Many people use drugs to feel good, numb bad feelings, or to treat anxiety and depression. However, drugs usually make things worse. Long-term use of drugs, such as cannabis or alcohol, can actually induce depression, or intensify the symptoms of clinical depression and anxiety - especially sadness, hopelessness, lack of motivation, panic attacks, and general anxiety. Sometimes, people think they are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, when they are actually experiencing withdrawal symptoms from alcohol or other drugs.