Try the other way around. Substance abuse is a SYMPTOM of a larger problem in ones life.
Self medicating with alcohol/drugs is a classic attempt at self managing a depressive disorder or other mental illness. I know, I’ve see it up close and personal.
Many bipolar’s end up dealing with their condition through drugs and/or alcohol.
I have a friend who lost his nephew to bipolar.
Super smart kid but, at 25 whatever the voices were, he could no longer listen to them.
And he had tried various therapies and drug regimens.
He’s gone now. A good boy, who never hurt a soul, never took advantage of anyone.
Just...the end.
Like my friend above, they both killed the voices.
“Try the other way around. “
For some. For RW, it was drug induced depression.