ISOLATION and stresses surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has seen drug and alcohol addicts struggle across Wagga.
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Issues such as financial pressure, job loss and being cut off from support networks are all challenging those fighting the urge to turn to substance abuse.
Recovered ice addict Amy McIntosh spoke from firsthand experience, and said she hoped to let those struggling know they weren't alone.
"Isolation isn't good at the best of times for anyone, so when you're an addict - be it actively or recovering - and need that family or professional support, it can be really hard," the 33-year-old said.
Miss McIntosh said she has not used drugs for three years now since getting clean on her 30th birthday. But, it remains an ongoing battle to stay on track.
"I was worried about getting put off at work or having my hours cut back, that made me really anxious," she said.
"My boss said, 'Let's cut back to part time hours for a bit,' and I won't lie, one of my first thoughts was well I can just party and go back to drugs because I don't need to be here for work, so I had to snap myself out of that thinking really quickly and know that's not an option for me.
"I cant go back to who I was."
The sense of responsibility was a big driver in Miss McIntosh's road to recovery.
"That sense of accountability really keeps me going and I imagine that would be the same for a lot of addicts," she said.
"The job I got before this actually started a week after getting clean and that really helped me - if I didn't get that chance, I don't know where I'd be now."
It was important to stay in touch with friends and family, according to Miss McIntosh, who urged everyone struggling to reach out.
"Stay in contact with family, friends and support networks via phone and social media or even video chats, as best you can," she said.
"Keep doing it, keep in touch, don't isolate yourself if you don't have to and make the most of what's available because being locked away can push you backwards."
In other news:
Riverina Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre manager Brendan McCorry said they had noticed a spike in calls at the clinic.
"What we're finding from people ringing is that drug and alcohol use has increased," he said.
"People are tending to drink more or use more drugs, especially because they are being cut off from other outlets and their connections are far more limited."
Face to face appointments switched to phone calls during the pandemic as well, which Mr McCorry said was difficult to adjust to for many.
"It is harder to get a sense of support over the phone and they once again are missing that human interaction," he said.
"We're starting now to see people being allowed to come back to the centre, so we're offering more face to face support."
Mr McCorry said connection was key for addicts, and any way to keep that up would be beneficial to those struggling.
"I think it's very important for people to feel connected to their community, it definitely leads to loneliness and feeling isolated when that is missing," he said.
"If you're not ready to talk to professionals, reach out to family or a doctor, or even some of the help lines, but it is important to reach out in some form to begin to look at how to work on those problems and help feel reconnected."