Q&A with Craig & Oscar - Peer Support Workers @ Addicted Australia

[Bamboo [facilitator]]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience [mention]Craig PW[/mention] it sounds incredible to have been a part of. You have made such amazing progress and really are a huge inspiration to many others looking for support too and to take that first step.

Just an update that Oscar sends his apologies but he is unable to join us this afternoon for the Q&A. We look forward to have him join us next week

[Craig PW]

Hi [mention]hto26[/mention]

We're trying to make this the standard treatment model.

This model can help everyone and if it can become the standard model of treatment everyone will be better off. We need to look at the big picture and help people in all areas of their lives. Just taking away their substances doesn't solve the problem. If they need financial, legal, medical, social, educational or family assistance then we have to start helping them connect with whatever services they need.

One of my counsellors drilled through my head that addiction is 15% chemical and 85% life issues. Sure we can treat the chemical at detox, rehab or through counselling or whatever else but unless we fix the stuff that keeps dragging people back into addiction then we won't get far. This is why some people take years to reach their goals because they have bigger issues to work through..............we have to stop focusing on quick fixes and focus on getting the fixes right

This is why we need treatment models like this that help people in ALL areas and funding from the government to do it

[Leonarda]

Hey Craig, what a great idea to have this forum to chat after the documentary! Sorry that Oscar couldn't make it today

Just a couple of questions, is relapsing a part of the recovery process and what can people do to move forward if they do relapse?

It would be great to hear about people's stories on what they did to get through a relapse - maybe what worked for them and what didn't?

[Craig PW]

Hi again [mention]AnnAnn[/mention]

- What impacts do you think the documentary will bring to people who are going through or seeking treatments for addiction?

I hope they get some identification and realise they aren't alone. I hope it encourages them to keep fighting and know that there is hope



- What role do you think the media is playing in regards to providing misconceptions about addiction?

The whole concept that you just need to stop using to be "fixed" frustrates me. This is a much bigger problem and until we start to look at the big picture of WHY people are in addiction and what long term supports they need to maintain their recovery the media continue to perpetuate the problems.
The concept that all criminals are drug addicts and that anyone who suffers from addiction is a bad person or had a bad upbringing is a total myth too. We have to start normalising the struggles of those who suffer from addiction


- What are your opinions about the spiritual dimension in the treatment of addiction?

Big believer in needing to address the spiritual side of addiction. Mind, body, spirit. We all need something to believe in and some hope to hold on to. We can't do it alone and I believe we need to find inner peace to maintain recovery


- How do you think other mental disorders co-existing with drug addiction will affect drug addiction treatment?

It's chicken and egg.................but not everyone who suffers from addiction has mental health issues.

Again....................we have to treat each individual and address ALL areas

[Leonarda]

It was interesting and so courageous to see the people who participated on Addicted Australia share their stories. Anyone that is willing to share and open up with transparency and honesty is brave but it is also understandable for people who are not ready or are not willing to share such a vulnerable part of themselves. Having a documentary like Addicted Australia is so important to be able to show people what addiction is and just how difficult it can be.... furthermore to also normalise it to show that addiction can affect all populations regardless of status, culture or background.
I hope everyone gained something from watching Addicted Australia

[Craig PW]

Hi [mention]Stopppies[/mention]


Peer work helps my recovery EVERY day! I get to talk about recovery every day, to share experiences and get reminders of why I'm doing this. By sharing stories and experiences with people I get to remember why I work so hard to maintain my recovery. Addiction is a sneaky f****r and wants me to believe that I'll be able to use again one day....................peer work reminds me that I need to stay focused and shows me first hand why I don't want to go back to using.

I also get to meet awesome people who challenge my views and my beliefs. They challenge me to look at things from different angles and every single day I learn something about myself through the interactions I have. I just try to meet people where they are and help them understand what they want from their recovery and how they can achieve it...................no matter how long it takes!!

Peer work rocks and is the rewarding on so many different levels

[Craig PW]

Hi [mention]Angelgirl[/mention]


We all do things at our own pace.............there's no timeframe for this stuff

My advice is to share your struggles. Call Directline 1800 888 236 for a completely confidential chat and they will be able to help direct you to other services or even might just be enough themselves. Talk to someone at a 12 step meeting. Does your organisation have an Employee Assistance Program? That's confidential. I know people who have spoken to their bosses and have been surprised by the results. Most employers are there to help you and might be able to help facilitate some time off to attend appointments or other treatment options. Sometimes it's our own fears that are holding us back................but only you can decide if you feel they might be responsive to your needs and feel comfortable to talk to them.

Just don't try and do this alone................talk to your GP, talk to your friends or family, 12 step meetings, psychologist or Directline...........but talk to someone

[Craig PW]

Hi [mention]Leonarda[/mention]

Hey Craig, what a great idea to have this forum to chat after the documentary! Sorry that Oscar couldn't make it today

Just a couple of questions, is relapsing a part of the recovery process and what can people do to move forward if they do relapse?

It would be great to hear about people's stories on what they did to get through a relapse - maybe what worked for them and what didn't?

In my experience relapse is a part of the journey but each time it can be used as a learning opportunity.................Why did it happen? What can I do about it so it doesn't happen again? It's like learning to live a new life, dealing with problems without that vice you've relied on for so long. It's like learning any new skill................you're going to make mistakes BUT THAT"S OKAY!!!

The earlier you acknowledge a relapse and reach out for help again the better. There's no shame in asking for help or admitting a mistake. Keeping it secret adds to its power and it will get worse and worse.

I know it sounds simplistic but if you relapse JUST OWN IT!!! Admit it and go back to basics.

[Bamboo [facilitator]]

Thank you everyone for joining us for our Q&A and a big thanks to [mention]Craig PW[/mention] for taking the time to share his experiences. If you found this Q&A useful, join us again next week, details will be up soon

[Craig PW]

That's it from me today.................thanks everyone for the questions, I hope it was helpful. Awesome to be a part of this with you.


No matter where you are in your recovery just don't give up!!

If you're early days then keep fighting and if you're further down the track then keep assessing where you're at so that you can maintain your recovery


Take it easy everyone!!

[camembert]

Hey Craig and Oscar,
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences the other night. It was so valuable to hear from people with lived experience. The knowledge you shared was so insightful.
I hope everyone was able to have a read - if not, take some time tonight to check it out and read the amazing answers both Craig and Oscar provided. Thanks to our community members as well for asking such amazing questions!
Thanks everyone, take care!

[Bamboo [facilitator]]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for joining us last week for a Q&A with [mention]Craig PW[/mention] . We had some great questions from the community and some invaluable and insightful information about Craig's own personal recovery journey.

Both Craig and Oscar will be back tomorrow Thursday 10th December 2pm - 4pm for round 2 and will be ready to answer your questions. Drop them some questions below by clicking 'post reply' and join us tomorrow for the answers.

We look forward to hearing from you.

[Rose_squrtz]

Hi Craig and Oscar,

My question is: How do you work with clients who's loved ones (family, partner etc.) are not being supportive for their recovery journey?

Thank you for doing the Q&A and looking forward to hear your answers on this

[wiltedflower]

Hi Craig and Oscar,

Loved seeing you both on Addicted Australia.
I am wondering how you handle your personal triggers when someone you are working with in a group setting says or does something that really hits you?

[chenille]

Hi Craig and Oscar,

I was wondering whether you felt peer support works best in a group or individual setting? or if a combination of both is most useful? I imagine that both settings have different benefits, but I'd love to hear what you guys feel personally!