Resources and Support

Seeking help and support is crucial when dealing with issues that are overwhelming, whether it affects you or someone you care about.

If you have a good relationship with your GP or regular doctor, that’s a good place to start.

If you don't have a regular GP or pharmacist, or would like support finding one, you can also contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline.

There are also support groups and services that may be helpful alongside the care and advice provided by your healthcare professional.

SMART Recovery Australia

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline

Narcotics Anonymous Australia

Call: 13 11 14
Text: 0477 13 11 14
Chat Online: https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you are feeling overwhelmed or experiencing difficulty staying safe, contact Lifeline for confidential one-to-one support with a trained crisis supporter.

If you experience stigma

If you have made the choice to make a change in your relationship with opioids, this is a significant step in seeking support. Recovery and reducing your use of opioids is different for everyone. Along the way, some people may experience stigma.¹⁰

Stigma towards opioid dependence is when people have negative perceptions and make unfair judgments about those who use opioids. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion.

If you experience language or behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsupported, it's okay to raise your concerns if you feel able to. If possible, you may also wish to seek support from another healthcare professional or a peer support organisation.

These are a few steps to help you when you may face stigma:

Reach Out

Talk to someone you trust, whether a healthcare professional, friend or family member. Sharing your feelings can help lighten the burden and provide support.

Educate Yourself

Learn more about stigma and the factors contributing to it. Understanding the issue can empower you to challenge misconceptions and advocate for yourself.

Seek Support

Look for support groups or organisations that specialise in the specific area where you're experiencing stigma. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide valuable support and guidance.

Take Care of Yourself

Practice self-care techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, or engaging in activities you enjoy. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is essential when facing stigma.

Find support that can fit your life, and someone who you trust and will listen to you.

What support is available?

There are a range of people or support services that can fit your life and are available to help.

Healthcare professionals

Peer support groups

Steps to support

You may need to find different healthcare professionals who understand you, different people to speak to, or different support systems that you haven’t experienced before.

It’s important to find one who will listen and assist you, and that you trust. During the consultation, you can get to know them, ask questions, and discuss additional support you may require, such as legal, housing, or financial assistance. You might also be referred for tests or additional services to assess your health status.

If you don’t feel comfortable, it’s okay to look for another healthcare professional to speak to. Don’t give up!

Check out the below to see what your journey may look like:

Supporting your conversations with a healthcare professional

Talking to healthcare professionals can feel overwhelming, but preparing a list of questions before your appointment can help ensure you get the information you need. Here are some examples:

Questions for when you speak to a healthcare professional.
- If medication isn't your focus, what alternatives can we explore if I'm interested in trying it?
- If I am prescribed a treatment or need to see another doctor, what are the costs associated?
- How do you determine the best medication for me, if prescribed?
- What are my options if I prefer not to take medication?
- How often would I have to see a healthcare professional with this treatment plan?

Questions for when you speak to a support service.
- Can I schedule an appointment now, or is there a waitlist?
- What services do you offer that could benefit me?
- Have you worked with people who have used drugs before?

The more your support person knows about you, whether that be a doctor or a peer support worker, the more they can help you.

Check out this discussion guide to support your conversations with healthcare professionals.

Download our Discussion Guide

Want to change how you use?

It’s important to find a healthcare professional who will listen and assist you, and that you trust.

Check out the various types of support available here

Check out this conversation guide to support your conversations with healthcare professionals.

Resources and Support

If you experience stigma

Reach Out

Educate Yourself

Seek Support

Take Care of Yourself

Find support that can fit your life, and someone who you trust and will listen to you.

What support is available?

Healthcare professionals

Peer support groups

Steps to support

Check out the below to see what your journey may look like:

Supporting your conversations with a healthcare professional

Want to change how you use?

References:

If the content shown on this website is uncomfortable and not right for you, please click below to exit.

Help us make a difference so we can understand if our resources have been useful.

You are about to leave a Camurus website.