Alcohol and drug addiction

How Can I Stop Drinking Alcohol Or Taking Other Drugs?

If you’re thinking of stopping using drugs and/or alcohol, or even thinking of cutting down a bit, it’s usually because you’re worried about how your use is affecting your life.Sometimes other people, like friends or parents, are also worried.

  

Some people think that all you need is “will power” in order to stop using substances.That’s not true.You need to have understanding, planning, and support.

 

Understanding

 

  • It takes time for your body to get used to not having a drug or alcohol.
  • Make a list of what you like about the drug or alcohol, and what you don’t like about it.
  • When and in what situation do you use the drug or alcohol?
  • What other choices do you have instead of using a drug or alcohol?

 

Planning

 

  • Avoid places and situations where you usually use drugs or drink alcohol.
  • Choose to do something else instead of using drugs or alcohol.
  • Hang out with people who don’t drink or use drugs.
  • Keep yourself busy, so you don’t get bored.
  • Learn to cope with your stress and emotions in healthy ways.For example, if you’re sad, call up a friend, or if you’re angry, lift weights, hit a punching bag, go for a walk, listen to music, or do some deep breathing exercises.

 

Support

 

  • Tell your friends about what you’re trying to do.
  • Ask your friends to do other activities with you, for example go to the movies.
  • If your parents are concerned, let them know what’s happening and ask for their help.
  • If you go to school, talk to your teacher or guidance counsellor.
  • Speak to your doctor, call a youth health clinic, or contact the local youth counselling agency, your local substance abuse counselling service, or call The Kids’ Help Phone (1-800-668-6868)

Extra

If you want to learn more, you can go to these websites:

 
 
 

Website developped and offered by the Canadian Association for Adolescent Health
Last modification: 2006-02-01