Discover New Ways To Manage Stress And Overwhelming Emotion
We all have negative emotions, its a fact of life. That said, we also all have ways to cope with these emotions! Drugs and alcohol are one way to escape the problems intoxication provides a fog that pushes them out of view. Though it sounds great to just escape our emotions, we cannot run forever they will always return after the intoxication fades. We need to develop ways to release and process our emotions in a way that actually works.
For me, time alone in my garden is my favorite way to release stress and sadness. I work alone planting new flowers and watering what I already have established, without music or company, so I can process my thoughts in peace. I enter a state of flow and the time passes without me noticing, and sooner or later I feel lighter and ready to jump into my day. On top of the pleasure I get from working in my garden, Im also rewarded by the sights and smells of my beloved plants as they grow.
Gardening may not be your solution , so ask yourself what activity is pleasurable for you? What makes the hours tick by? Is it yoga? Weight-lifting? Dancing? Walking? Painting? Rapping? Tai-chi? Chopping wood? It can be anything really. If youre not sure, try new things, explore!
How To Help Prevent Your Teen From Using Drugs And Alcohol
It is most likely for someone to start trying drugs during their teenage years, and starting drug or alcohol use as a teen can lead to drug or alcohol addiction and other health problems later in life. Learn how to help prevent your teen from using drugs and alcohol.
Teens and young adults can hear about drug and alcohol abuse on TV, radio, news, online, in movies and even at school. A person is most likely to start trying drugs during their teenage years. Starting drug or alcohol use as a teen can lead to drug or alcohol addiction and other health problems when they grow up.
What Are Treatments For Drug Addiction
Several therapies exist for treating substance use disorder. Even for a severe disorder, treatment can help. Often, youll receive a combination of these therapies:
- Detoxification: You stop taking drugs, allowing the drugs to leave the body. You may need healthcare supervision to detox safely.
- Medication-assisted therapies: During detox, medicine can help control cravings and relieve withdrawal symptoms.
- Behavioral therapies:Cognitive behavioral therapy or other psychotherapy can help deal with addictions cause. Therapy also helps build self-esteem and teaches healthy coping mechanisms.
Don’t Miss: Can You Get Addicted To Tramadol
Coping With Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can be a difficult aspect of overcoming addiction, both for substance and behavioral addictions. With substance addictions, the physiological aspects of withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, feeling like a bad flu, or can even be life-threatening. For this reason, it is a good idea to talk to a doctor about the best way and the best place to quit a substance.
Fortunately, most of the acute symptoms of withdrawal pass within a week or two of quitting. However, some people who quit an addiction find that certain withdrawal symptoms seem to go on and on. This is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome, and it can go on for weeks, months, or even years in some cases.
The risk of dying from an overdose is extremely high if you have been through withdrawal, as your tolerance of the drug will be much lower than it was before you quit. Make sure you have someone with you if you decide to use again.
In addition, addictions can sometimes mask underlying mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and even psychosis. If you are feeling blue or agitated, or you are concerned that the world or other people seem strange or upsetting since you quit, talk with your doctor. There are effective treatments for these problems that are much more effective than addictive substances and behaviors.
How To Avoid Addiction Relapse During The Covid
Although the Coronavirus outbreak has caused feelings of anxiety for many in Vancouver, it is important to avoid addiction relapse during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is no longer news that the world is being plagued by the coronavirus pandemic which started a few months ago. To control the spread of the virus, the government has enacted several laws such as curfews and social distancing laws.
Over the last few weeks, a restriction has also been placed on certain establishments, limiting the hours for which they can open their doors or even totally barring it. All these are well and good in terms of curtailing the spread of COVID-19. However, they hold more serious implications for certain people.
The new laws that are in effect in Vancouver and the whole of Canada, to be precise, have put the recovery of many addicts at risk. This is because the various restrictions on physical movement and public gathering mean that a lot of addicts cannot be with their recovery support groups. Some may not even be able to go to their rehab centers for treatments.
Addiction services in Vancouver have now become a less straightforward process. Many of the rehab centers that have stayed opened now have very strict procedures guiding the admittance of new patients. Such stringent processes are understandably put in place to decrease the chances of a coronavirus outbreak at the clinics.
Related article: Top Tips for Addiction Relapse Prevention
You May Like: How To Convince An Addict To Go To Rehab
What Are Substance Abuse And Addiction
The difference between substance abuse and addiction is very slight. Substance abuse means using an illegal substance or using a legal substance in the wrong way. Addiction begins as abuse, or using a substance like marijuana or cocaine.
You can abuse a drug without having an addiction. For example, just because Sara smoked pot a few times doesn’t mean that she has an addiction, but it does mean that she’s abusing a drug and that could lead to an addiction.
People can get addicted to all sorts of substances. When we think of addiction, we usually think of alcohol or illegal drugs. But people become addicted to medicines, cigarettes, even glue.
