What to Quit? Make a Pro & Con List
Most substance users have a love/hate relationship with alcohol and drugs. They love the way drugs make them feel, but they're also aware of the health dangers and the social consequences of using. You may be torn: does the pleasure of using outweigh the problems associated with it? Only you can decide...
List the five most important reasons for quitting. Make sure they are your reasons, and not the reasons others have chosen for you. The benefits of quitting are:
Now list five reasons why you shouldn't stop using. What are the most important reasons for wanting to continue?The benefits of using are:
The weight or importance that you give to each of the items on your list may change over
time. If your reasons for quitting are already stronger than your reasons for using, you are
ready to think about quitting. If your reasons for using outweigh your reasons for
quitting, keep the list handy – the balance could shift at any time. Consider talking to your doctor or an addictions counselor. You may also want to find out more about what using
does to your health, your family, and your finances.
If you are not ready to quit, can you try to cut down? If this works—great! However, if
cutting down does not work, maybe you will just have to make that tough decision and
stick with it.
There is no shame in asking for help. People do it all the time. You goal is to find the
kind of help that you need. To figure out, what will work for you!
You too can find your path to freedom!
