Topic Tuesday // Breaking The Cycle: Addiction, Alcohol and Drugs // Tues 27th April, 7:00-8:30PM AEST

[TideisTurning]

Hi @Time, there's no audio for the event this evening. All you need to do is read along- this guide might also be a helpful reference for you if needed this evening 😊

[TAB]

I could try it, my GP is trying to put me on medication to stop me drinking, well other things got in the way, its still pending @Daisydreamer 

[Time]

Looks like I am in the right place I guess ?  Gee Im bit confused as It has been awhile ?

Looks like alot of you are trying to help me and I do appreciate it much dont wait for me ill try to catch up and stumble my way through bless you all x

[greenpea]

@Calvin  alcohol was always around us growing up. Ever since I was very little I remember adults drinking every day. The only thing that stops me from drinking is that it makes me feel so sick even just a little bit and that I have promised my daughter that I wont..... it is just so hard though.

[TAB]

oh gosh @greenpea  i thought you were okay with not drinking

Sorry if taking up time here, re other posters who were here earlier

[Hello3]

Hello everyone its been awhile since Ive been online had alot to do and have been very busy helping and supporting my son.  Very interested in addiction drugs and breaking the cycle so I can support him more.  Am I on the right page ??

TIME

Hi @Time thanks for joining us tonight. Supporting someone through addiction is challenging and it's so great you are reaching out. You may find our Helping Others section helpful which looks at understanding addiction, starting the conversation and accessing support yourself. I'm wondering what supports your son has in place? We also have our Family and Friends section on the forum where you are able to chat to other peers supporting a loved one. 

[Daisydreamer]

That's something my loved one finds too @greenpea, even after 10 years he still struggles to be around alcohol. Every day he has to make that choice. 3 years is such an achievement @greenpea, it's all one day at a time 

[TideisTurning]

All good @TAB. We're really glad to have you with us! It sounds like you have some really great insights to share that others will be able to resonate with Thanks for being here 😊

[Calvin]

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Question 2: What is addiction and what is the impact for those living with addiction? 

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At Turning Point, we define addiction as being  “a chronic health condition that occurs when someone is unable to stop consuming a drug or activity, even if it is causing physical or psychological harm, or affecting their life”.

There are many different types of addiction from caffeine to tabacco to even shopping, but we will keep the focus for now on drugs, alcohol and gambling.

Substance use and addiction can mean two different things. For example someone who uses recreational drugs on the weekend may be abusing drugs, but not necessarily have an addiction to drugs. Where as someone that uses drugs/alcohol daily, have gained a tolerance to it and experience withdrawals without it, have more than likely formed a dependence. That being said recreational/occasional use can be just as harmful.

Addiction is not only a physical attachment but also a mental attachment. Its important to understand the cycle you may be in, in order to break it.

[Hello3]

@Daisydreamer Question 2: What is addiction and what is the impact for those living with addiction? 

Addiction is a chronic health condition that affects people in a multitude of ways. It is generally defined by somebody not being able to stop using a substance, or multiple substances regardless of the harm being caused.

The impact for those living with addiction is incredibly multi-faceted and the ripple effect is huge on the healthcare system and society as a whole. Addiction often impacts greatly on mental health, physical health, family relationships, social connections, employability and financial security. It can also end in homelessness, incarceration, institutionalisation, and death for many who don’t or are unable to get help when they need to.

Addiction does not discriminate! It impacts people from all age groups, demographics, communities, cultures and all levels of social status, yet is one of the least understood, most stigmatised and least talked about health conditions.

Nobody chooses to end up in addiction. Genetics, the environment somebody grew up in and vulnerabilities somebody may be exposed to are all things that can pre dispose somebody to addiction.