Some substances are more addictive than others: Drugs like crack or heroin are so addictive that they might only be used once or twice before the user loses control.
Addiction means a person has no control over whether he or she uses a drug or drinks. Someone who’s addicted to cocaine has grown so used to the drug that he or she has to have it. Addiction can be physical, psychological, or both.
S To Stop Drug Addiction Before It Starts
Recovering from addiction can be a difficult and taxing process. Certain people are much more susceptible to addiction, as factors such as genetics or environmental issues can make substance abuse much more likely.
There are, however, several effective ways to prevent drug addiction.
Here are some tips on how to stop addiction before it even starts.
Many people begin using drugs as a way to deal with stress and tension. The reality is, however, that drugs are only a temporary fix. Once a person comes down from drugs, they are likely to experience physical and psychological side effects that only intensify feelings of anxiety. Finding coping methods such as exercise or meditation can eliminate the urge to try drugs.
It is not at all uncommon to experience feelings of depression. Many people experience highs and lows that can be difficult to cope with. Drug users often are people who are attempting to self-medicate for their psychological issues.
The problem is that drugs do not treat mental issues themselves. They simply treat the symptoms. Working through problems with a mental health professional is a much more effective and long-lasting way of treating a psychological or emotional problem.
Last medically reviewed on August 5, 2013
Also Check: What Can You Do With An Addiction Studies Degree
Communicate With Loved Ones
As an addict, you need to be comfortable sharing your emotions with your loved ones.
If you start feeling overwhelmed with daily pressures or have recently dealt with a life trauma , you cant bottle that up because itll build up and explode into destructive behavior.
By learning to communicate with your family and friends, you can work through these issues before they build up. Loved ones can provide valuable insight and, most importantly, let you know that theyre there for you and will help you through it.
Ways To Reduce Or Quit Drugs
There is no treatment that works for everyone. Just as drugs affect each person differently, treatment needs to be individual. Its important to find a program that works for you.
Treatment options range from counselling through to hospital care it depends on which drugs are involved and how serious your dependence or addiction is. They include:
- going cold turkey you stop taking drugs suddenly, with no outside help or support
- counselling and lifestyle changes individual or group therapy can help you learn to cope without drugs. This can be successful if your drug use has been mild. Peer support groups are often run by recovered addicts their personal experience can be helpful to others
- detoxification you stop taking drugs and have medical treatment while your body clears the drug from your system
- rehabilitation this is a longer term treatment where you stay in a hospital or clinic, or at home. It also involves psychological treatment to help you deal with issues that may have contributed to your drug use
If you have mental health issues your treatment will need to address that at the same time for your overall treatment to be effective.
Don’t Miss: What Are The 12 Steps Of Addiction Recovery
What Are The Signs Of Drug Addiction
There are many types of drugs that people can become addicted to, so there are many different signs to be aware of. If youre concerned that you might be developing an addiction, here are some general signs to look out for.
Social and behavioural signs
People with a drug addiction may:
- avoid people who dont take drugs
- avoid places where it’s not possible to take drugs
- feel distressed and lonely if they don’t take the drug regularly
- rely on drugs to cope with emotional problems
- be dishonest with friends and family to hide their drug use
- have financial problems and debts
- sell or steal things to pay for drugs
- take dangerous risks, such as driving under the influence of drugs
- self-blame and have low self-esteem, especially after trying unsuccessfully to quit
- get into legal trouble.
Health signs
Drugs and alcohol can cause a range of problems for physical and mental health, even after the acute effects of taking the drug have worn off. These include:
- depression
- having unusual ideas
- hallucinations
- sexual dysfunction .
Finding Quality Treatment For Substance Use Disorders
This fact sheet serves as a guide for individuals seeking behavioral health treatment. It provides three necessary steps to complete prior to utilizing a treatment center and the five signs of a quality treatment center, which include a review of the accreditation, medication, evidence-based practices, position on the role of families, and support networks.
Also Check: How To Get Away From Sugar Addiction
Get Help For A Prescription Drug Addiction
At JourneyPure At The River, we a team that includes a Medical Director, Psychiatrist, Clinical Supervisor, Nurses, and Mental Health Technicians to provide around-the-clock care, minimize withdrawal symptoms and help clients start the road to recovery.
Our facilitys prescription drug detoxification program can help you get back on your feet. It employs a comprehensive, holistic approach to healing that begins with and focuses on treating you as an entire person not just your addiction. The mental health professionals on staff will evaluate you for co-occurring mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. This helps to establish whether or not there is a dual diagnosis, which could have led you to self-medicate with prescription medication, alcohol, and other drugs.
In addition to the coping skills and healthy lifestyle changes you can learn through therapy and treatments, you will also be encouraged to accept the 12 Step Program. This can help guide you toward a greater spiritual purpose to enjoy during life beyond treatment. Additionally, all prescription drug detox clients receive access to recovery professionals and our facilitys Recovery Coach software as an added safety net to prevent relapse after treatment. Call today to start reviewing your options and reclaiming your health.
