6 Ways to Stop Drug Addiction Before it Begins
Author: Shernide Delva
Millions of people are affected by substance abuse but there are ways you can take control of your life before a drug addiction develops. Certain strategies can help you avoid you becoming one of the millions who struggle with drug addiction every year. Utilize these 6 steps to improve your life and avoid becoming dependent on drugs:
- Develop Your Passions
If you are passionate about something, your time and energy will be spent on things that you like to do and will make drugs seem a lot less attractive. Personally, in high school and college I was really into acting so spent most of my time performing. I definitely think having a book of lines to memorize made the idea of drinking or doing drugs way less appealing to me. Do you love to dance? Are you athletic? Want to try a new instrument? Finding something that interests you can keep your mind busy, boost your mood, and prevent you from falling into drugs. - Get a Pet
Getting a pet can be a great source of love and strength in your life especially in bad times. Studies have even proven that having a pet can lower stress, reduce loneliness, and make you more actively involved in life. Having a pet is a wonderful thing because it can make your life more fulfilling. If for some reason, you can’t have a pet, volunteer at a pet shelter or babysit for one of your friend’s pets. - Build a Support Network
Having a solid support network of your closest family and friends allow you to get through hard times without turning to drugs and alcohol. When you are stressed out or anxious, it’s important to have people in your life that you can turn to. If you feel like you need to meet supportive people, try joining a hobby group or club through your school or work. Personally, I’ve used websites like Meetup and have found great groups where you can engage in fun activities and meet healthy active people.
- Lean How to Manage Stress
Stress is the number one reason why people turn to drugs. Finding healthy ways to keep stress under control can help you avoid drugs. Exercising is an excellent way to manage stress. Meditating is very powerful and can help you handle stress. Creative effective strategies to help you manage stress will keep you away from doing drugs. - Avoid Temptations
Learn about your family history. If you know drug addiction runs in your family or if you know you have an addictive personality, you’ll be less inclined to do drugs. Learning about your family’s history with substance abuse can further deter you from using drugs. Remember to adopt an attitude of refusal when offered drugs. Do not be embarrassed because you are taking the right step to ensure you will not fall into addiction. - Volunteer
There are hundreds of organizations that rely on volunteers to function. Helping others can make you feel better about your life. Really seeing how you can make a difference in the life of someone in need can give you a perspective on your life that can prevent you from wanting to destroy it with a drug addiction. During a depressing period of my life, I started volunteering at a soup kitchen and seeing hungry people so grateful to have a hot meal definitely changed me. You can help the elderly by reading to them and keeping them company or help kids who reside in low income areas by tutoring them for free. Find whatever works for you.
Whatever you decide to do, learning how to rely on other tools rather than drugs to cope with life’s hurdles can prevent you from developing a drug addiction that can be crippling for both you and your family. If you find yourself already falling into the path to substance abuse, it’s not too late to turn your life around. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll-free 1-800-777-9588.