Substance abuse is a health issue that has eaten deep into the fabric of American society. For context, as many as 19.3 million people aged 18 and above suffer from substance use disorder (SUD), according to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
Substance abuse continues to be a prevalent health problem, affecting the mental health of many. Meanwhile, addictions are easier to avoid than to quit. Here are some valuable tips to ensure you do not fall into the murky waters of substance use disorder.
1. Be Deliberate About Your Circle
Teenagers aren’t the only ones vulnerable to peer pressure. Even adults can fall into the conscious or subconscious habit of thinking, feeling, and behaving like the people around them. This is why it is crucial to choose people you decide to surround yourself with carefully.
You form habits by your association. So, it is up to you to build healthy or harmful relationships. If your situation means it would be difficult to alienate yourself from people who may influence you negatively, you must learn how to say no with conviction!
2. Understand The Possible Risk Factors
You should analyze yourself to discover if any existing factors may trigger substance abuse and find ways to address these. For instance, if your family has a long-dated history of people who have struggled with substance abuse, you should be more intentional about your decision not to fall in line.
Or, if you have a close associate battling with drug or alcohol abuse,find ways to prioritize your mental health while looking out for them.
3. Seek More Profitable Stress-Coping Mechanisms
Stress is the leading risk factor for drug addiction and substance abuse. Most people tend to turn to drugs and alcohol to relax from work-related stress or numb the mental pain occasioned by other personal issues.
With time, they get addicted to these harmful stress relief methods, leaving them prone to numerous physical and mental health issues in the long run. To ensure you don’t get to this point, you need to find healthier ways to deal with stress.
Some suggestions that could prove helpful include:
- Taking up a new hobby
- Meditation
- Exercise
- Volunteering
- Journaling
- Talking to someone
You may also explore other means of relaxation, like exposing yourself to nature or green spaces. These are also gainful ways to lower stress hormones and reduce your blood pressure.
4. Strike A Work-Life Balance
To avoid overwhelming yourself to a breaking point, you must learn to create a balance between work and life. Don’t allow your zeal for your job to affect the time you get to enjoy with friends and family.
The tips below might come in handy to help you strike the right balance between your career and family life.
- Set time limits at work and stick to them.
- Create time for self-care
- Delegate some tasks and accept help at work
5. Prioritize Your Mental Health: Seek Help When Necessary
Per the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), over 57 MIllion people today suffer from one form of mental illness or another. A large percentage of this figure keep their issues to themselves because of the associated stigma and end up drowning themselves in alcohol and drugs, a situation likely to lead to substance abuse in the long run.
To ensure you don’t end up this way, endeavor to seek professional help by visiting a walk-in urgent care clinic. Sharing your burden with a mental health professional can open you up to several coping mechanisms and ensure you lead a healthy lifestyle.
Get Help For Substance Abuse
If you are struggling with substance abuse disorder or know someone who is, our vibrant team of medical specialists at First Care Medical Clinic offers quality substance abuse treatment that is personalized to you and your unique needs. Start by scheduling an appointment today