Don't Want to Change?

For many people, not wanting to change is actually where the journey of change begins. Not wanting to change is a natural part of how we go through many changes in our lives. We tend to like things the way they are, even when we know that some things could be better.

That can be especially true of substance use or gambling. When we’ve been using these ways of coping for a long time to deal with parts of our lives that we don’t like, it can be hard to see what may be happening to our health, our relationships and other parts of our lives as a result.

Here are some tips that may help you think about whether it’s time for a change in your own life.

Things you may be saying to yourself

• “I don’t have a drinking problem. All my friends drink as much as I do.”
• “The drugs are just for fun. I wish people would get off my back about it.”
• “I can quit smoking anytime I want. I just don’t want to right now.”
• “Yeah, I spend a lot on gambling, but you have to bet big to win big.”

Things you can do

• Write down all the things you like about your substance use or gambling.
• Try to remember that the good things about substance use or gambling may not be the whole story. Are there some not-so-good things you prefer not to think about? What might they be?
• Think about what concerns you about your substance use or gambling. Is it affecting your health? What about other parts of your life, like your family and friends, your work or your finances?
• Think about how you react when someone tells you something you don’t want to hear about your substance use or gambling. Why do you react that way? Are your defenses preventing you from acting on your concerns?

How AADAC can help

• AADAC isn’t here to make you change; we’re here to help you with whatever changes you decide to make, if you decide to make them. The choice to change, or not to change, is always yours.
• AADAC provides information to help people recognize the signs of a potential problem with alcohol, other drugs or gambling. For some people, recognizing some of these signs may be the first step in their journey of change. (See the links below.)
• Every year, AADAC helps thousands of people make changes—even some who didn’t want to change at first. Our services are voluntary, confidential and free of charge.