Taking drugs meant for others, or using your prescription in a way not intended, is misuse of prescription drugs. This can range from stimulants to sedatives, anxiety meds, or opioid painkillers. Abusing any type of drugs can be extremely harmful, leading to serious health issues like overdose and even death. If you or someone you care about is wrestling with prescription drug abuse, it’s important to get professional help straightaway.
Let’s jump in with 5 tips to steer clear of drug addiction…
1) Watch Out for Peer Pressure
It’s often peer pressure that gets people to first try drugs. You might start out hanging out with a group of friends, thinking you’ll only use drugs occasionally for social fun. But over time, this use can increase until you’re hooked. Hanging out with friends who encourage you to do drugs isn’t a good idea, particularly if you’re likely to give in. Real friends don’t push you into harmful situations. Choose pals who like to do healthy, fun stuff instead.
2) Reflect on Your Addiction
Think about what’s most important to you, how addiction has brought you harm, and how life might look once you’re clean. Simpler way to reflect is by keeping a daily journal. This can help you see patterns, figure out what triggers you, and set goals. It can also remind you of things that motivate you to get better.
3) Learn How to Cope
Life can be tough and everybody has something they’re struggling with. You might feel like you’re the only one having a hard time, while everyone else seems fine. Using drugs may appear attractive in these situations, but there are healthier ways to cope. Start by reminding yourself that everyone faces challenges, even if it doesn’t look like it. Try to find something that helps calm you down, like listening to music, exercising, drawing, reading, watching a movie or hanging out with someone you care about. Keep a list of these soothing activities ready for when you feel down.
4) Use Prescription Drugs Properly
Some prescription medicines can be as addictive as illegal drugs, causing more deaths than heroin, meth, cocaine, and amphetamines combined. If you have a history of addiction, you need to be super careful, especially with highly addictive drugs like opioids. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when you take prescription medication. Same goes for over-the-counter drugs – use them as directed. If you can’t trust yourself to take your prescribed medicines in the right amounts, have a trusted person give you your doses as instructed.
5) Talk to Your Doctor About the Risks
Tell your doctor about your medical history and any issues linked with addiction. This will guide them in making better decisions about prescribing medicines for you. Some drugs are more addictive than others. Before starting any new drug, you should discuss potential side effects with your doctor.
In Conclusion
If you’re struggling with addiction, remember it’s never too late to ask for help. Your journey to a better life starts when you reach out. After getting treatment, you can use these tips to avoid future drug use and stay healthy.
