ADDICTION RUIN'S LIVES

 

Addiction generally can be a lot of things:When you say addiction it doesn't only have to be in regards to hard substances like drugs, it could be a lot of thing. Addiction can be said to be any thing at all that an individual is so much drown to and take a lot of such an individual's time and attention that, that individual cares less about any other thing most especially drugs. Addiction can in many way ruin one's life terribly that it gets really difficult to overcome. here are some ways in which addiction can ruin a person's life.

Addiction can take your money: It takes money every day, a few times a day or more, to keep up an addiction. Illegal drugs can be costly. Having to avoid symptoms of withdrawal and detox means having to stay high all day, which means a lot of money on drugs. 

Addiction can ruin your health: Addiction is a disease which affects mind, body, and spirit. Physical health deteriorates over time with addiction. Muscle strength, skin, teeth, veins, heart, liver, lungs- every part of the body can be hurt by addiction.

Addiction can ruin your mind: Addiction primarily affects the brain, which then has an affect on the body. The entire brain is affected by addiction. Drugs change the way the brain operates and even changes the structure of the brain, causing damage to the brain cells.

Addiction can change who you are: Addiction to drugs and alcohol changes your body, your mind, and everything about who you are. Some people are able to maintain their personality and appearances while they struggle with a life-threatening addiction. Most people experiences changes in their morals, values, and perceptions, sometimes their personalities and everything else about their lives.

Addiction can hurt other people: One of the worst parts of an addiction is the way that it hurts other people. Addiction is called a family disease because addiction does not only affect the addict. Addiction affects everyone involved.

Addiction can put you in jail: Most of the drugs people get addicted to are illegal. Addiction is a desperate disease. In order to continue feeding an addiction, people are known to go to great, often illegal lengths, the least of which buying and possessing illicit substances. Gangs, drug dealing, prostitution, theft, and more are common experiences addicts have to get drugs and prepare their addiction.

Addiction can kill you: This is the hardest, most blatant truth about how addiction can ruin your life. Drugs and alcohol are dangerous substances which weaken the body, weaken the mind, and can cause overdose. Addiction is a progressive disease which can cause death.

Whether you’re a parent who is worried about a child who abuses substances or someone who has addiction or alcoholism running in their family, there are many ways you can prevent addiction before it starts. Prevention is important – we prevent hunger by going to the grocery store and eating. We prevent injuries by wearing helmets when riding a bicycle or motorcycle. We prevent illness by treating our bodies with love and care. Without prevention, life may not be as easy and painless as we want it to be, because prevention protects us and the ones we love from harm. Prevent addiction before it starts.

There are a lot of ways to prevent addiction. Most of them come down to self-care, relationships, and healthy coping skills. Even if preventing addiction isn’t your top priority, doing these things will benefit your mental health and allow you to live a happier, more fulfilled life. Here are 5 practical addiction prevention tips.

 EDUCATE YOUTH

One of the best and most effective ways to prevent addiction is to educate the youth about the risks of drug and alcohol abuse. People who are educated are more likely to respond to situations in appropriate ways because they are aware of the risks that come with negative behaviors. People may begin experimenting with drugs or alcohol at an early age, so educating youth is important. While this can be done on a community or school level, the best prevention education comes from parents and role models. This opens up the door for open communication about complex issues, like substance abuse, that can be prevented.

TEACH HEALTHY COPING SKILLS

Many people with substance use disorder began using drugs and alcohol to cope with unpleasant emotions, like stress, anxiety, or depression. Although substance abuse may relieve these symptoms temporarily, it isn’t a healthy way to cope. Instead, knowing how to cope with emotions in healthy ways may play a key role in preventing addiction. Some healthy coping skills to use instead of drinking or drugging include:

1. Talking to someone you trust or a therapist

2. Taking a walk or run outdoors

3. Embracing creativity by writing, drawing, painting, or playing an instrument

4. Keeping a journal to express emotions

5. Deep breathing techniques 

6. Prayer and meditation

7. Set aside time for self-care

 GET INVOLVED IN SOMETHING YOU CARE ABOUT

Finding and participating in a passion or something you care deeply about will motivate you to live more purposefully and healthily. In addition, it will keep you busy and offer you a meaningful hobby to tend to while you’re feeling down. Whether it’s volunteering at an animal shelter, working with disabled children, climate activism, writing short stories, gardening, or opening your own business, finding your passion will help keep you focused on the things that really matter in life. People who find meaning an passion in life are happier and healthier, therefore, less likely to fall into the grips of addiction.

 STAY CLOSE TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Having healthy relationships is an important part of maintaining one’s mental and emotional health. Not only do friends and family offer support when you are struggling, but human connection is essential. In fact, some people go as far as to say addiction is the opposite of connection, and that human connection is one factor that helps prevent addiction. Humans are social creatures. Being able to lean on your friends and family for support is far better than turning to drugs or alcohol.

PRACTICE SELF-CARE

Self-care is something so simple, but so easy to neglect. It doesn’t have to be a lavish day at the spa or an extravagant vacation. Self-care comes down to treating the mind, body, and spirit well.  It means eating a nutritious diet, getting enough exercise, and taking time to relax or meditate. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of everyday life, but it’s important to slow down and make sure you’re taking care of yourself. If you don’t practice self-care, life can get overwhelming. However, by taking care of yourself, you will ensure that your mind and body is as healthy as it can possibly be – eliminating the desire to abuse substances.

By: Divine James

Credit: avalonmalibu.com/