Finding Other Ways to Meet the Need
Building Safer Alternatives Around What The Substance Was Doing
The final resource shifts the focus from simply stopping a behaviour to understanding what would need to replace it. If a substance has been providing calm, stimulation, sleep, confidence, connection, escape or pain relief, removing it without addressing that function can leave an important need unmet.
The guide encourages realistic alternatives that match the purpose the original behaviour was serving, while recognising that professional treatment, medication, practical support or harm-reduction approaches may also be needed.
Useful for: moving from insight into practical change, developing alternative coping strategies and creating support that addresses the underlying need rather than focusing only on stopping the behaviour.
Space to Breathe Therapy
