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• Medications can be helpful in managing your trauma symptoms; however, some people
experience unpleasant and distressing side effects. In most instances there is a choice
of medication available, but it may take time to establish which medication is best suited
to your needs. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are distressing you.
Interactions with alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
• It is very important that you follow your doctor’s instructions when taking any medication
that has been prescribed to you.
• Before being prescribed medication it is important to tell your doctor about your alcohol or
other drug use so that they may give you the best possible care. Alcohol, tobacco and other
drugs can interact with some prescription medications, and this interaction may alter the
effectiveness of the medication. Mixing prescribed medications with alcohol or other drugs
can also have dangerous consequences including overdose and possibly death.
• If you use alcohol, tobacco or other drugs and are on medication, let your doctor know if
you are planning to stop using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. When you stop drinking,
smoking or using, the blood concentrations of other medications can also be affected so
the doctor may need to adjust the dose of your medication.
Tips for staying well
There are a number of things you can do to look after yourself and help recover from a
traumatic event.
•
Take care of yourself.
Recognise that you have been through a distressing experience
and allow yourself to experience some reaction to it — don’t be angry with yourself for
being upset. Make sure you eat healthily and get regular exercise.
•
Make time for rest and relaxation.
Stress and anxiety can make many problems
seem worse. Try to reduce stress and anxiety by giving yourself time to rest and relax.
You can use techniques such as
controlled breathing, progressive muscle relaxation,
or
mindfulness
(these techniques are described on pages 7–11, or any other activity you find
relaxing (e.g., reading, listening to music, going for a walk). These techniques can also
help you manage your cravings or urges to use alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
•
Avoid or limit your use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
Alcohol, tobacco and
other drugs can intensify some trauma symptoms. It is recommended that no more than
two standard drinks should be consumed each day (for further information refer to the
Australian Drinking Guidelines). Avoid high doses of substances, and risky drug taking
behaviour, such as injecting drug use. Take regular breaks from drinking or using, and
avoid using multiple different types of drugs. If you have been drinking, smoking or
using regularly it can be difficult to cut down. The activities listed on pages 7–13 of this
booklet may help you cope with your cravings and urges to use.
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