Drug Advisory Service

[Piglet]

My brother has been using canabis and the GP refered him to the drug advisory service. However, my mum seems very sceptical that it will help as she believes it's something he has to do on his own.

Does anyone have any experience with them or know what it is that they do?

Thanks

[8yearsofthis]

sorry iv got know advice and do not know what they do but its very hard to stop smokin it i need the support myself. (but i am to scared and shy to talk to my doctor about it)
as i have been smokin it myself for 9 years now and wish id not started smokin it but i now find it hard to stop as most of my feelings of SH are from not smokin it as this is my claim.
i think your brother may be better of seeing the drug advisor.if this is what he wonts.

Sorry if I have been rambling somewhat...
and sorry for not been able to help more
*Big Hugs*

michael

[Putain]

When i was working as a counsellor for a Community Drug Team we occasionally dealt with cannabis users. To be honest, we didn't treat it as a big deal - we didn't have the resources to address it on a large scale, or to provide ongoing support. Of course we would point out some of the health risks. But we would rely on people deciding to give up cannabis use as a result of lifestyle changes - growing up if you like - rather than by putting them on any sort of programme.

That was a long time ago, mind you, and cannabis these days has higher THC content. And there will no doubt be differences from area to area. But your mum is probably, broadly speaking, right.

[*Jackie*]

I think it a great idea for your brother to get some support as an ex smoker and someone who has worked in the detox industry, coming off THC is really very hard, there are not really many medications out there to assist with detox. It also stays in your system for quite some time, so the coming down/off effects can come and go for longer than you might expect.

I don't know anything about the services there (from OZ) but if they are anything like here, they will take his issues seriously and give him idea how to cope.

IMO nobody should have to detox/rehab on their own, it takes the will of the person and the support of family, friends and healthcare professionals to successfully quit.

Hope all goes well for your brother.