DAYS 1 Drug & Alcohol Youth Support
What is Cannabis? Cannabis is a mildly hallucinogenic drug that comes from the cannabis plant. The main active compound in cannabis is Tetrahydo-cannabinol (THC). Where are you right Now? The Drug I am Using Cannabis Alcohol Don t want to change my use Want to change my use What change do I want to make Street Names What do you call Cannabis? NPS Other External Triggers WHO? Who are the people who will encourage my use? How do you use Cannabis? WHERE? Where will I most likely be? 2 3
When am I most likely to want to use? When Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Morning Afternoon Evening Good things about using cannabis The not so good things about using cannabis I want to change my Cannabis use because? My short term goals are: My long term goals are: 4 5
Cycle of Change CONTEMplaTION You have started to notice everything is not ok about your drug taking. You may have started to realise some of your difficulties maybe as a result of taking drugs. However, you are unsure about whether you want to give up drugs or feel maybe the current circumstances are not suitable for you to do so. Thinking f Hmm, maybe there is a problem / never again / one more won t do any harm / I love it but can t afford it / maybe soon Feeling f Ambivalent / unsure / sometimes worried, other times enjoyment or not bothered Doing f Using but trying to cut down / using but not enjoying it as much pre-contemplation You do not think there is anything wrong with taking drugs. You could still be enjoying it, but other people like family and friends may think you have a problem and keep having a go at you. You manage to bury your head in the sand to any problems. Thinking f I haven t got a problem / everyone does it / if I didn t like it I d stop / I can take it or leave it / minimising issues / I need it to relax / I only had one / blaming others Feeling f Enjoyment / pleasure / anticipation Doing f Continued use DECISION The light bulb has gone on you have decided that drugs are causing you a problem and you realise you have to do something about it. Deciding to address the issue does not necessarily mean that you will put anything into action straight away. Thinking f I ve had enough / I can t carry on like this / I need help / I don t feel well Feeling f Emotional / nervous / anxious Doing f Set a date for quitting / looking around to see what help is available / talking to friends or family about stopping action You actually do something. This could be something like contact your local agency or talk to someone for help. You have taken the first step. The action part may be a difficult time. You have taken the first step. You have decided that something needs to be done, that does not necessarily mean that you will get the help you need straight away. You may have to wait for an appointment. Other forms of action can be put into place here, such as smoking instead of injecting or monitoring your intake. Thinking f It s hard / is it worth the effort / I can do this / step at a time / I can t stop thinking about it / I can t imagine my life any different / magnifying issues Feeling f Emotional / anxious / cravings / tension Doing f Making appointment with the service that can help / still using but maybe applying harm reduction e.g.: smoking instead of injecting / talking to people who can help lapse Slip back temporarily into using short term or as a one off. This can be a lesson to learn from or it could result in relapse. Thinking f I ve messed up / what s the point / sod it / I always mess up / I ve let my worker down, I can t go back / It s a one off I can learn from it / stop now or be sorry / I m better than this / look how far I ve come / I need to speak to my worker today / I want it I want it I want it / phew the pressure is off Feeling f Guilt / disappointment / angry / deflated / self hate / determination / resolve / relief Doing f Continue using / fail to seek help / go back to old friends / make the call to the worker / go and see someone helpful MaINTENaNCE You address your drug dependency issues and you can see positive changes in your life. You seem to be more stable, more rational and are making better decisions. You are getting the help and support that you need. Thinking f I can do this / I m not feeling bad / I can mix with my old friends now it won t bother me I can use it once and leave it / minimising / I want it but I ve come too far / I miss my friend (drug) / I miss my friends / I need to change my ritual / now what do I do Feeling f Emotions are returning / mixture of fear of the unknown and confidence / loss / emptiness Doing f Change friends completely / locking yourself away / new hobbies and interests / putting yourself in high risk situations 6 7
Benefits of reducing/stopping Cannabis looking at the list below please tick the benefits for you reducing/stopping cannabis. Effects of Cannabis on the mind One of the main risks of cannabis is the effect that it can have on your mind. label the image below with the effects that you are aware of. More motivated and be able to concentrate Would have more money Feel healthier and have more energy Feel better about myself Better relationships with people family friends Enjoy other things in life Being able to sleep without smoking Cannabis Less risk of getting into trouble with the police Feel less paranoid Be able to attend Education Training Work 8 9
Effects of Cannabis on the body Cannabis Diary Cannabis can also have effects on the rest of your body. Repeat the exercise from the last page but this time labelling the body parts affected. DAY TIME WHERE & WHO FEELINGS BEFORE FEELINGS AFTER HOW MUCH & COST 10 11
For more information or advice contact: DAYS Drug & Alcohol Youth Support Young people up to and including 18 years Freephone: 0808 1687176 Follow us on Twitter: @DAYSCYMRU DAFS (Drug Alcohol Family Support) 01495 713040 GOALS Over 18 years 08700 600310 www.dan247.org.uk www.talktofrank.com