 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
CADS is a safe place
Tuesday, 31 March 2009.
Originally from express article 20 December 2006
By Di from Auckland Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS)
 |
| Diana Rands from CADS. |
Well the silly season is upon us! At last, a break, time to have fun in the sun (well I’m hoping...), barbie season, catching up with friends, parties – lots of parties.
For most of us it is all good. For some of us, there is a nasty underbelly – one that includes violence, abuse, self harm, vomiting in the street, unsafe and non-consensual sex, fear and yes...loathing. The common element involved in this underbelly is...drugs – both legal and illegal. Substances that can either heighten an experience, or bring out the worst in us.
The problem is that it is really hard to realise that our use, or our loved ones use, is bringing out the worst instead of the best in us. I think of it as like the ‘boiling frog’ story. This was biology experiment where a frog is dropped into boiling water (yes, sorry frog). Of course the frog immediately jumps out of the pot. The second part of the experiment is to put the same frog into a pot of cold water which has a slow flame burning underneath. Initially, the frog likes the warmth, and soon it gets comfy and sleepy. Eventually, the frog gets cooked, only realizing too late that it is in danger. The frog is cooked alive.
How do we avoid being 'cooked alive'? Well this is where the wonderful service I work for comes in. During office hours (and at some locations, after office hours) you are very welcome to pop in to a CADS unit (see addresses here). The best time to do this is between 10am-1pm, as this is when we have more counsellors available.
The great thing about CADS is that we are not there to judge, or shame, or make you do anything that you do not want to do. We have had reports from our clients that when they come to CADS it was the first time someone really listened to their story, was really there for them.
Remember we are there for people worried about others use of alcohol and other drugs, as well as for people who would like to talk about their own use.
We are also gay friendly – all our counsellors welcome queer clients and we have three counsellors who are available to see people who want to be seen by a queer counsellor.
So if you are someone who is dreading the nasty underbelly of the festive season, come and talk to us, we are free, we are discreet and we could be the first step to a happier Christmas in years to come.
When you’re ready to talk about your alcohol or other drug use, or you’re concerned about someone else contact CADS on 845 1818 or www.cads.org.nz. If you live outside Auckland contact Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
> More items from Di's Drug Column
