The Little Blue Book

101 TAKING YOUR LIFE BACK Addiction can overwhelm even our strongest instincts – for love, respect, for family, for our children. And because it can put an addicted user into a physical and psychological vice, it can override even deeply-held personal values and standards. And can crush our self-respect. So strong is the need to satisfy the addiction that it can make honest people thieves and drive good people to do bad things. But it is not the person who is ‘bad’, it is the addiction – the person underneath is still the same. The primitive part of the human brain that is altered by these chemicals can overwhelm reasoning and judgment and our ability to control our impulses. Psychoactive drugs and alcohol change our brains, and, once in their grip, take control of our lives out of our hands. But you can take it back. When you’re ready for help, call: Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au Lifeline 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au ADA Australia ‘A friendly ear’ 1800 232 287 The research is clear: the simple act of showing support, of lending a friendly ear, of providing positive encouragement to someone who may be struggling with a drug or alcohol problem, can help them take the first steps to recovery. But while it may be apparent to others that an addicted user has a problem, self-deception and denial is a common phase in the progress of the disease. And the addicted user likely won’t change their behaviour until they’re ready to change. Simply talking can break down barriers. It may not be easy raising the question, but addiction can be a lonely battle and a few well- placed words from a mate can be a powerful influencer. Especially if you can talk in a non-judgmental way letting the person know that you’re concerned about their health, and that “you have their back” if they were to consider seeking help. A consistent positive message, and the encouragement of friends and family, can nudge a person to begin to think about their situation – before they hit ‘rock-bottom’ – and to seek the help and support that is available to them. Australia has one of the highest rates of drug and alcohol addiction on the planet. We are losing too many good people to these substances, and seeing too much needless pain. It is a challenge we all own as a society; and we all have a part to play in finding solutions. “Are you ok today mate? Feel like a chat?” National Mental Health Helpline 1300 643 287 www.mhfa.org.au 101 ADA Australia PostScript Section 2 Section 1 Section 3