Expert: Jacqui - 2/11/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,i was clean of meth,crack and ecstasy for over a year until last week.I had a relapse and now im back on meth again....I used needles for everything back then and Im now using them again.....i need help and fast,before it returns to what it was.What makes it even worse is that im on prescription drugs aswell...like ritalin.
I dont know who to turn to and im not to keen on the rehability groups either...I didnt actually get anywhere with them....any suggestions?

ANSWER: Hi Ed,

First thing to remember is that people often go on and off drugs, in fact it is rare for people to use and then stop forever.  With this in mind you need to make sure that you don't punish yourself.  I often see people 'relapse' and then think that all is lost and say "f**k it, I am a loser anyway, so I am gonna keep using".  You are a normal person who has some issues with drug use and it is not uncommon for people to start using again.

I want to ask if there is something that has happened recently that has lead to you using again. There may not be a specific reason, sometimes people want to use because it feels good and they don't need a reason, but sometimes it is because they are really stressed out, or depressed, or a relationship has broken up, etc.

You sound like you are a bit out of control.  Since you have only just started using again, if you feel that it is likely to get out of hand, is there a possibility that you can get out of town for a while, go and stay with someone away from your usual environment.  This might not be possible.  If not, can you stay with a supportive friend?  

One simple strategy is to delay your use for as long as you can.  If you are feeling like using, distract yourself and put off the decision.  Do something else.  What else do you enjoy?  This might result in you not using at all, or just give you more time in between using which is good as well.

As I have said many times before, if I had an answer to "I want to stop using drugs what should I do?" I would bottle it and be a millionaire.  I abide by the philosophy of harm reduction which acknowledges that drug use does happen and it is better to focus on reducing the harmful effects rather than the drug use itself, because no one in society has ever come up with a way to stop people using altogether (even in jail!)  I would emphasise that if you do use, please make sure that you do it as safely as is possible.  Don't share injecting equipment, don't use too much, make sure you get enough food and water and sleep.  This way, once the binge is over, you are more like to be okay.  And, keep up other pleasurable activities.  

I am sorry I can't give you a difinitive "do this" answer, but there really aren't any.  Is there any other information I can offer?

Best wishes and stay safe,

Jacqui

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: SOME people I know very well seem to think drug addicts are losers....but I know that alot of the time that isnt true.....thing is,when I was on drugs last year,I could go onw tihout them for a day...I tried everything to distract myself from them...I even sniffed sharpies,thats how hard it was to stay away from drugs.

Yes,alot of things have happened....and maybe your right when you say thats why I started up again...but I dont think id be able to get out of here...im 16....and I dont really have anywhere to go...the only person I could think of lives in Germany.

So,I basically dont have anywhere to go or anyone to talk to really....if my Mom found out that I was using again shed probably freak out like she did last time and kick me out of the house.

and I can understand why you cant give me the "do this" answer...if only there really was a way to stop drugs completely...

Answer
Hey Ed,

You are in a really tricky situation and I feel for you.  I could look into what services are available in your area if you like - but as I am in Australia I can't guarantee them (they could be great, they could be awful).  I would need to know where you are (including which state, country etc).  

One thing to consider is that people often do have relapses.  It is really common.  It might be that you need some general support.  I am not totally convinced that counselling around drug issues alone works, but rather counselling about things that are stressing you out in general might work.  Alterantively, some people don't like the idea of counselling at all and benefit more from practical things like sport, art groups, etc.  

Let me know what you think and if you would like some info.

Jacqui