Lucy is a 29-year-old woman from Yarra Creek, Tasmania who has been struggling with addiction for a while now. Despite her best efforts, her addiction has been getting worse and worse, and she has finally had to admit to herself that she needs help. While she hasn't started treatment yet, she is determined to do so and start on the path to recovery.
Addiction is a difficult and often isolating experience, but it's important to remember that recovery is possible. With the right support and resources, anyone can overcome addiction and build a healthier, happier life for themselves.
Interviewer: Thank you for agreeing to speak with me today. Can you tell us a little bit about your situation?
Lucy: Yeah, sure. So, I’ve been struggling with addiction for a while now. It’s been getting worse and worse, and I finally had to admit to myself that I need help. I haven’t started treatment yet, but I’m planning to.
Interviewer: That’s really brave of you to acknowledge that you need help. Can you tell us how your addiction has affected your work?
Lucy: It’s been really hard. I’m constantly tired and often show up late or miss work altogether. I try to hide it, but I know my co-workers and boss are starting to suspect something. And the guilt and shame I feel about it all just makes the addiction worse.
It's affected my work in many ways. I've missed deadlines, made mistakes, and my performance has been affected. I've also been absent from work a few times due to my drug use. It's hard to focus on work when you're constantly thinking about when you can use drugs again.
Interviewer: That sounds incredibly difficult. Have you thought about talking to your employer about your situation?
Lucy: No, I haven’t. I’m worried they’ll fire me or think less of me if they find out. But I know I can’t keep going like this. I need to get help. I know that drug use is not tolerated in the workplace, and I could lose my job if my employer finds out. But I also know that I need to be honest with myself and seek help for my addiction, regardless of the consequences.
Interviewer: Can you tell me more about your drug use and how it has affected your life?
Lucy: Yeah, sure. Well, it started out as just experimenting with some weed and then I moved onto other stuff like cocaine and heroin. I thought I could handle it and that it was just a phase, but it's been years now and I can't stop. It's affecting every aspect of my life.
Interviewer: What kind of support do you have in place to help you through this?
Lucy: Well, I have some friends who are in recovery, and I’m hoping to lean on them more. I’ve also started looking into treatment options, but it’s overwhelming. It’s hard to know where to start.
Interviewer: It’s definitely a difficult road ahead, but it sounds like you have a good support system in place. What steps are you planning to take to get the help you need?
Lucy: I’m planning to start with therapy and then move on to more intensive treatment like rehab. I know it’s going to be a long process, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get my life back on track.
I'm looking into options. I'm scared of withdrawal symptoms and how it will affect my job, but I know I need to do this for myself.
I know that I need help to overcome my addiction, but I'm not sure where to start. It's a scary thought, but I know it's something that I need to do. I've started talking to a few friends who have been through addiction and recovery, and they have been a great source of support and advice. I'm also researching treatment options and trying to find a therapist who specialises in addiction. It's a process, but I know it's worth it to get my life back on track.
Interviewer: What made you realise that you have a problem with drugs?
Lucy: It was a gradual realisation. I noticed that I couldn't go through a day without using drugs. I would feel anxious and irritable if I didn't have them. I started to see that my drug use was affecting my work and relationships, and that's when I knew I had a problem.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to others who are struggling with addiction?
Lucy: Don't be ashamed to ask for help. It's hard, but you don't have to go through it alone. And know that recovery is a journey, it's not going to happen overnight, but it's worth it.
Interviewer: That’s great to hear. Is there anything else you want to share about your experience?
Lucy: I just want people to know that addiction is a disease, and it’s not a choice. It’s something that can happen to anyone, and there’s no shame in getting help. I hope that by sharing my story, I can help others who might be struggling with the same thing.
Lucy's story is a reminder that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. It takes courage to admit to yourself that you need help, but it's an important step towards recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are resources available to help. Reach out to a healthcare professional, a support group, or a treatment centre to start on the path to recovery. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for a brighter future.
* Name and identifying details have been changed to protect anonymity. Names, places, and other details have been changed to protect anonymity.