Breaking free
Question
I have had drug problems for many years now and despite attending self help groups, I still take heroin and crack. On top of all this, I suffer from anxiety and depression and take medication to cope with panic attacks.
I have tried to stop and have even been to rehab, but the cravings are getting worse and worse. I feel like my life is spinning out of control. So I'm thinking of trying rehab again. Is it true that some people have to try rehab more than once? If I go, will they only focus on the drugs? I'm worried they'll ignore my other mental health issues.
Answer
You're definitely not alone and it's true that it can take quite a few attempts to successfully stop using drugs. Although it seems hard, you're doing really well to keep resolving to stop.
Most people have to find the right kind of treatment to suit them and this can involve trying out different services. Some people find self help groups work, some prefer individual counselling sessions and others prefer residential treatment (rehab). Once you're definitely ready to make a change there are lots of services available that can support you in doing it. And it's important you know that you will be able to get support for your mental health issues during the treatment.
A good starting point might be to refer yourself into community-based substance misuse services you can do so by calling them. Community-based services offer different types of support and a key worker will guide you through the process of developing an action plan for reducing your drug use. These services can also link you in with rehab treatment if you choose. As a first step, you might want to contact a local service that can provide you with more information and free, confidential support.
Good luck. It's not easy but it's worth it. Where there's a will, there's a way.
Updated: 01/06/2011
Question answered by Addaction
