Addiction is a dangerous disease that is difficult to overcome. When somebody is addicted to a certain substance, it can take years for them to recover. In fact, many renowned recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous consider recovery to be a lifelong process. It goes without saying, then, that the best time to fight addiction is before it happens. Without a doubt, the easiest way to fight addiction is to prevent it. For many people, that is easier said than done, so here are some tips to help you and your loved ones prevent addiction.
Tips to Prevent Addiction
- Abstinence. This tip is worth stating and restating. It might sound obvious, but for many people, their curiosity gets the better of them and they justify their use by telling themselves they’ll only try it once. In most cases, they do only intend to try it once, but those people underestimate the effects that substances have on the body and mind, and they quickly find themselves to be addicted. So, we’ll say it again: Don’t ever try drugs or alcohol. Not even once.
- Resist Peer Pressure. Many people begin to use and abuse substances due to peer pressure. When they are in the moment, resisting peer pressure can be difficult—and in this case, it can be dangerous. The easiest way to resist peer pressure is to prepare beforehand and know exactly how you intend to react if/when somebody offers you drugs or alcohol.
- Go to Therapy. Contrary to what many people believe, therapy is not only for “people with problems.” Therapy is a powerful tool for everybody who wants to improve the way they think, act, and feel. It is used in the addiction recovery process, but it is also used in the addiction prevention process. A therapist can help you resist peer pressure, cope with stress in healthy ways, and deal with trauma without needing to rely on substances.
- Attend a Prevention Program. There are programs in existence that use research-based approaches to preventing addiction. These programs offer support, encouragement, knowledge, and other tools that are helpful and necessary in the fight against addiction. They focus on things people can do to avoid using and abusing substances, and what parents can do to make sure their children don’t succumb to addiction.
Get Addiction Recovery Help Early
Once someone has used a substance, the sooner they seek professional intervention, the better. Even if you don’t think you or they are addicted, it is a slippery slope with harmful consequences. If you or a loved one has used drugs or alcohol, please get the help you need. Call us today and speak with one of our staff members to see how we can help you prevent addiction.
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