Substance abuse, whether the substance is meth, cocaine, alcohol or any other, it doesn’t just affect the user.
It affects many of the people in their circle — close friends, co-workers, family, buddies and partners.
It can be really tough to watch someone’s quality of life go down the toilet due to addiction. How much a friend uses is difficult to judge. It’s even tougher when it’s close to home, when it involves a co-worker who’s screwing up; or a lover who isn’t in your bed at night because of a binge. It can make you crazy living with half-truths, lies and deception.
It can also be difficult to know the right thing to do, or what’s going to work, and what’s going to help, as well as sort out the feelings. Drawtheline.org’s Buddies program is intended to create a safe space for individuals who want to work out these challenges. We have created a structure to address the following: share information about drugs and alcohol and their effects; to exchange coping strategies, and ways to reduce the stress and harm for those dealing with the day-to-day consequences of substance abuse.
Join us as we use our collective experience and support to talk about what’s going on, so perhaps it will be a little easier to talk to that friend, partner, or family member about how alcohol and drugs has changed them. This will be an opportunity for you to do something to take care of yourself.
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Here are some of the topics that will be discussed:
Our personal experience of how their alcohol and drug use impacts us and our loved ones
Drugs and Alcohol 101: how it effects the brain, why they can be so addictive and longer term effects
Why people use: sexual expectations, depression, isolation, job stress, self-esteem, etc.
Myths and misconceptions around substance use and users
Skill Development:
How and when to have that "difficult conversation" with the user through role playing.
How to communicate effectively.
How to set boundaries and take care of yourself.
Resources Available:
How to access treatment and recovery services
How to obtain personal support
Next Steps:
How to create a community of on-going support.
Interested?
If you are interested in finding out more or participating call New Leaf at
(415) 626-7000 ext. 201
Click here to download the pdf! |
