbeing, and marital stability
A Compassionate Perspective
The brain constantly filters and organises reality. Recreational drugs can overload this system, amplifying perception and emotion while reducing the brain’s ability to regulate responses.
This can lead to intense fear, confusion, or certainty about things that are not real. For children, family members, and partners, living with someone in this state can be distressing, undermining their sense of safety and emotional security.
Supporting someone through these challenges requires understanding, patience, and professional guidance, not blame. Education, open dialogue, and compassionate support can empower people to make safer choices for themselves, their families, and their marriages.
"Undiagnosed ADHD can increase vulnerability to alcohol and substance use, as individuals may self-medicate to manage restlessness, impulsivity, or emotional overwhelm. Recognising and treating ADHD early can reduce this risk and support healthier coping strategies."- If you have ever wondered what is going on for you, please reach out, testing is available. Individual Counselling Canberra - in-person and online
With warmth and care,
Dr (hc) Darleen Barton
Best-Selling Author | Senior Consultant | Practitioner
Counselling /Therapy/Mediation/Coaching Across the Globe
Founder – DIPAC & Associates (Est. 2009)
(02) 6198 3423 Servcorp Offices – Level 1, The Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600
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