Misusing prescription drugs is when you’re either taking someone else’s medication or using your own prescription differently than your doctor told you to. Prescription drugs can be anything from mood boosters to sleep aids, anxiety relief meds to potent painkillers. This kind of misuse can lead to serious health problems, even possibly causing an overdose or death. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with prescription drug misuse, it’s important to get help from professionals right away.
Now, let’s dive into the five things you can do to steer clear of drug addiction…
1) Don’t Give in to Peer Pressure
A lot of people try drugs because their friends are doing it, thinking they’ll just use the drugs casually. Over time, however, casual use often leads to addiction. If you have friends who try to get you to use drugs, you may need to distance yourself from them — especially if you’re likely to give in. Real friends never push you to do dangerous or unhealthy stuff. It’s always a good idea to find friends who enjoy healthier activities that can be good for you.
2) Reflect on Your Drug Use
Think about what really matters to you, how drug use has caused you harm, and how being drug-free can enhance your life. Keeping a journal of your daily thoughts and feelings might help you better understand your patterns, triggers, and motivations related to drug use, and could be a valuable tool in creating your recovery plan.
3) Focus on Healthy Ways to Cope
Life can be tough. Everyone faces challenges, even when it seems like they have it all together. Some people turn to drugs when things are hard, but there are better ways to handle tough times. Find what makes you feel calm and happy — whether it’s listening to music, physical activity, creating art, reading, watching a movie, or spending time with someone you care about. Write these activities down and refer to them when you’re feeling down.
4) Follow Your Prescription to the Letter
Some prescription drugs are as addictive as illegal ones. More people die from prescription drug misuse than from heroin, meth, cocaine, and amphetamines combined. If you’re prone to addiction, you need to be extra careful when taking your medication, especially powerful painkillers. Make sure to take both prescription and over-the-counter drugs exactly as directed. If you’re worried about being able to control yourself, consider giving your medication to a trusted friend or family member to provide to you as needed.
5) Talk to Your Doctor About the Risks
Let your doctor know about your health history and any addiction worries you have, so they can make the best decisions about your treatment plan. Some medicines are more likely to cause addiction than others, so always discuss potential side effects before you start any new medication.
In conclusion, if you or someone you love is dealing with addiction, remember, it’s never too late to get help. Start by asking for assistance; after treatment, these steps can help keep you on the path to recovery and wellness, preventing future relapses.
