Taking any medication that isn’t for you, or not using your own medication in the way it’s prescribed, is a form of drug misuse. This can involve anything from painkillers to stimulants, sedatives, or anxiety medication. Misusing these can seriously harm your health, even resulting in an overdose or death. If you or someone close to you is misusing prescription drugs, it’s very important to get help as soon as you can.
Here are five simple ways to avoid getting into drug addiction:
1) Watch Out for Peer Pressure
Lots of people get introduced to drugs because their friends are doing it. At first, it might seem like just a social activity, but over time it can turn into an addiction. If you have friends who keep pushing you to try drugs, maybe it’s time to reconsider those friendships. True friends wouldn’t put you in danger like that. Look instead for friends who are into healthier hobbies that can do you good.
2) Reflect on Your Addiction
Take some time to think about what matters most to you, how addiction has harmed you, and how your life will get better once you’re clean. One good way to do this is by keeping a daily journal. This can help you identify habits, things that trigger you to use drugs, and things that motivate you to stay clean.
3) Learn to Handle Hard Times
Everyone faces tough times in life, and it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling. But remember, everyone has their problems, even if they don’t show it. Find healthy ways to cope with stress, like listening to music, exercising, drawing, reading, watching a good film, or just spending quality time with someone you love. Keep a list of these stress-busters handy to refer to when times get tough.
4) Only Use Prescription Medication as Instructed
Some prescription medications can be as addictive as street drugs. Unfortunately, addiction to things like painkillers is more deadly than addiction to many illegal drugs. If you’re at risk of addiction, you need to be extra careful with these prescriptions. Always take any medication, even over-the-counter ones, according to the instructions given. If you’re worried you might misuse your medication, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to help you use it exactly as prescribed.
5) Talk to Your Doctor About Potential Dangers
Be open with your doctor about your health history and any concerns you have about addiction. This will help them make safer choices when prescribing medication for you. Always ask your doctor about potential side effects before starting any new medication.
Final Thoughts
No matter what, remember it’s never too late to seek help if you or someone close is dealing with addiction. The first step towards a healthier life is asking for help. After receiving treatment, these steps can help you avoid falling back into addiction and keep you on a healthy path.
