Is it okay to talk about your habits with alcohol or drugs?
How are you feeling today?
Use open questions that don’t have a yes or no answer.
I've noticed some changes in your behaviour recently, is there anything you would like to talk about?
Explain your concerns. Try to open up a discussion by explaining a bit more about the things that have given you cause for concern. Be specific and give examples.
Would you like me to provide you with some local support option to help?
Other useful regional services:
A GP is a good place to start
They can discuss your problems with you and get you into treatment. They may offer you treatment at the practice or refer you to your local drug service. If you're not comfortable talking to a GP, you can approach your local drug treatment service yourself.
How to prevent a relapse
Distract Yourself:
Most cravings disappear in 30 minutes. Have a list of go-tos when you feel the urge to relapse. This can mean doing something fun, calling a friend or attending a meeting. There are recognised distraction techniques that can be learnt, such as counting the number of birds in the sky.
Or try counting the number of flagstones on the pavement. Some people make a phone call when they get a craving – any random number will do – the act of dialling and apologising for getting the “wrong number” will distract from the craving.
Share Your Thoughts:
If you’re thinking about relapsing – tell someone. People who are supporting you in your recovery may not realise that you’re struggling. They can only help you if they know you have a problem. In addition, sharing will help you feel less isolated and may prevent your relapse.
Consider the Consequences:
If you are seriously considering relapse as a possibility, take a moment to consider what will happen if you do, step by step. What will be the implications? Who will be affected? How will relapse hurt you? After all, that, ask yourself – is relapse worth it?
Relax and Unwind:
Stress and anxiety are the top triggers of relapse, so find a way to relax when things get tough. Come up with a list of things you enjoy that you can refer to when you get overwhelmed. Learn some relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises.
Recognise Early Warning Signs to Prevent Relapse
The warning signs of relapse can differ, depending on whether the person is in the emotional, mental or physical stage or relapses. Early on, the warning signs may not be easy to spot, but this is when it is most crucial to notice them. If you have already experienced relapse before, learning how to recognise these signs can really help you to avoid them in the future. Then you won’t have to ask yourself again, “Why do I keep relapsing?”
Spotting the signs of problematic drug use
Some of the warning signs to look out for include:
- drug seeking behaviour. This might be someone asking for an increase in their medication dosage without a good reason, or reporting pain that you can’t find any evidence of.
- asking for additional medications when there’s no medical need. If someone asks for a specific strong medication, or an opiate based medication, it might be a sign of a dependency.
- changes in behaviour, mood and personality. They may be acting more aggressive, anxious or have become depressed.
- poor hygiene and not taking care of their appearance.
- issues in their personal life and relationships.
- making choices that mean they get hurt or get into trouble.
How to reduce or stop taking drugs
Keep a drug diary. Make a note of when you use, what you take, and how much. It’s also worth including where you were, who you were with, and what you’d been doing just before.
See if you can spot any patterns in your diary. You might always use around particular people, or after heavy drinking, for example.
If you can figure out the people, places and things that trigger your drug use, you can begin to make a plan. You might want to cut some triggers out entirely, or avoid any combinations that give you cravings.
Take your time if you need to. Gradual reduction is often the best way to quit.
Be kind to yourself and celebrate each step towards your goal, no matter how small. Don’t feel guilty about any setbacks either. It's a process and every challenge is an opportunity to learn more about yourself.
What is solvent abuse?
Solvent abuse (or ‘volatile substance abuse’) is the deliberate inhalation of volatile chemicals for the purpose of getting intoxicated or ‘high’. The fumes and gases inhaled are found in everyday products such as cigarette lighter refills and aerosols.
Some ‘chronic’ users of volatile substances report that they develop a tolerance to the substances. They need more to keep achieving the same effects. This is worrying because it may lead to dependence (a feeling that you cannot do without the substance) and even psychological addiction.
FRANK
National drugs helpline offering general advice and information. Referral onto local services. Open 24 hours.
Adfam
Adfam is the only national charity tackling the effects of alcohol, drug use or gambling on family members and friends. We improve life for thousands of people. Our mission is to do this by:
- empowering families and friends to get the support they need.
- building the confidence, capacity and capability of frontline practitioners to provide effective services.
- influencing decision-makers to understand the needs of thousands of people coping with a family member or friend’s drink, drug or gambling problem
Narcotics Anonymous in the UK
We are Narcotics Anonymous in the United Kingdom & Channel Islands. If you have a problem with drugs, we are recovering drug addicts who can help you get and stay clean.
Turning Point
We offer you or a loved one a range of services depending on what you need, from detox and residential rehab to supported living and aftercare support.
How we can support you:
- Advice to help you understand the nature of the problem.
- Medical treatment if you require this.
- Mutual help in groups.
- Inspiring and empowering Peer Mentors – people that have overcome drug and alcohol misuse who are now giving their time to benefit others.
- Routes into your local community including social activities, events, training and personal development for getting back to work.
- A team of dedicated, professional, highly skilled and friendly staff.
- Real hope and practical help that puts you at the heart of your recovery journey.
Breaking Free Online
Breaking Free, a CONFIDENTIAL treatment and recovery program. Breaking Free is PROVEN to be effective and has helped over 30,000 people achieve their recovery goals. Change Grow Live provides FREE access to the programme for every one of its service users and peer mentors.
Friday/Monday
Information about sex and drugs for gay and bi men.
Release
Release is the national centre of expertise on drugs and drugs law. The organisation, founded in 1967, is an independent and registered charity. Through our services the team provides free non-judgmental, specialist advice and information to the public and professionals on issues related to drug use and to drug laws.
The organisation campaigns directly on issues that impact on our clients - it is their experiences that drive the policy work that Release does and why we advocate for evidence-based drug policies that are founded on principles of public health rather than a criminal justice approach.
DrugFAM
Our mission is to support everyone affected by or bereaved from another person’s harmful use of alcohol, drugs, substances, or gambling including family, friends and colleagues.
Re-Solv
Solvent abuse affects the lives of thousands of people in the UK. If you misuse any of the above products, or if someone you know misuses them, then we’re glad you’re here.
Founded in 1984, Re-Solv is the expert charity working across the UK to end solvent abuse and support all those whose lives are affected by it.
If you live anywhere in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales and are worried about your solvent abuse or someone else’s – we’re here to help.