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Managing your drug use
Managing your drug use
If you are at a point in your life where you feel like your drug use is affecting your day to day life, you may need to consider how you can manage your drug use to reduce the negative impact. The ways in which you manage your drug use might depend on:
- What you want to stop or cut down e.g. reducing smoking will be different to reducing heroin use
- How regularly you’re using the drug
- For how long you have used the drug
- What other things are happening in your life
- What resources are available to you
Talk to a doctor or drug and alcohol worker about the best way to manage your drug use as the reduction of some drugs may cause medical complications.
Practical suggestions for managing your drug use
Remember the strategies that work best may be different for each person so try out a couple to find the one that works for you.
Make it difficult to access drugs - For example if you are trying to stop using pot, throw out all your bongs, marijuana, lighters, papers and ashtrays so they are not tempting you. You might even avoid friends or people who are regular drug users for a little while.
Have things you can do to distract yourself at times when you feel like taking the drug. Some ideas are hanging out with friends who are not taking the drug, going for a run or walk or listening to music. It might be a good idea to have a look back at what times or situations you normally do drugs and think of possible replacements. E.g. have a cup of tea or listen to some music, if you are the creative type do some artwork instead of smoking a joint to chill out.
Give it time - If you reduce your drug use you may still crave them for sometime after. Try not to be too hard on yourself if you don't reach your immediate goal. Having to try several times may be part of reducing your use and it is important you keep trying.
If possible get support from your family and friends. They may be more supportive of you if they know that you are trying to reduce its use.
Managing your drug use might involve speaking to a professional or it may be possible to reduce it on your own.
Speaking with an organisation who specialises in drug and alcohol issues and treatment may be helpful for working out how best to manage your drug use. The Alcohol and Drug Information Service or Ted Noffs Foundation provide help and information for those who are using drugs and alcohol.
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