"Road Maps rehabilitation support"

I completed the Road Maps 6-week intensive rehabilitation support program run by Lyndon Lives Lived Well mobile outreach team. I was the only Dubbo participant who achieved 100% attendance.

I continued to smoke pot through out the program and I did so to manage my mental health symptoms. I believed that there was no way I could manage my life without pot despite my substance use causing me lots of other hassles including relationship, financial, legal, mental and physical health and risk of homelessness. I lacked motivation and was moody and unhappy, I believed pot was the only thing keeping me going / getting me through.

The Road Maps team called me week eight and week ten for scheduled check in. Between week eight and ten check in's I gave up smoking pot. Everyone was shocked and surprised including me. I just decided I had enough of being broke, chasing pot and having all the other hassles. I have given away my bong and other equipment because I don't want to go back.

During the Road Maps program, I heard other participants talking about coming to a point you got sick of the lifestyle. While I clearly heard what they said I believed it was true for them, I never thought it would be me. Everyone in my support network is so happy and excited for me, I have never experienced so much positive feedback in my life.

I understand it's early days for me, but things are so different already. My mental and physical health has improved, and I have been successfully resisting peer pressure.

My relationship with my partner has improved and I am doing things I never imagined. I have been out for lunch at a cafe and eaten my first ever 'melt', I am painting, walking dogs and have enrolled in TAFE. I want to share my story and to be involved in future Road Maps programs in Dubbo. I am proud of my achievement and I want to let others know its possible. When you don't believe in yourself and you find others who believe in you anything is possible.