“People take drugs because they want to change something about their lives,” as stated by the folks at the Foundation for a Drug-Free World. Many people think they will find solutions to their problems in drugs; sadly, the drugs eventually become the problem.
The truth of any drug is that a small amount will speed you up, acting as a stimulant; a greater amount then slows you down, almost like a sedative; and a giant amount acts as poison and can kill you. The only thing that differs between drugs is the amount needed to achieve the desired effect.
Drugs directly affect the mind. People use them as a way to distort their perception of things that have happened or are happening to them. Because drugs block off sensations, they act as a short-term help or pain relief to the underlying problem.
Reasons that have been given for taking drugs include:
- Curiosity
- To rebel
- Loneliness
- To escape a reality
- To feel cool or impress others
- To relieve boredom
- Lack of coping skills
7 Tips for Drug Addiction Awareness
For people struggling with addiction, the toughest step toward recovery is deciding to make a change. Making that change is huge, and a lot has to be factored in.
Here are seven steps to start with:
- Decide to make a change: Consider the things you find most important to you, such as a spouse or children, a career, or maybe your health.
- Explore treatment options: Keep in mind that everyone’s needs are different and there’s no single magic treatment that works for everyone, but commitment and follow-through are key.
- Find your support: Don’t try to go at it alone. Choose a solid support system with positive influences on your life. Lean on close family and friends. Make meetings a top priority, and consider the possibility of moving into a sober living area.
- Find healthy ways to cope with stress: Conditions of stress, anger, shame, and so on will remain in your life no matter if you’re using or not. Drug abuse often stems from misguided attempts to manage stress. Find ways to relieve your stress like exercising or doing something you love like dancing, biking, or listening to music.
- Try to keep your triggers and cravings in check: Breakup with drug buddies. You can’t continue to hang around people who use when you’re working on recovery. Avoid bars and club scenes, as alcohol impairs judgement and lowers your inhibitions, which is an easy way to relapse.
- Build a drug-free life that is meaningful and healthy: Find a new hobby, try to set goals, and get involved in your community. Getting involved replaces your old habits with drug-free groups and activities.
- Don’t allow a relapse to keep you down: Though relapse is a common part of recovery and can understandably be discouraging and frustrating, use it as a learning opportunity and correct your course. Remember, relapse doesn’t mean treatment failure.
Understanding why people use and the steps that are available to help you overcome an addiction is a great start to making a necessary change for a better lifestyle.
We are here to assist in any step of the process and are always available, should you have any questions. If a loved one is struggling with addiction and is in need of an intervention, download our “Intervention Checklist.”
Moving toward a Better You!
~Paul
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