About Caroline West Expertise I can answer the effects of most illegal drugs. I can advise on what it takes to be in recovery and what to expect.I can offer advice to active users on how to minimize risks and steps they can take to think about stopping.I can give information about Rehab and other treatments that are available.I can address all the other,crucial factors apart from stopping using which play a very important role in the treatment and recovery process.I can answer questions from family,friends and partners of a drug user and how to cope if you live with a user.I can offer general information and advice around drug addiction and recovery.
Experience I am a recovering drug addict with much experience of all the 'how's' regarding going about getting clean. I have been there and I know what its like to be 'in' it and also 'out' of it.I understand how difficult it is to reach recovery and I can offer help and encouragement.
Publications I have been asked to submit a piece of writing for a chapter in a book about the recovery process of drug addiction and the role that treatment-individual and group therapy play in reaching recovery and abstinence. The book will be available in November 2009.
Education/Credentials I have schooling up to A-Level standard and what I offer here is valuable 'life experience' credentials.
Question I was in recovery for a year, and upon being put in a VERY stressful and vulnerable situation and not having been to NA meetings for a couple of weeks, relapsed. I feel very weak and guilty, but I have been taking a few benzos and opiates occasionally. Some more days than others, and then none. I started taking them more often in the past few weeks, and I am wondering how much I would have to take before becoming addicted again. I have heard that after every relapse your body takes off where it started before recovery. How does this work and if I am addicted how hard will it be on my body to detox again. I am very discouraged with myself but am not in a position right now to go to rehab again.
Answer Hi Elaine,
Congratulations for the year you were clean. NA definitely helps a lot of addicts stay clean.
What happens with relapse is that as soon as you have that 1 drug,especially what you used before,you,your mind and your body gets a taste for it again. Bare in mind that with every relapse and recovery,you learn something new. Relapses unfortunately does happen but you can regain sobriety again-its not all lost.
You will become addicted very quickly because after a year clean your tolerance has dropped right down and you will start with just a little bit here and there and then your body will start to need more and more again. Even though it will be tough it can be arrested. Your body and mind will become addicted very quickly and the sooner you stop the drugs the easier it is. It will still be hard but much easier than in 6 months time. When you get clean again remember the NA saying "..ones too many,1000's never enough.."
Ok,what to do next. Get back to your meetings straight away. Other members will obviously know you by now and they will do there upmost to offer you strength and support. Do this today if you can. I would also strongly suggest that you get back in contact with your Drug Worker to have a chat. In my experience the more support you have from people who know what the are talking about,the higher your chance of success is. Don't forget that if you feel you are becoming physically dependent on the Opiates and Benzos then get medical help in terms of a short Detox Unit stay if you can or do it at home. Your Drug Team can tell you what the best thing to do is.
Don't give up. I lapsed many times and got off it again so it is 100% possible.
If you wish to write in again or let me know how you are getting on then do feel free. I wish you all the best and don't lose faith. Caroline.
