Are you concerned that you, or someone you care for, may be experiencing a problem with drugs? The checklist below describes some of the symptoms of drug misuse.

 

One or more of the following may indicate a problem that requires attention.

• Your using has increased in quantity or frequency
• You need more to get high
• You frequently use more than you set out to
• You will use all you have on you or find it hard to put some back for another day
• You use, or thinking about using at inappropriate moments
• You hide, withhold or minimise your using from others
• You prioritise using above people, or activities that were previously important to you
• You see time alone as windows of opportunity to use
• You experience problems as a result of your using-work, loss of productivity, family tensions, legal problems, loss of motivation
• You manipulate or avoid situations or people to ensure access to using
• You make promises to yourself or others you don't fulfil
• Previous attempts at controlling or cutting down have only worked provisionally
• Others have told you they think you have a problem
• You know you have a problem but are reluctant to stop

 

If any of the above behaviours apply to you and you would like to discuss this further or book an appointment, please call 0845 474 4609.

 

 

For many people recreational drug use is an enjoyable, occasional experience which has very little negative impact on their lives.

However a small minority find that the positive mood shift they experience from their drug of choice pulls them back into wanting to use more, or more frequently, and over time they find themselves beginning to rely on it to manage social situations, or negative emotions such as stress, boredom, anxiety, or insecurity.

 

As a consequence of the increase in use they begin to prioritise this over other previously meaningful relationships or activities. At times they may reluctantly admit to using to excess, or others may have commented on their using. They finally decide to do something about it and may attempt to cut down or control their use, but these changes in behaviour are only provisional, and the problem gets progressively worse.

 

For some, their using eventually reaches a point at which they begin compromising on values that they previously held dear, start lying to others, withhold information or minimise what they tell others about their using. They may find themselves wanting to use alone, and spend increasing amounts of time using, thinking about using, or recovering from using. At this point the sufferer will have developed a compulsive relationship with their drug of choice.

 

The point at which people make a decision to ask for help varies enormously. For some it may just be an uncomfortability about the increase in their drug use, whilst for others this may have had a significant negative impact on many areas of their lives. However, what they share in common is the inability to get their using back to moderated levels and keep it that way.

 

At Central Clinic we understand that in these cases willpower is not enough and support may be needed. With our expertise and experience working with problematic drug use we have the tools to help you recover.