Help For Addiction

“The first thing we should do if we think that we or our loved ones may have a problem with drugs and alcohol is get help from professionals specializing in this field. Instead, it is usually the last thing we do”, says Paul Coetzee – addictions counsellor consulting to the CIC (Community Intervention Centre).

According to the CIC High Hopes Team, it is imperative that our community knows that there is help for substance abuse and addiction. If we face the problem sooner rather than later, it can be a triumph rather than a tragedy. There are millions of people worldwide in recovery, living full and rich lives. “If we can just open our minds to the possibility that we have a problem, learn the facts, and have the courage to ask for help – then there is plenty of hope,” says the High Hopes team, who runs a family programme in Table View.

The key thing people need to understand is that addiction is an illness. Coetzee advises that not only is the illness chronic and incurable, but it is also progressive. If the illness is not arrested, drinking or drugging will steadily increase. “If you feel you have crossed the line from social use to dependency and it feels like things are falling apart, it is very important not to lose hope. It is also very important to understand that this will not go away of its own accord. Get help.”

Warning signs:

· Have you developed tolerance? Do you need more to get the same effect?

· Do you feel anxious and upset if someone takes away your alcohol or drugs?

· Do you experience a loss of control?

· Is alcohol and drugs the most important thing in your life?

· Do you continue to use despite harmful consequences?

Addiction is often called the “family illness” because of its far-reaching and often devastating effects on those close to the addict. ”It is imperative that family members and friends attend to their own healing and recovery and see it as a separate, but parallel process,” says Coetzee. The family needs to get help regardless of what choices the addict is making – they need to get into recovery even if the addict does not.

Some DO’s and DON’TS for family members:

· Be open and knowledgeable – educate yourself about the disease of addiction

· Be honest

· Be vigilant

· Join a family programme and/or support group

· Don’t lecture, scold, moralise, blame, threaten, argue

· Don’t accept promises or keep switching agreements - if an agreement is made stick to it

· Don’t delay – things will only get worse

Professional advice is the best way to assess what is required for your specific situation. There are a number of options available, including: Outpatient treatment, Primary inpatient treatment (21 to 28 day stay in a treatment centre), Extended care or secondary care (may be required for long term addicts), 12 Step support groups - essential, both to get into recovery and for ongoing support.

Many people do not seek help because they think they will be judged or punished. Understand that addiction is treatable, changeable, and is an illness. The only thing that can be judged is not doing anything about it. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of courage and it’s the way forward.

Brought to you by the Community Intervention Centre.