Overcoming drug addiction

Preparing yourself for change

1.	Remind yourself of the reasons you want to change
2.	Think about your past attempts at recovery, if any. What worked? What didn’t?
3.	Set specific, measurable goals, such as a start date or limits on your drug use
4.	Remove reminders of your addiction from your home, workplace, and other places you frequent
5.	Tell friends and family that you’re committing to recovery and get their support

1.	Detoxification - purge your body of drugs and manage withdrawal symptoms
2.	Behavioural counselling - help you identify the root causes of your drug use, repair your relationships, and learn healthier coping skills
3.	Medication - manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, or treat any co-occurring mental health condition such as depression or anxiety
4.	Long-term follow-up - prevent relapse and maintain sobriety

1.	No treatment works for everyone
2.	Treatment success depends on developing a new way of living and addressing reasons why you turned to drugs in the first place
3.	Commitment and following through are key
4.	There are many help avenues
5.	Seek treatment for any mental health problems simultaneously

1.	Movement - a brisk walk can be enough to relieve stress
2.	Step outside and savour the warm sun and fresh air
3.	Play with your pet
4.	Experiment with your sense of smell - breathe in the scent of fresh flowers or coffee beans
5.	Close your eyes and picture a peaceful place
6.	Pamper yourself

Avoid situations that might trigger your drug use:

1. Step away from friends who use

2. Avoid bars and clubs

3. Be upfront about your history of drug use when seeking medical treatment

4. Use caution with prescription drugs

Coping with drug cravings:

1. Find a distracting activity

2. Talk it through

3. Challenge and change your thoughts

4. Urge surf

1.	Notice how you’re experiencing the craving: Notice where in your body you experience the craving or urge and what the sensations feel like. Verbalise them.
2.	Focus on one area where you’re experiencing the craving: What are the sensations in that area? Describe them to yourself.
3.	Repeat by focusing on each part of your body that experiences the urge: Describe to yourself how the sensations change, how the urge comes and goes

1.	Negative emotional state (e.g. stress, sadness)
2.	Positive emotional state (e.g. feeling happy and wanting to feel even better)
3.	Physical discomfort (e.g. withdrawal symptoms)
4.	Trying to test your personal control (e.g. ‘I can use just once')
5.	Strong temptation or craving to use
6.	Conflict (e.g. argument with your spouse or partner)
7.	Social pressure, being in a situation where it seems everyone else is using

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