Support tools

The C word

Nobody likes change. Change is unsettling, scary and an ongoing process.

The upside is that change can bring about a new way of life you only ever dreamed of or never imagined possible. One of the biggest obstacles to change is not admitting the power drugs have over you.

Take a moment to think about what your life has been like since you started taking drugs. Are you happy with the way things are? If you are looking at this site, chances are life isn’t all that flash.

Change is a slow process – give yourself a break and don’t expect life to change overnight.

As you will hear from the stories told by the people on this site, their lives changed over a period of time and there were certain actions taken to make it happen.

"I don’t want to go back down that road.  It’s very dark, very messy and very lonely in spite of the fact it feels so loving and so nice and so social at the time."  Greg

It’s OK to talk

Talking about your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness. In fact, reaching out and talking to someone you trust is one of the best things you can do.

It’s really important to make sure the person you choose to talk to is someone you can trust not to tell other people or who doesn’t have a vested interest in your drug use. 

"If you're in trouble, talk about it. If you've got something going on, talk about it." Trent

Familiar places

Hanging out with people who you used with or going to places that remind you of using are a recipe for disaster when you are trying to change. To give you the best chance of change, avoiding old stomping grounds is important.

"I moved away from Auckland, stopped talking to all of my friends, stopped hanging out with everybody, stopped going out on the weekends. I hung out with my family, started studying." Maddy

Taking care of business

Self-care is important when you are coming off drugs. Going back to basics such as eating well, getting enough sleep and a bit of light exercise will be helpful for your state of mind.

In the early stages of changing your drug use, keeping on top of self care will help you stay on an even keel. If you let yourself get too hungry or tired, you will be more vulnerable to overreacting to situations. The same goes for stress, stress can be a trigger for some people to use drugs.

Cravings

Many drug users experience cravings when they are coming off drugs. Cravings will pass – if you have a craving, wait 30 minutes before you act on it.  Find ways to distract yourself during cravings — going for a walk, calling a support person, watching TV or reading are all good ways to keep your mind off using.

Alcohol Drug Helpline

If you aren’t sure who to talk to, a good place to start is the Alcohol Drug Helpline. It is an information, referral and intervention service, which is free to access.

Their experienced counsellors can offer you confidential information, insight and support on any issue or query you have about your own or someone else’s drinking or drug taking. It takes courage to pick up the phone and reach out for help. What you’ll find when you call the Alcohol Drug Helpline is a friendly voice at the end of the phone ready and willing to help you.

The helpline operates from 10am–10pm 7 days a week. If you call outside these hours you can leave a message for someone to call you back during business hours. Call free 0800 787 797

There are also Pasifika and Whaka-tu-tangata services available operating from 10am-10pm 7 days per week:

• Pasifika line – call 0800 787 799 free from landline or mobile.
• Whaka-tu-tangata line – call 0800 787 798 free from landline or mobile.