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Break the habit

Gambling, Hitting the snooze button a few times too many. Nail biting. Falling asleep in front of the TV. Smoking. These are just a few examples of habits people often try to break.

Breaking a habit isn’t as simple as merely deciding to stop a certain behavior, though that’s a great start. It takes time and dedicated effort to get rid of old habits. 

Check out the tabs below for support on quitting smoking, drinking, drugs and gambling.

  • Quit smoking

    Stopping smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for your health. When you stop, you give your lungs the chance to repair and you will be able to breathe easier. There are lots of other benefits too – and they start almost immediately.

    Smoking,

    Call the free National Smokefree Helpline on 0300 123 1044 (England only). Talk to a trained adviser for advice & support.

    Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm
    Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 4pm

    Smokefree support is available in England only. For free stop smoking support in the rest of the UK, visit:

    Find your local Stop Smoking Service

    There's a free local Stop Smoking Service (LSSS) near you. With their professional help, you're 3 times as likely to quit for good.

     

  • Know your Alcohol

    Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first big step to getting help.

     You may need help if:

    • you often feel the need to have a drink
    • you get into trouble because of your drinking
    • other people warn you about how much you're drinking
    • you think your drinking is causing you problems

    A good place to start is with a GP. Try to be accurate and honest about how much you drink and any problems it may be causing you.

    You can use the Unit calculator to work out how many units you drink.
    Unit calculator | Alcohol Change UK

     Alcohol units, Alcohol units lager,

     

  • Drugs

    If you need treatment for drug addiction, you're entitled to care in the same way as anyone else who has a health problem.

    With the right help and support, it's possible for you to get drug free and stay that way.

    DRUG ABUSE FACTS – THE TYPES OF DRUGS INVOLVED

    Most people think about heroin, cocaine or cannabis when they hear the word drugs, but other substances come under the heading of drugs.

    Medication,

    • Over-the-counter medication – Some substances can be purchased by individuals over the age of sixteen that can be classed as drugs. Although these medications are considered  safe enough to sell without a prescription, they can be dangerous when misused. Taking large doses of medication such as paracetamol, can lead to physical and mental health problems.
    • Prescription medication – Strong painkillers are only available with a prescription because they are considered to be extremely dangerous when abused. Some of these medications can cause addiction when taken over an extended period of time.
    • Illegal drugs – As mentioned above, most people think of drugs such as cocaine, heroin and cannabis when they hear about drug abuse and addiction. These illegal drugs can lead to many problems, not least of which is addiction. There are also many other illegal drugs that cause destruction and devastation to the lives of those affected including crystal meth, mephedrone, and ecstasy.

    https://www.addictionadvocates.com/

    Substance misuse guide

  • Gambling

    Being a compulsive gambler can harm your health and relationships, and leave you in serious debt.

    47% of Brits have gambled in some way in the last 4 weeks.

    30% of Brits take part in the National Lottery, making it the most popular type of gambling

    On average, Brits spend £2.60 per week on gambling, totalling over £135.20 per year.

    Self-help tips

    ​​​​​​​Gambling, Do:

    • pay important bills, such as your mortgage, on payday before you gamble
    • spend more time with family and friends who do not gamble
    • deal with your debts rather than ignoring them – visit the National Debtline for tips

    Don't:

    • view gambling as a way to make money – try to see it as entertainment instead
    • bottle up your worries about your gambling – talk to someone
    • take credit cards with you when you go gambling

    For more self-help tips, see the Royal College of Psychiatrists website.

    www.begambleaware.org

     

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