Five Essential Tips to Quit Substance Abuse Today

Posted by Moe on February 8th, 2023

Substance abuse is a bigger problem than one may realize. While the authorities and activities realize the problem and actively work on it, it is impossible to prevent everyone from using illicit drugs. Most addictions start as a one-time thing and later become a big problem.

Substance abusers can develop many physical and mental health issues over time. While there is no foolproof way to prevent or stop drug abuse, serious planning, the right interventions, and a strong support system can make a significant difference in your life.

If you or a loved one is dealing with substance abuse, it can be hard for this person and their family. Even if they quit their addiction, the vicious cycle of relapse pulls them back. One has to be proactive and sensible about this serious condition.

If you feel ready to quit substance abuse today, here are five essential tips to help you on your journey.

Avoid Peer Pressure

The people you hang out with make a huge impact on your life. They can define your interests, choices, and habits. Similarly, when you hang out with people involved in drugs, you will likely feel inclined towards such substances too.

Whether a teen or an adult, no one likes to be left out. In the wrong company, you may feel pressured to do things you would have never considered otherwise. That is why most of the time, your relapse may be in bad company. 

Therefore, if you feel that your company has an impact on your progress, try switching to a better company. You can always find better friends who do not endorse bad habits. 

If you feel that you cannot leave your friends, learn to say no. Always remind yourself that saying no to a bad habit will not ruin your image in front of your friends. If they are truly your friends, they will appreciate you for your resilience.

Seek the Right Help

Overcoming an addiction can be one of the hardest things in life. It is scary knowing that you are just one step away from relapse at all times. And, of course, mental health issues and drug abuse go hand in hand. It's just a matter of time before mental illnesses catch up on you.

You must acknowledge the problem and understand you cannot do everything alone. Mental Health Providers can help you through the challenging journey of quitting drug abuse. In addition, with the right help, you can also overcome anxiety, stress, depression, and much more.

If you want to avoid bad company and be with someone who understands your pain, you can join a support group. Listening to the heartwarming stories of people recovering from their addictions can also motivate you to stay resilient on your path.

Develop Healthy Eating Habits

What you eat has a significant impact on your mental and emotional health. You can develop an eating disorder over time if you do not have a balanced diet. These disorders can affect a person's mental and physical health and eventually compromise their quality of life.

Many researchers suggest that unhealthy eating habits can increase the chances of relapse in drug abusers. Foods that are rich in fat can leave you feeling sluggish and slow. Naturally, you become more susceptible to relapse before you know it.

Therefore, meet with a dietitian and create a foolproof diet plan. Make such meals to eat that are rich in protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. When you make your gut feel healthy, you will naturally feel healthy on the outside too.

Think About Sobriety

Mostly, when drug abusers look back at their life, they feel sad. They miss the good times in their life that were ruined due to drug abuse. However, you can choose these memories to make you feel motivated instead of sad.

Before getting out of bed every morning, remember the times when you were sober. Think about how your health was blooming and your relationships were close to you. These flashbacks can become your biggest support every time you may want to relapse.

Once you are sober, you can regain control of all aspects of your life. You will regain better mental and physical health and enjoy freedom again.

If you're in Florida, USA, you can visit drug rehab centers in Jacksonville fl to help you get rehabilitated and changed for the better.

Identify your Family History

You may not know it, but genetics play an important role in influencing substance use disorder. Studies have shown that if one of your family members has a history of drug abuse, you are more likely to become a drug addict. 

Therefore, if you have grown up with a relative who was involved in drugs, make sure to bring this up with your doctor, dietitian, and support team. They can help you better when they completely understand your addiction and its possible causes.