<p>Addiction can be one of  the worst things humans can experience, but with the right tools and mindset, one can overcome it!</p>

Overcoming Addiction 

<h2>Key facts</h2><UL><LI>You can become addicted to many different things.</LI><LI>Addiction can badly affect your life and hurt the people around you.</LI><LI>Many addiction treatments and services are available.</LI><LI>Quitting is a gradual process — it often takes several attempts.</LI></UL><h2>What is addiction?</h2><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-is-addiction" dir="ltr">Addiction</a> is the repeated use of a substance or an activity, even though it may be harmful.</p><p>People can become addicted to many different things. Common addictions are:</p><p>Addiction can badly affect your life and hurt the people around you. But it’s possible to overcome addiction and reduce the harm to you and others.</p><h2>Deciding to make a change</h2><p>Only you can decide to overcome an addiction. Quitting is a gradual process — it often takes several attempts.</p><p dir="ltr">When breaking an addiction, you may have <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/addiction-withdrawal-symptoms" dir="ltr">withdrawal symptoms</a>, including:</p><UL><LI>tiredness</LI><LI>mood changes</LI><LI>cravings</LI><LI>aches and pains</LI></UL><p>These can be unpleasant and sometimes life-threatening. Withdrawal symptoms can be challenging. But don’t give up hope if you find things difficult. Quitting is easier if you:</p><UL><LI>have support</LI><LI>are prepared for challenges</LI></UL><h2>Reaching out for support</h2><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/talking-to-your-doctor-gp-about-mental-health" dir="ltr">Talk to your doctor</a>, <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-professionals" dir="ltr">mental health professional</a>, <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/counsellors-and-counselling" dir="ltr">counsellor</a> or drug and alcohol service about your decision to quit. Be honest about your situation. Support from your friends or family members can also help.</p><p dir="ltr">Your doctor can refer you to a treatment service. You can also contact some services directly. Call the <a href="https://adf.org.au/help-support/" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" dir="ltr">Alcohol and Drug Foundation</a> on 1300 85 85 84 to find out about these services.</p><p dir="ltr">Addiction is also associated with <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/depression" dir="ltr">depression</a> and <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anxiety" dir="ltr">anxiety</a>. The <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" dir="ltr">Beyond Blue</a> helpline can provide mental health support 24 hours a day on 1300 22 4636.</p><h2>Is there treatment for addiction?</h2><p>Many addiction treatments and services are available, including:</p><UL><LI>withdrawal, detoxification and addiction rehabilitation</LI><LI>medicines, which can reduce cravings</LI><LI>counselling</LI></UL><p dir="ltr">If you are a carer, carers associations in your state or territory can provide counselling. They can also help to organise respite care. Visit the <a href="https://www.carergateway.gov.au/" dir="ltr">Carer Gateway</a> or call 1800 422 737 (Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm) for more information.</p><h2>Healthy ways to cope with stress</h2><p dir="ltr">Some people <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/drug-abuse" dir="ltr">take drugs</a>, use alcohol or other things because they think it helps them cope with <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/stress" dir="ltr">stress</a>. But it can lead to an addiction, which can add to your stress.</p><p>When trying to break an addiction, withdrawal symptoms can also be stressful.</p><p>There are healthy ways to cope with stress, such as:</p><p>A counsellor can give you relaxation strategies, such as:</p><UL><LI>deep, controlled breathing</LI><LI>ways to relax your muscles</LI><LI>visualising a safe place</LI></UL><h2>Triggers, cravings and staying in control</h2><p>Knowing your triggers can help you avoid them. Avoiding your triggers can help you stay in control and prevent relapse.</p><p>You can’t avoid all triggers, so a plan is important to manage your cravings. A counsellor can help you prepare a plan to cope with cravings.</p><p>The stress relief strategies mentioned above can also help distract you and manage cravings.</p><h2>Don't let a relapse stop you achieving your goals</h2><p>People with addictions commonly relapse. This is part of the withdrawal process. It is okay to acknowledge any negative feelings you may have after a relapse. However, remember that breaking an addiction often takes more than one attempt. Keep reminding yourself why you are trying to quit.</p><h2>Building a meaningful life without addiction</h2><p>There are things you can do to help you stay addiction free.</p><UL><LI>Do things that you enjoy and that mean a lot to you.</LI><LI>Set goals and have things to look forward to.</LI></UL><p>It can help to stay connected to positive people who are recovering from addiction, through support groups.</p><p dir="ltr">Meaningful hobbies that socially engage you, such as <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/benefits-of-volunteering" dir="ltr">volunteering</a>, might also help.</p><h2>Resources and support</h2><h3>More information</h3><UL><LI><a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/drug-help" dir="ltr">Department of Health: Drug Help</a> — drug and alcohol information and resources.</LI><LI><a href="https://adf.org.au/" dir="ltr">Alcohol and Drug Foundation</a> — information on drugs and alcohol, including an information line.</LI></UL><h3>Support services and helplines</h3><UL><LI><a href="https://www.turningpoint.org.au/" dir="ltr">Turning Point</a> — offers support services for people with alcohol, drug or gambling addictions, including <a href="https://www.counsellingonline.org.au/" dir="ltr">counselling</a>.</LI><LI><a href="https://www.sharc.org.au/sharc-programs/family-drug-gambling-help/" dir="ltr">Family Drug and Gambling Help</a> — a helpline that supports friends and family members impacted by someone's drug and alcohol use or gambling. Call 1300 660 068.</LI><LI><a href="https://www.fds.org.au/" dir="ltr">Family Drug Support Australia</a> — information for families, including a support line: 1300 368 186.</LI><LI><a href="http://www.aa.org.au/" dir="ltr">Alcoholics Anonymous Australia</a> — provides support services for people with alcohol addiction, including a support line: 1300 222 222.</LI><LI><a href="https://www.na.org.au/multi/" dir="ltr">Narcotics Anonymous Australia</a> — information and support for those struggling with drug addiction, including a support line: 1300 652 820.</LI><LI><a href="https://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au/" dir="ltr">SMART Recovery Australia</a> — provides accessible tools to help people manage addictive behaviours, online and in-person.</LI></UL><h3>Support apps for your phone</h3><UL><LI><a href="https://www.openarms.gov.au/resources/apps-and-online-resources/right-mix-app" dir="ltr">The Right Mix</a> — is an app that reduces the impacts of drinking.</LI><LI><a href="https://www.openarms.gov.au/resources/apps-and-online-resources/high-res-app" dir="ltr">High Res</a> — is an app that builds resilience in serving and ex-serving Australian Defence force personnel and their families.</LI><LI><a href="https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/media-and-resources/vichealth-apps/healthy-living-apps/quit-now-my-quitbuddy" dir="ltr">Quit Now: My QuitBuddy</a> — a free app that helps smokers quit.</LI><LI><a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/smiling-mind" dir="ltr">Smiling Mind</a> — free meditation app for young people, from Beyond Blue.</LI></UL><h4 dir="ltr">Source<span dir="ltr">s</span>:</h4><div dir="ltr">
            <span dir="ltr">
              
