You have got through the nasty withdrawals, now what?
Wednesday, 15 November 2011.
Originally from express article 15 November 2011 #146
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| Diana Rands from CADS. |
This is the third in a series about dealing with "P" addiction (this information also relates to most addictive substances).
The first column gave some tips on how to reduce the harm associated with ‘P’, the second focussed on getting though ‘P’ withdrawal, and this week I am going to explore the essential elements for continuing non-use and recovery.
Find kindred people
Although you may be very tempted to "white knuckle" it – or go it alone, this could be the toughest thing you have ever done in your life, so it is really important to have a least a few people who can support you.
One way to think about it is to think of family and friends who you want to Hire, Fire or Suspend. Make time with people you want to ‘hire’. These people are essential for providing a listening ear, encouragement and to socialise (have fun!) with. You can include groups like Gay AA, or other community support. Avoid (fire) people who could undermine your new way of being, and keep at arms length (suspend) people who may not understand what is happening, until you feel more confident.
Some people find that they need to move to a ‘dry’ house, living with people who are not using the substance you want to avoid. This can be the hardest part of recovery, so I will expand on it in my next column.
Learn new life skills
Going through withdrawals and creating a life that does not involve "P" will inevitably be stressful. Learning to deal with stress without the use of drugs, while difficult, is essential. The trick is to find something that calms you down quickly when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Some ideas that might help are exercise (walk around the block, running, skipping, work-outs, biking etc.), go outside into the sunshine, playing with/walking a dog, stroking a cat, music (so long as it is not music associated with using), yoga, meditation, massage, scented candles, warm baths, a ‘nice cup of tea’, baking and reminiscing with old photo albums. Different things work for people so find what works for you.
There may be unresolved issues that led to your increased use in the first place. This is now the time to address these issues. Once again there is potential for a lot of support through treatment services like CADS and/or the experience of others through support from peers and 12 step meetings.
Be careful about prescribed medications
It can be very easy to swap one addiction for another. You should be prepared to be totally abstinent from any mind altering substance for at least a year (for some people it is much longer). If at all possible, try natural remedies to help with things like sleep, anxiety and stress and keep use of painkillers, sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medication to a minimum, at least in the first few months.
Be nice to yourself
It is an incredible thing you are doing, and you deserve to treat yourself (so long as it is not with drugs…). Use this time to plan for things to look forward too, some call it a bucket list, I call it what makes life worthwhile – and you are worth it.
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's methamphetamine use contact CADS on 8451818 to discuss this or you can call in to any CADS unit without appointment any weekday morning between 10am and 1pm and see someone face to face. Or visit our website www.cads.org.nz. If you live outside Auckland contact the Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
When you’re ready!