Get Help Now
What Are The Signs That Someone Has A Drug Problem
Signs that someone has a drug problem include
- Changing friends a lot
- Spending a lot of time alone
- Losing interest in favorite things
- Not taking care of themselves – for example, not taking showers, changing clothes, or brushing their teeth
- Being really tired and sad
- Eating more or eating less than usual
- Being very energetic, talking fast, or saying things that don’t make sense
- Being in a bad mood
- Quickly changing between feeling bad and feeling good
- Sleeping at strange hours
- Having problems at work or at school
- Having problems in personal or family relationships
Don’t Miss: How Do You Treat Addiction
Prevention Is Key When Experimenting With Drugs
Prevention is key. This may sound like a cliché but its nevertheless true. Prevention is the best way to keep people from becoming addicted to drugs. When it comes to drug and alcohol consumption, holding the notion that Ill do it only once may prove to be quite dangerous. And for those that do it the first time, its equally as dangerous to say I can stop at any time. Many people can, but those unlucky few that cant end up with a dependence that spirals out of control.
Experimenting with drugs and alcohol can lead to addiction that may ruin the physical and mental health of an individual. Staying away from drugs and alcohol is the only way to positively prevent drug addiction.
The question is, how to say no to drugs? While its difficult to prevent someone from taking drugs, there are certain things that each one of us should remember to prevent drug addiction.
Clearly, not every person that tries alcohol or drugs will become addicted to them. Many people drink alcohol socially without having a problem with it. The same goes for recreational drugs. But some people have underlying factors such as genetics, mental health disorders, and other issues, that serve as a stimulus for relying on drugs or alcohol to get them through the day. The day becomes a week, and then a month, and before they know it, they need to self-medicate to get through life.
Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle That Makes You Happy
Chronic stress is a well-established link in the development of drug addiction and in addiction relapse vulnerability. Being active and healthy makes it easier for people to cope with stress. This, in turn, reduces the temptation to rely on drugs and alcohol to deal with stress.
A healthy lifestyle includes eating healthy food, an active social life, regular exercise and productive mental activities.
A well-balanced and healthy lifestyle also decreases the risk of developing many non-communicable diseases, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases , cancer and diabetes.
Recommended Reading: How Long Does Addiction Last
Find Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Addicts often use drugs to cope with mental illness and stress on a daily basis. So when you quit using, its vital to have healthy alternatives to cope with these same issues.
Seeing a therapist can help you in the long-term, but you should have a way to work through triggers right now so you dont turn to drug use.
So, what are some helpful coping tools you can use? Here are a few:
Matrix Intensive Outpatient Treatment For People With Stimulant Use Disorders: Counselor’s Family Education Manual W/cd
This comprehensive kit provides substance use disorder treatment professionals with a year-long intensive outpatient treatment model. Professionals can use this model when treating clients who are dependent on stimulant drugs, such as methamphetamine and cocaine. Access family education sessions and handouts.
Also Check: How To Stop Being Addicted To Electronics
Who Is At Risk For Substance Use Disorder
Anyone can develop a substance use disorder. No one thing can predict whether a person may develop an addiction. You may be more prone to drug use due to:
- Biology: The persons genetic makeup, gender, ethnicity and mental health issues may raise his or her risk for developing an addiction. About two-thirds of people in addiction treatment are men. Particular ethnicities are at higher risk for substance abuse disorder. This is true for Native Americans.
- Environment: Surroundings can affect the likelihood of developing substance use disorder. For example, stress, peer pressure, physical or sexual abuse and early exposure to drugs can raise the risk.
- Age: Teenagers who start taking drugs are especially at risk. The parts of the brain that control judgment, decisions and self-control are not fully developed. Teens are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. In a developing brain, drugs can cause changes that make addiction more likely.
Avoiding Replacement Addictive Behaviors
Some people find that when they quit or change an addictive behavior, another comes along to replace it. Heavy drinkers and smokers often find themselves overeating and putting on weight. People struggling with sex addiction might find themselves obsessed with exercise.
Addictive behaviors have similar neurological and psychological processes and create rewarding feelings and sensations. So replacement addictive behaviors are common among those trying to overcome an addiction.
The trick to avoiding replacement addictions is to find satisfaction in the experiences of normal life. These experiences may lack the intensity and high of addictive behaviors, but getting to know and like them can introduce a new level of calm you may have never experienced before.
Many people feel they are more in touch with reality and that relationships are more authentic than when they were constantly seeking pleasure.
The other important aspect of avoiding replacement addictions is to address any underlying mental health problems. Addictions can cover up past trauma, or underlying feelings of emptiness, sadness, or fear. Psychological therapies, as well as medications, can provide long-term relief for these problems, which addictions tend to worsen over time.
You May Like: How To Deal With Alcohol Addiction
