Misusing prescription drugs happens when you take medication meant for someone else or not in the way your doctor advised. This includes anything from mood-boosters to relaxants to anxiety relievers and heavy-duty painkillers. Overusing medication can seriously harm your health, leading to an overdose or even death. So if you or a friend are misusing prescription drugs, it’s essential to reach out to professionals for help fast.
Here are some tips to steer clear of drug addiction:
1) Watch Out for Peer Pressure
Sometimes friends can nudge you into trying drugs, and before you know it, you’re hooked. If you catch yourself being swayed by friends to take drugs, it’s a good idea to take a step back. People nudging you into risky or unhealthy habits may not really care about your wellbeing. Therefore, it might be best to find friends who enjoy healthier activities.
2) Reflect on Your Addiction
Spend time thinking about your priorities, how being hooked to drugs has harmed you, and how getting sober can improve your life. Keeping a daily journal can aid this reflection journey. It can help you spot patterns, triggers, inspirations, and goals that could fuel your recovery strategy from addiction.
3) Find Better Ways to Cope
Life can be hard, and everyone carries their own set of challenges. It’s tempting to turn to drugs when the going gets tough. So, find more positive ways to unwind when you’re feeling stressed. Listening to music, working out, creating art, reading a book, or even just hanging out with a loved one could do the trick. Make a list of these healthier alternatives to turn to when you’re feeling down.
4) Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions to the Letter
Remember, even prescription medications can get addictive. In fact, prescription drug addiction claims more lives than drugs like meth, cocaine, and amphetamines combined. If you’re prone to addiction, be extra careful, especially with highly addictive drugs. Stick strictly to your doctor’s instructions for any medication and even over-the-counter drugs.
If you don’t trust yourself to take your medication as recommended, ask a trusted friend or family member to help you stick to the dose recommended.
5) Talk to Your Doctor About Any Risks
Ensure your doctor knows your complete medical history and any concerns you might have about addiction. This way, they can prescribe the right medication for you. Remember, some substances are more likely to cause addiction than others. Discuss potential side effects with your doctor before starting any new medication.
Final Thoughts
If you’re battling with addiction, remember it’s never too late. Recovery begins by seeking help. After treatment, you can use these tips to guard against relapses and boost your overall health.
Categories: Addiction
Tags: Ways to Avoid, Drug Addiction
