Lesson 14
Lesson 24 Module 6
Know Your Support Network
What are some ways you can develop positive coping strategies? Identify the people in your support network so you know who you can depend on when difficult things come up. Actively think about your future and what you want. Take time to care for yourself. You cannot take care of others if you do not care for yourself. Find out what helps you de-stress; going for a walk, spending time with friends, getting a good night’s sleep. Know your worth and believe you deserve good things in life.
• Plan for the future
• Prioritize self-care
• Explore healthy ways to cope with stress, depression, anxiety
• Know your worth
Discuss:
Write down some people you know you can depend on. Take some notes on activities that you think are relaxing, calming, or fun that don’t involve using substances.
Things to Remember
There are some things we would like you to remember when you step away from this course:
• Addiction affects individuals of all ages, races,
and incomes.
• Substance use often begins in social settings or as prescribed treatment for an issue – be conscious of not only your tendency to develop something as a habit, but also remember you are not immune from developing a problem.
• Developing healthy coping strategies, engaging in loving and supportive relationships, and seeking help when you need it will continue to be important.
• If you think you have a substance use problem, seek help and support. There are free resources you can access. We will include options and resources, at the end of this course.
Take Aways
You may not remember every fact or figure presented during these modules. Our goal is to push you to think about substance use and misuse within the context of your life. Another goal is to provide you with information on drug and alcohol use during pregnancy and the impact that use can have on a developing baby. Think about if and when you use substances and how that may affect you and a developing baby should you become pregnant tomorrow, in a month, in a year, or in 5 years.
• Substance use during pregnancy is on the rise
• People rarely use only one thing at a time, or only expose a developing baby to one substance
• Using during pregnancy can have life long impacts on a baby’s ability to learn, manage emotions, and it can impair physical development
• Think about if and when you use substances and how that may impact you and a baby
Resources
There is also a resource section provided that will include additional information to explore.
There are phone numbers if you or someone you know needs help, fact sheets on a variety of topics related to women’s health and substance use, as well as suggestions for websites that you can trust to provide information related to your health.
There is always more to learn about ourselves and our bodies so please continue to learn about yourself and to plan for the future you want.
Here are some examples of interesting things included in the resource section:
- Self-assessment of drug or alcohol use
- Reproductive life plan
- Birth control information
- Video on what happens inside your body the moment you become pregnant