Anchored By Grace.
Free From Addiction.

Are You Addicted?

Recognising addiction is about understanding patterns in your life, not judging yourself. Addiction can show up differently for everyone, but certain experiences are common.

You may be dealing with addiction if you notice:

• Using more than you intended, or for longer periods than planned.
• Difficulty cutting back or stopping despite wanting to.
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance or behaviour.
• Experiencing strong cravings or urges that feel hard to ignore.
• Neglecting responsibilities, relationships, or personal goals because of use.
• Continuing use even though it's causing problems in your life.
• Developing tolerance (needing more to feel the same effect) or experiencing withdrawal when you stop.

These experiences are not unique to you, many people experiencing addiction struggle with these challenges and find it difficult to stop. These symptoms are a result of how addiction affects the brain and behaviour. Understanding your own patterns is the first step toward gaining control and making informed decisions about change.

Thinking About Change

Change is possible, but it's often gradual. Many people move through different stages when they decide to address addiction. Understanding these stages can help you take practical steps without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.

The Stages of Change

1. Precontemplation: You may not yet see the behaviour as a problem. Awareness often comes slowly — that's normal.
2. Contemplation: You're thinking about change and weighing the benefits, but haven't acted yet.
3. Preparation: You're getting ready, exploring strategies, and planning next steps.
4. Action: You begin to change behaviours, seek support, or adopt new routines.
5. Maintenance: You focus on sustaining your changes and preventing relapse.
6. Relapse (optional): Returning to old patterns can happen. It doesn't erase progress — it's part of learning and adjusting your approach.

Recovery is not about perfection. It's about building a life where addiction has less power over you, step by step. Understanding your stage allows you to make informed choices and seek support at the right time.

How Substances Can Affect You

• Alcohol: The most widely used substance in Australia. Regular or heavy drinking can impact mood, sleep, decision-making, and physical health. Risk isn't about character — it's about how alcohol interacts with your brain and body.
• Cannabis: Commonly used to relax or cope. Frequent use can affect memory, focus, motivation, and mental health.
• Methamphetamine: Highly stimulating, initially energising, but often followed by intense highs and lows, affecting sleep, emotional regulation, and relationships.
• Cocaine: Can create short-term euphoria, energy, and confidence, but repeated use increases stress on the heart, brain, and emotional balance.
• Opioids (prescription or illicit): Reduce pain and can provide intense relief, but repeated use changes the brain's reward system and increases dependence risk.
• GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate): Often used recreationally, GHB has a narrow safety margin. Even small increases in dose can lead to overdose, causing unconsciousness or respiratory depression. Its use has been associated with increased emergency department presentations and hospitalisations in Australia, particularly among younger individuals and those combining it with other substances.
• MDMA (Ecstasy): Known for its euphoric and empathic effects, MDMA is commonly used in social settings. However, it can lead to dehydration, overheating, and serotonin syndrome, especially when taken in high doses or combined with other stimulants. There have been reports of increased ambulance call-outs and hospitalisations related to MDMA use in Australia.