Tips to break destructive habits

1. Don't keep doing what you've always done. Denial, Blaming, Rationalising, all stop you from living a life free from addictions.
2. Don't blame yourself for the problem but  Do look squarely at the consequences of your addictions and how this is impacting on your life.
3. Do talk to someone about the problem. Choose a time when you are ready and sober and let them know how you feel and what your concerns are.
4. If you do decide to make a change, accept that you might have set backs at some point. Making a change can be a difficult transition and you need to be patient with yourself.
5. If you feel you need additional support, find a counsellor (addiction counselling) where you can talk honestly and openly about your feelings. Get support from with someone you can trust and can feel safe with.

Tips to help a friend break the addiction cycle

1. Choose the right time to talk to your friend.
2. Let them face the consequences of their behaviour, don't try to sort it out for them.
3. If you are affected by their substance use, decide what you will or won't accept.
4. Don't lecture them, this will immediately set them up to be defensive.
5.  Keep your focus on encouraging them to open up about their addiction problems.
6. If you need to seek support for yourself - call 'Addictions Counselling' or other familial support services.
7. Remember change takes time, "sometimes it's two steps forward and one step back" patience is needed for yourself and your friend/ loved one.