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DRINK & DRUGS NEWS :: Q&AYou ask the questions - you answer the questions. Please keep your answers coming, and feel free to email a new question. Thanks to this issue's respondents for their contributions. Question:I read your article about tackling addiction alone last month,
prompting this request. I'm 25 and I've been using base amphetamines
and alcohol in increasing quantities for nearly two years. I want
to give up now, so much. I'm sleeping badly, getting chest pains
and losing my ability to keep a grip on my life. I'm also starting
to experience paranoia which I never have before. I can't go to
my doctor or attend a clinic. I would lose my (well-paid and respectable)
job if they ever got a sniff of my drug use. I need to do this myself
and I need to do it quickly. Is there, or has anyone, any specific
amphetamine-oriented advice that can help me give up alone? [Sarah,
London] Your replies...Dear Sarah Well done for admitting that your substance misuse has become a problem and well done for taking the brave step of asking for help. It sounds like you're ready to give up your substance use but not yet ready to trust anyone to help you, as you fear losing your job. I would like to reassure you that if you went to your GP or a drugs clinic no one would ever dream of telling anyone about your drug use. Both drug workers and GPs will keep confidential what you tell them. They would only breach confidentiality if you or someone else is at risk. Often appointments can be scheduled around your work with many clinics having a late night appointment system. You don't have to do anything on your own; it can be lonely to have no-one to talk to or to share your hopes and fears with. We all need encouragement and support with whatever we are doing and it's also good to share your problems with someone who can help. It may be helpful to explore why you are using substances and what alternative coping strategies are available, as often substance misuse is a symptom of other problems. Sarah you can go to your GP, Drugs Clinic, Counsellor or any health professional and you can trust the services that are there for you. Let them help you to move forward with your decision to become substance free. The only reason they may report your drug use is if you are under the influence at work and this causes a risk to you or anyone else - for example if you were driving a bus whilst under the influence of drink or drugs. Get the chest pains checked out with your GP to make sure you're OK. Your GP may also be able to refer you to a counsellor. Drug clinics often have alternative therapies to help with relaxation, offering massage and acupuncture for free. These may all help to get your sleeping patterns back. I would suggest your own anxiety may be keeping you awake and talking to someone might help. Your GP may also be able to prescribe medication to help get your sleeping patterns back, although the best way to get a good night's sleep is to start dealing with the problems that cause the worry. By writing to the magazine you have made the first step and are asking for some support and help; take one more step and speak to someone face to face. Most places won't insist on you giving an address or even your real name. Get the help and support you need and deserve so that you can get a goods night's sleep and be ready for that well-paid job when you wake up each morning. Best wishes, Mel, counsellor and drugs worker
Dear Sarah You can't do this alone. You have to get help but this does not necessarily mean that you will lose your job, everyone will find out and you will be labelled with being a 'speed freak' for the rest of your life. There are organisations that will help you, where you can meet people who have overcome similar problems, and where you can work through a programme that has been proven time and time again to work. Maybe your first port of call should be Narcotics Anonymous - the clue's in the name, no one need know! By attending meetings and using the 12-step process that has worked for countless people before, you can reclaim your life and beat your addictions. Good luck Phillip, by email
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