SMART Tools to help our diverse communities navigate addiction
Addiction can present unique challenges for our diverse communities to navigate. We spoke with Scott Walker, an alcohol and other drug peer support worker at Thorne Harbour Health in Adelaide, about tools and services that folk can utilise in navigating stigma relating to addiction.
It can be difficult to draw the line between substance use and misuse, and for some that will mean coming to terms with an addiction.
“It’s often a significant internal struggle trying to cope with those ‘demons,’ for lack of a better word. Many people worry on the sidelines, offering their feelings or thoughts about what they consider the correct way you should walk the path,” said Scott.
“Identifying that the addiction is problematic can really only come from one person – and that is the individual.”
Realising you have an addiction is hard, but trying to change that problematic behaviour for the better can be even harder.
“It’s common to not know where to go, who to talk with, or what to talk about, [especially] alongside experiences of stigmatisation, discrimination – externally and internally,” he said.
“All of these factors can contribute to why navigating recovery can be really difficult because it’s quite a tough journey.”
Thorne Harbour Health’s SMART Group Sessions are held every week in Adelaide for people who want to manage addiction. The sessions can assist them in changing their relationship with alcohol, drugs, sex, or a range of other addictions. SMART stands for Self-Management And Recovery Training.
Scott and other facilitators focus on creating a destigmatising and safe space for group attendees.
“People managing addiction – or even contemplating that they might have a problem with addiction – can come and learn from people of similar, or maybe even some differing experiences,” said Scott.
“A key component of the program is recognising people’s own experience and their expertise in navigating their journey so far – to have a space to form mutual connections, hear about what works for other people, and hopefully pick up a new tool or strategy to support individuals with their self-defined goals.”
People can be addicted to a range of things including, but not limited to:
- Sex and hypersexuality
- Pornography and masturbation
- Gambling
- Alcohol
- Smoking or vaping
- GHB
- Methamphetamine
The heightened stigma experienced by people addicted to methamphetamine can make recovery even harder. Scott spoke frankly about his own experience.
“I’m very fortunate to be able to use my journey of recovery from methamphetamine to connect with people and reduce some of those barriers for people accessing therapeutic support, which is one of the most beneficial spaces to work through in navigating recovery.”
When people are focused on fighting addiction, it can be a struggle to maintain meaningful interpersonal relationships, regulate their emotions effectively, or even do basic things like showering or eating.
Self-compassion and unconditional acceptance are some of the most beneficial tools for folk feeling the impacts of their addiction, but they’re not the only ones.
The A.B.C. model is one of Scott’s favourite tools that people can utilise in managing urges. For example, if you were trying to quit smoking, you might ask yourself:
- Activating event: What triggered those feelings that made you want a cigarette?
- Beliefs: Why do you think you want a cigarette?
- Consequences: Could this lead me to buy a pack of cigarettes next week?
“Lots of different tools that are adaptable through the SMART model to support people in managing that temptation,” Scott said.
If you’re struggling specifically with drug or alcohol addiction, Thorne Harbour Health now offers a LGBTIQA+ Specialist Alcohol and Other Drug Service in Adelaide.
The SMART Group Support Sessions are held weekly on Monday evenings in the SAMESH community space at 57 Hyde Street in Adelaide. They’re free and there’s no need to RSVP. Find out more here: https://thorneharbour.org/news-events/calendar-events/smart-group-support/
