Substance use self-check
It is important to be aware of what drugs you are taking and how much you are drinking. Try keeping a diary for a week to keep track, and note down any specific reasons or triggers that make you feel like using.
You could also ask yourself the following questions:
- How often are you using drugs or alcohol?
- Do you think about drugs and/or drinking a lot?
- Are you using drugs or alcohol more regularly? Are you finding it hard to control how much you use?
- Have you ever tried to stop or cut down on your drug usage but couldn't?
- Does the thought of running out of drugs and/or alcohol really scare you?
- Are you starting to experience problems like missing work, making mistakes, or not doing things you were meant to?
- Are you having trouble sleeping, eating or just doing your normal daily tasks?
- Have you noticed a change in your energy levels? More tired? More energy?
- Are you experiencing blackouts regularly?
- Are you experiencing changes in your mood? Finding it changing more quickly, or feeling more worried or unhappy than usual?
- Are you having trouble concentrating or making decisions?
- Are your friends or family asking you to take it easy?
Answering yes to several of these questions may mean that you are developing a problem with drugs or alcohol.
Seeking help
- See your GP to discuss the answers to the self-check and ask for referral to an addictions specialist and/or psychologist with skills in working with people with substance use problems.
- View the drug and alcohol addiction programs available to you through St John of God Health Care.
- Contact your local Community Health Centre and make an appointment with their Drug and Alcohol Counsellor or ask for contact details for your local Drug and Alcohol Service.
- Contact Beyond Blue or Black Dog Institute for phone advice and contacts for support.
- Call the Mental Health Telephone Access Line (MHTAL) on 1800 011 511 for a list of suitable services and contact details.
- Internet search for D&A inpatient admissions, community counselling and residential rehabilitation services.
