Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 57 ADULT RECOVERY: WHATTO DO IF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS ARE CAUSING PROBLEMS INYOUR LIFE Are alcohol or drugs causing problems in your life? Do you need help? Are you unsure of what to do? If you are worried about your alcohol and/or drug use, there are services in your community that can help. Drinking too much alcohol or misusing drugs can cause problems for you and others.Warning signs that you might have problems related to alcohol or drugs include: • financial issues; • having difficulties with family/friends; • missing work or school; • getting into trouble with the law; • causing injuries to yourself or someone you care about; • having health problems; and • getting into vehicle crashes. Consider the following: • Recognize that your alcohol/drug use is causing problems in your life. • Decide that you must do something to deal with the situation knowing that if you don’t, the problems could continue and get worse. • Get help and support.There are many community services available to help you build a healthier life, including: outreach services, outpatient counselling, detox centres, inpatient treatment services and community based self-help programs. Why is support important? It can be difficult to reduce or stop using alcohol/drugs.You will have a better chance of reaching your goals if there are people in your life who support and encourage you. Addictions Counsellors can help you develop a recovery plan so that you can build a healthier life. An Addictions Counsellor can help you: • figure out if you are dependent on alcohol/drugs; • set and reach goals; • find information about alcohol/drugs; • work through issues you are dealing with; • learn how to tell others what you need; • learn how to recognize and deal with your feelings; • figure out your interests; • cope when you crave alcohol/drugs; • deal with your relationships; and • get connected to your community. Surround yourself with people who can support you to make positive changes. Supportive people can include your family, friends, neighbours, co-workers, religious leaders and other professionals. As you begin to lead a healthier life, an Addictions Counsellor can help others adjust to the changes you are making. Self-help support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Al-Anon may also be able to offer support. An Addictions Counsellor can also help you… Deal with your alcohol/drug use behaviour If you have trouble resisting alcohol/drugs, try to figure out which situations put you at risk for this.AnAddictions Counsellor can help you take a look at your alcohol/drug use. A counsellor can help you find ways to quit or reduce your use. Get connected to your community Communities offer a range of services that can help you get your life back on track. Services may be offered through schools, libraries, public health offices, self-help groups and recreation centres. Connecting with others can help you: • have strong, positive relationships; • take part in social and recreational opportunities; • find employment; • eat healthy food; • get a quality education; and • find safe housing options. Who can you contact if you need help? Contact your local Addictions/Mental Health Services office, doctor or other health care provider if you need more information.To locate services near you: • Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/addictions. • Visit HealthLine Online at www.healthlineonline.ca. • Call HealthLine at 811. Specially trained staff are available to provide mental health and addictions support, in a safe and confidential manner. saskatchewan.ca/addictions
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==