When you reduce or stop using there will be times and circumstances that will be harder than others. Planning ahead for these times will make it easier and more predictable to manage.

If you’ve tried cutting down before you might remember some of the times when you had cravings or when you found it more tempting to use than others. Understanding more about why you use can also help predict these times.

Examples of risky times for some young people are:

• Seeing a particular group of friends.
• After fights with family or partner
• When bored
• Feeling stressed or anxious
• Feeling angry
• Feeling flat low or depressed
• Particular times of day (Just before bed or first thing in the morning)
• Particular times of the week (Just after getting paid)
• Celebrating an event or achievement.

Identify the times that will be most risky for you and plan ways to cope with these situations. Our guide to setting goals and solving problems may be useful for this.