              <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" title="Lifeline" dir="ltr">Lifeline</a>
              <em dir="ltr">(Substance abuse, misuse and addiction)</em>, 
              <a href="https://adf.org.au/" title="Alcohol and Drug Foundation" dir="ltr">Alcohol and Drug Foundation</a>
              <em dir="ltr">(How to talk about your alcohol or drug use)</em>, 
              <a href="https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/" title="Western Australian Mental Health Commission" dir="ltr">Western Australian Mental Health Commission</a>
              <em dir="ltr">(Counselling guidelines: Alcohol and other drug issues)</em>, 
              <a href="https://www.turningpoint.org.au/" title="Turning Point" dir="ltr">Turning Point</a>
              <em dir="ltr">(Treatments for Alcohol and Other Drug Addiction)</em>, 
              <a href="https://www.turningpoint.org.au/" title="Turning Point" dir="ltr">Turning Point</a>
              <em dir="ltr">(Withdrawal)</em>
            </span>
          </div>

Recovering from an addiction is a gradual process. It may take a few attempts. Rehabilitation is easier with support to help you deal with symptoms.

mindfulness

Mindfulness

scienceandnature

Science & Nature

<ul><li>You can become addicted to many different things. </li><li>Addiction can badly affect your life and hurt the people around you. </li><li>Many addiction treatments and services are available. </li><li>Quitting is a gradual process — it often takes several attempts. </li> </ul>

<p><a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-is-addiction">Addiction </a>is the repeated use of a substance or an activity, even though it may be harmful. </p>

<p>People can become addicted to many different things. Common addictions are: </p>

<p>Addiction can badly affect your life and hurt the people around you. But it’s possible to overcome addiction and reduce the harm to you and others. </p>

<p>Only you can decide to overcome an addiction. Quitting is a gradual process — it often takes several attempts. </p>

<p>When breaking an addiction, you may have <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/addiction-withdrawal-symptoms">withdrawal symptoms </a>, including: </p>

<ul><li>tiredness </li><li>mood changes </li><li>cravings </li><li>aches and pains </li> </ul>

<p>These can be unpleasant and sometimes life-threatening. Withdrawal symptoms can be challenging. But don’t give up hope if you find things difficult. Quitting is easier if you: </p>

<ul><li>have support </li><li>are prepared for challenges </li> </ul>

<p><a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/talking-to-your-doctor-gp-about-mental-health">Talk to your doctor </a>, <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-professionals">mental health professional </a>, <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/counsellors-and-counselling">counsellor </a>or drug and alcohol service about your decision to quit. Be honest about your situation. Support from your friends or family members can also help. </p>

