Taking prescription drugs in a way other than as directed, or taking drugs prescribed to someone else, can lead to misuse. These drugs can be anything from stimulants and sedatives to pain relievers. Misusing them can be seriously harmful, even leading to an overdose or death. If you or someone close to you is struggling with this, it’s really important to seek help ASAP.
Next, let’s check out five ways you could avoid developing a dependence on drugs:
1) Resist Pressure from Friends
Lots of folks start using drugs because their friends are doing it. Sometimes, they plan to use it just for fun, but over time they become hooked. Try to avoid hanging out with friends who encourage you to try drugs, especially if you tend to give in easily. You really ought to look for buddies that engage in healthier activities which are good for you.
2) Reflect on Your Dependency
Think about what’s really important to you, how being dependent on drugs has done you harm, and how your life would improve without drugs. Keeping a daily diary could help. You could use this journal to help spot patterns, triggers, and motivators, and set recovery goals.
3) Learn How to Cope
Life can be tough and we all have our problems. Finding a healthy way to deal with stress can be better than turning to drugs. Think about what calms you down – maybe it’s music, exercising, art, reading, or just hanging out with a loved one. Create a go-to list for when things get tough.
4) Use Prescription Drugs Correctly
Some prescription medicines can actually be as addictive as illegal drugs. Most particularly if you know you’ve a tendency to get hooked, you have to be really careful, particularly with extremely addictive prescriptions. Just make sure to take all your medicines precisely as your doctor instructs. Over-the-counter drugs should also be taken as written on the package.
If you’re worried about controlling your dosage, you could think about giving your prescription to a trusted friend or family member who can make sure you only take what you’re supposed to.
5) Talk to Your Doctor About Potential Risks
Let your doctor know about your past health and any worries about addiction. This helps them make better choices when prescribing medications. Some drugs are more likely to lead to dependence than others, so always discuss possible risks before you start any new medication.
Final Thoughts
Don’t worry if you or a loved one is battling addiction, it’s never too late to ask for help. The first step towards getting your life back on track is seeking help. After undergoing treatment, you can use these strategies to try and avoid a relapse and stay healthy.
