Drug & Alcohol Use

 

Trying to stop or manage drug and alcohol use is difficult and needs to be approached strategically to achieve success.  People begin using drugs and/or alcohol for a variety of reasons however the most common are social (“its enjoyable to have a drink with friends on a Friday night”) and avoidance (“marijuana helps me relax and not think about everything”).

Like all addictions, it may take more then one attempt to finally quit or better manage your use.  However if one attempt is followed by another and immediately by another, it is likely that your approach to managing your drug or alcohol use will improve.  There will be lapses as we all make mistakes when learning a new skill however with an individually designed psychological approach and a true desire to abstain or manage better, we can support you in finally making that shift.

 

The reasons people most often want to quit or better manage their drug and/or alcohol use are:

• It’s very expensive

• It leads to relationship difficulties

• Health problems

• Don’t like hiding their habit from their family, friends, work colleagues

• Poor role modelling for children

• Can be very anti-social when used in excessive amounts

• Drug and alcohol use can often lead to embarrassing situations

• Affecting work responsibilities

• Want to get rid of something that is controlling their life.

• I’m finally ready!