I keep saying "no more im going to stop" but somehow i always end up taking something... Do you think i have a problem that i need to worry about?
Hi, I started using cannabis at around 17, smoking on weekends mainly. At 18 i started to use speed and ecstasy pills on a weekend basis. In early 2004 after i finished school i got into pills and speed much more; both weekly and weekend use for about 3 months. After that i got a job and went back to weekend use. This continued over the years up until 2006 when i tried ice in a pipe. Only did it maybe 5 times in 2007 but when i did it i stayed up for 3–4 days at a time. My drugs continued in 2007 normally as always although i had a girlfriend for some time and i must say i had breaks more often on weekends sometimes nothing for up to 2–3 weeks at a time.
Late 2007 when we broke up, every weekend from then i have been taking mainly ice and mixing everything else together and still haven't stopped and it's June 2008. There hasn't been one weekend break from drugs!!! I keep saying "no more im going to stop" but somehow i always end up taking something... and when i get on it, it is usually all weekend with no sleep then go to work. Sometimes i really crave pipes especially when Fridays come. I get so much confidence and power to do anything! When i socialise i feel that i need to be on something,at least alcohol.
Do you think i have a problem that i need to worry about? Can you give me any suggestions what to do? Do you think i will have long term effects from this? Thanks for your time and help.
The longer anyone uses, the more likely they are to have long-lasting problems. At this stage, it is not too likely, but I would not want to leave it too much longer before making some changes.
When people use even when they have promised themselves they won't, that's a strong indication of dependence. When they start to experience cravings, it means they have already developed a degree of dependence. When thoughts of getting drugs and using start to press in to other parts of your life: home, work, family life, then dependence is starting to get a strong grip. If you find you can't enjoy other activities without drugs, or start to think you can't do things without taking something, you are already in trouble.
It sounds like drugs and thinking about drugs is beginning to take over more and more of your time, and that it is past the time you got off them.
Many people have found that a "holiday" from drugs is a good way to start getting back in control. Set yourself a reasonable period in which you will go "drug free" and organise some activities for that time. A month is a pretty good starting point, but don't just lock yourself away. Plan do mix with people and do some things you used to enjoy. If you manage that OK, look at a longer period; if it is tough or you can't do it, look up you local drug health service in the phone book. they are really helpful (Victoria has a top reputation when it comes to helping people - free and no judgements).
There are some self-help resources on the web, too. Try www.druginfo.adf.org.au for a start.