What else can help / harm you?

There are many substances that support brain function in the short term but are significantly harmful in large doses. The rule here is, everything in moderation!

Energy drinks

The caffeine and taurine contained in energy drinks do not supply your body with energy. They only suppress the feeling of fatigue and force the body to perform at a higher level than it is capable of. While this can come in handy before a deadline, excessive caffeine intake can cause you problems. It has a negative effect on the heart, increases insomnia and the risk of developing anxiety and depression.

However, drinking energy drinks in reasonable amounts can be helpful in the short term as they boost cognitive abilities and improve mental performance. One energy drink a day timed thoughtfuly is enough. Instead of energy drinks, you could try matcha tea.

Medication for calming down

Anti-anxiety, calming and sleeping medications (e.g. Neurol, Xanax, Lexaurin…) are prescription and are taken on an intermittent basis or for a maximum of 4-6 weeks due to a risk of addiction (if not advised differently by a doctor). In a small single dose, they can help reduce severe anxiety or ward off a panic attack. These medications should be taken only under doctor’s supervision, and should not be used long-term without a doctor’s recommendation.

For acute and intense anxiety or sadness, over-the-counter, natural-based medications can be used. They could be also effective while not risking any addiction.

• Against anxiety, anxiety and to calm yourself down: Pregabalin, Guajacuran, Lavekan.

• For stabilizing a low mood: valerian, rosehip, vitamin D, rosehip.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist first when taking these substances!

Smoking cigarettes

Smoking affects the smoker’s body and is the cause of many serious diseases. Tobacco smoke contains more than 70 substances that have been shown to cause cancer. In the Czech Republic alone, more than 15 000 people die from smoking each year. The most common causes of death among smokers are heart attacks, strokes and various types of cancer. Most smokers say they want to stop, but some continue because smoking seems to relieve stress and anxiety. It’s a common belief that smoking helps you relax. But smoking actually increases anxiety and tension. Find out what are the mental health benefits of quitting smoking.

Nicotine pouches

The concentration of nicotine in 1 pouch is many times higher than in 1 cigarette. The absorption of nicotine through the oral mucosa is much faster than with regular cigarette smoking. Nicotine pouches are not an effective way to quit smoking. Find out more about them here.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol is often tied to college life. Alcohol is an addictive drug, yet it is socially very tolerated. Alcohol relaxes and lowers inhibitions, which can cause a pleasant feeling. But it is also a depressant – it reduces the activity of the nervous system.

A well-known phenomenon among college students is binge drinking – drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in an evening (men = 5 or more drinks, women = 4 or more). Problematic drinking among Czech students affects about ⅓ of men and ⅕ of women.

You don’t have to give up alcohol right away, but you can adapt so-called low-risk drinking. For men, this means no more than 2 standard alcoholic drinks (e.g. 2 beers) and for women only 1 drink (e.g. 2 dcl of wine) per day, with at least 2 days per week completely alcohol-free.

Psychoactive substances

These include cocaine, methamphetamine, a herbal leaf kratom and amphetamine. These substances have an arousing effect that drives away fatigue, speed up thinking and energise the body. These effects can be tempting when you need to finish an overnight task with a morning deadline or experience something new. In addition to the psychological addictiveness of these substances, they are also associated with unpleasant ‚cravings‘ and negative effects on the human body.

If you are struggling with addictive substances, you can contact the Sananim Centre.