Let’s talk about using medications in a wrong way, like taking someone else’s or using your own in an incorrect method. This can be dangerous with any type of medicine, including stimulants, sedatives, anxiety meds or painkillers. Misusing drugs like these can seriously harm your health, it can even cause overdose and death. If you or anyone close to you is struggling with this situation, it’s incredibly important to get professional help straight away.
Now, here’s some simple advice on how to steer clear of drug addiction:
1) Be Assertive about Peer Pressure
Friends can sometimes push you to try drugs and to keep using them. Often, folks start taking drugs to fit in their social group, thinking they’ll only use for fun. But this often leads to addiction. It’s not a good idea to hang out with friends who pressure you into using drugs. Real friends wouldn’t push you to do things that could harm you. Aim to socialize with people who enjoy safe and healthy activities.
2) Reflect on Your Situation
Think about the things you value, how addiction has affected you and the improvements you’ll see once you’re clean. A good way to do this is by keeping a daily diary. This can help you identify patterns, triggers, goals and what motivates you – all helpful when crafting a plan to overcome addiction.
3) Learn to Cope with Stress
Life’s tough for everyone. Although it might seem like others have it easier, we all have our stresses. Some folks are tempted to use drugs to cope, but there are better ways. Find what de-stresses you, like listening to music, exercising, painting, reading, watching a film or just hanging out with a loved one. Have a list of these go-to activities ready for when you’re feeling down.
4) Follow Instructions When Taking Medications
Some prescription drugs can be just as addictive as illegal substances. In fact, more people die from misusing prescription drugs than from heroin or other narcotics. If you’re prone to addiction, you need to be particularly careful with addictive prescriptions. Always take your medicine exactly as the doctor advises. Be careful with over-the-counter drugs too – always follow the package instructions. If you’re worried about taking your prescription properly, you can ask a trustworthy friend or family member to give it to you as directed.
5) Talk to Your Doctor About Potential Risks
Always be honest about your medical history and any worries over addiction when talking to your doctor. This way, they can make well-informed decisions when prescribing medication. Some drugs are more likely to cause addiction than others. Be sure to ask the doctor about the possible side effects before starting any new medication.
Final Thoughts
Addiction is tough, but remember it’s never too late to get help. Always reach out to professionals first. Once you have started therapy, you can use these steps together with professional guidance to avoid relapsing and protect your health.
Categories:
Addiction
Tags:
Avoiding drug addiction, Ways to
