Had enough?
Wednesday, 16 January 2008.
Originally from express article 16 January 2008
By Di from Auckland Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS)
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| Di from CADS on 'Had Enough?'. |
‘Had enough? Then make a change’
- is the name of an excellent resource from ALAC (available free from www.alac.org.nz). It includes a video, and is designed for people who are considering changing how they drink. It is a great title as it encapsulates the notion of over-indulgence, its subsequent consequences in our lives - and it is relevant to all substance use.
Any of these been part of your festive season?
- hangovers,
- fights,
- spending too much money,
- unsafe sex,
- accidents,
- embarrassing behaviour (need I say more...),
- etc.
While we may be the ones over-indulging it is often the people closest to us who have to suffer the consequences. Often it can be them who have ‘had enough’ of our behaviour.
So dear readers – how have you done over the silly season? Have you ‘had enough’? Have your loved ones told you they have ‘had enough’?
If you are unsure about your drinking or other drug use – it would be wise to consider:
- Have you ever felt you ought to cut down on your drinking alcohol or doing drugs?
- Have people ever annoyed you by criticising your drinking alcohol or doing drugs?
- Have you ever felt bad or guilty about drinking alcohol or doing drugs?
- Have you ever had a drink or drugs when you first wake up to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover or coming off a high?
(Questions taken from CAGE the short screen for alcohol or drug problems)
A ‘yes’ answer to any of the above indicates that it would be a good idea to reflect on your use of alcohol or other drugs. Ask someone you trust to give you some honest constructive feedback (or would doing so mean you'd get some feedback you'd rather not hear? That says it all!) Give CADS a call and talk to one of the counsellors who answer the phone. Like any possible problem the earlier you address it the better–and the easier it is to turn around. For some the truth is that the only way to turn things around is by not using at all, for others it is just about following some simple strategies to keep safe.
It is party season and HERO is just round the corner. Partying is about fun, enjoyment, and connection with others. When it becomes less than that for ourselves and for the people we care about ...maybe we have ‘had enough’.
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's alcohol or other drug use, or if you'd like more information, contact CADS on 845 1818 or www.cads.org.nz or if you live outside Auckland contact Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
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