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Self help options

Self help options

Planning ahead for the risky or tough times.

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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.

Examples of risky times for some young people are:
• Seeing a particular group of friends.
• After fights with family or partner
• Being 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.
Remember if you can’t get through these risky times. Don’t get down on yourself. Hopefully you’ll know what to expect next time! Be safe, especially if you have not used for a little while.

It takes courage to change. Remember you are not alone & other young people have been in your shoes.

Get help now

YoDAA is a free and confidential online and phone service that offers supports to young people, families and professionals. You can contact 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

Further Reading

YoDAA_YP_WhereImAt.pdf

YoDAA_YP_ProblemSolvingSteps.pdf

YoDAA_YP_ExploringChange.pdf

Understanding why I use

Planning ahead for the risky or tough times

Withdrawal and dependence

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