<p>Your doctor can refer you to a treatment service. You can also contact some services directly. Call the <a href="https://adf.org.au/help-support/">Alcohol and Drug Foundation </a>on 1300 85 85 84 to find out about these services. </p>

<p>Addiction is also associated with <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/depression">depression </a>and <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anxiety">anxiety </a>. The <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support">Beyond Blue </a>helpline can provide mental health support 24 hours a day on 1300 22 4636. </p>

<p>Many addiction treatments and services are available, including: </p>

<ul><li>withdrawal, detoxification and addiction rehabilitation </li><li>medicines, which can reduce cravings </li><li>counselling </li> </ul>

<p>If you are a carer, carers associations in your state or territory can provide counselling. They can also help to organise respite care. Visit the <a href="https://www.carergateway.gov.au/">Carer Gateway </a>or call 1800 422 737 (Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm) for more information. </p>

<p>Some people <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/drug-abuse">take drugs </a>, use alcohol or other things because they think it helps them cope with <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/stress">stress </a>. But it can lead to an addiction, which can add to your stress. </p>

<p>When trying to break an addiction, withdrawal symptoms can also be stressful. </p>

<p>There are healthy ways to cope with stress, such as: </p>

<p>A counsellor can give you relaxation strategies, such as: </p>

<ul><li>deep, controlled breathing </li><li>ways to relax your muscles </li><li>visualising a safe place </li> </ul>

Triggers, cravings and staying in control

<p>Knowing your triggers can help you avoid them. Avoiding your triggers can help you stay in control and prevent relapse. </p>

<p>You can’t avoid all triggers, so a plan is important to manage your cravings. A counsellor can help you prepare a plan to cope with cravings. </p>

<p>The stress relief strategies mentioned above can also help distract you and manage cravings. </p>

Don't let a relapse stop you achieving your goals

<p>People with addictions commonly relapse. This is part of the withdrawal process. It is okay to acknowledge any negative feelings you may have after a relapse. However, remember that breaking an addiction often takes more than one attempt. Keep reminding yourself why you are trying to quit. </p>

Building a meaningful life without addiction

<p>There are things you can do to help you stay addiction free. </p>

<ul><li>Do things that you enjoy and that mean a lot to you. </li><li>Set goals and have things to look forward to. </li> </ul>

<p>It can help to stay connected to positive people who are recovering from addiction, through support groups. </p>

<p>Meaningful hobbies that socially engage you, such as <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/benefits-of-volunteering">volunteering </a>, might also help. </p>

<ul><li><a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/drug-help">Department of Health: Drug Help </a>— drug and alcohol information and resources. </li><li><a href="https://adf.org.au/">Alcohol and Drug Foundation </a>— information on drugs and alcohol, including an information line. </li> </ul>

<ul><li><a href="https://www.turningpoint.org.au/">Turning Point </a>— offers support services for people with alcohol, drug or gambling addictions, including <a href="https://www.counsellingonline.org.au/">counselling </a>. </li><li><a href="https://www.sharc.org.au/sharc-programs/family-drug-gambling-help/">Family Drug and Gambling Help </a>— a helpline that supports friends and family members impacted by someone's drug and alcohol use or gambling. Call 1300 660 068. </li><li><a href="https://www.fds.org.au/">Family Drug Support Australia </a>— information for families, including a support line: 1300 368 186. </li><li><a href="http://www.aa.org.au/">Alcoholics Anonymous Australia </a>— provides support services for people with alcohol addiction, including a support line: 1300 222 222. </li><li><a href="https://www.na.org.au/multi/">Narcotics Anonymous Australia </a>— information and support for those struggling with drug addiction, including a support line: 1300 652 820. </li><li><a href="https://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au/">SMART Recovery Australia </a>— provides accessible tools to help people manage addictive behaviours, online and in-person. </li> </ul>

<ul><li><a href="https://www.openarms.gov.au/resources/apps-and-online-resources/right-mix-app">The Right Mix </a>— is an app that reduces the impacts of drinking. </li><li><a href="https://www.openarms.gov.au/resources/apps-and-online-resources/high-res-app">High Res </a>— is an app that builds resilience in serving and ex-serving Australian Defence force personnel and their families. </li><li><a href="https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/media-and-resources/vichealth-apps/healthy-living-apps/quit-now-my-quitbuddy">Quit Now: My QuitBuddy </a>— a free app that helps smokers quit. </li><li><a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/smiling-mind">Smiling Mind </a>— free meditation app for young people, from Beyond Blue. </li> </ul>

<em>(Substance abuse, misuse and addiction) </em>

<em>(How to talk about your alcohol or drug use) </em>

<em>(Counselling guidelines: Alcohol and other drug issues) </em>

<em>(Treatments for Alcohol and Other Drug Addiction) </em>

Overcoming addiction

Overcoming Addiction

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