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

[TideisTurning]

I'm sorry to hear of that experience @TAB. I imagine that would be really frustrating having needed support more limited as time has gone on. It can be really hard to reach out when you're struggling too. For me, sometimes when I need the help the most is also when I struggle the most to reach out. 

[Time]

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

[greenpea]

@TAB  you are not alone. I am only hanging on by the skin of my teeth my friend. The other week I had what I thought was two bottle of french champagne delivered to my front door. The box said french champagne ..... I agonized what I would do if it was ...... luckily for me it was goodies for my rabbit!! If it was chamagne I most probably would have drunk it and that is after nearly 3 years of no drinking.x

[Daisydreamer]

I'm so sorry to hear how hard it has been to access addiction services @TAB. This has been the experience of a few loved ones I have supported as well, particularly accessing rehab beds.

One thing that stands out to me is that when things get bad you do reach out for help, despite difficulties accessing services, which says so much about your insight and strength. I hope that you do continue to reach out. I'm wondering if Turning Point might be a service that could be a support for you?

[Shaz51]

@Daisydreamer , @Hello3 , @TideisTurning 

I like to learn more to help 2 of my step sons

My other 2 stepchildren drink too 

[Calvin]

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@greenpea wrote:

I would like to hear a bit about alcoholism. My dad was an alcoholic. My sister is and I am. I also have bipolar I/schizoaffactive disorder.

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Hi @greenpea thankyou for your response.

Theres many reasons as to how or why alcoholism can present itself in someones life. Lots of people can use alcohol or drugs as a form of coping mechanism in scenarios where a significent life event has taken places or to generally cope with everyday stresses. What we see in some people that may have Bipolar is that their main struggle as well is the impulse control towards substances. When the impulse is strong, it can become an automatic action when reaching for alcohol.

Sometimes when people are exposed at a young age to drugs/alcohol, it can have some influence on their choices later in life due to them having grown up in an environement that appears as somewhat a 'normal'.

What has your experience been? What types of support have you got in place? 

[Daisydreamer]

Really appreciate so many members joining us tonight, and I am hoping we can answer your questions. Please feel free to keep asking and sharing 🙂

@Hello3 @Calvin Question 2: What is addiction and what is the impact for those living with addiction? 

[TAB]

ah pretty much . It's a cycle. Day 3 not drinking today @TideisTurning 

[Shaz51]

Hello @Time 

You are in the right place my friend 

It is to read and write your questions in 

[Daisydreamer]

For the community: What has addiction meant for you and what have been some of the impacts on your life?