Space To Breathe Therapy

Numbing, Escaping, Stimulating & Switching Off

The Different Functions Substance Use Can Serve

Not all self-medication is about becoming calmer. This resource explores several different functions substances and behaviours may serve, including numbing painful emotions, escaping thoughts or circumstances, increasing stimulation and energy, or helping the mind temporarily switch off.

It highlights why asking “What does this do for you?” can reveal far more than simply asking why somebody uses a substance or engages in a particular behaviour.

Useful for: identifying the function behind a coping behaviour, improving formulation and recognising that different people may seek completely different effects from the same substance or activity.

Space to Breathe Therapy