If you feel tempted to try drugs, even once, consider what it may do to your goals for the future. How likely are you to be able to achieve your goals if you’re dependent on an expensive and/or illegal drug, or in jail or with a criminal record for using it? Setting goals can also help improve your self-confidence. [3] X Research source When you feel confident in yourself and your ability to achieve what you set out to do, you’re less likely to want to do drugs. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source Setting and achieving goals is also crucial to getting off of drugs. This practice shows you that you can achieve what you set out to do, including kick your drug use. [5] X Research source
If you’re feeling pressured or curious about drug use, don’t keep it to yourself. Find someone you know, trust, and respect to talk to about it. Other people can offer you advice and support, which is very important for staying drug free. [7] X Research source
For example, take up a hobby, spend more time laughing with friends, play a fun video game, or help others out, to feel better instead. This will help you find new meaning in your life. [9] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source . Go for a run, get lost in a good novel, talk to family and friends, play a fun video game, or actively try to solve your problem or negative thoughts by seeking counselling. [10] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Talk about how you feel with friends or engage in a distracting activity like going out to a movie.
Be aware that vulnerability to drug addiction can run in the family, so if you have a family member who is addicted to drugs, know that you may be especially vulnerable and should do that much more to be drug free. If you have friends who actively use drugs, find new friends. Instead, surround yourself with people who do not use drugs and who think being sober is a better way to live. [12] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Teens are especially likely to use drugs if their friends do. [13] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source
If you are at a party and you realize that there are drugs there, simply leave. Peer pressure might make you crack, even if you’re certain you’ll be able to say no. Be aware that social influence is very strong, and it has an effect on your temptation to use drugs. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Even social media can influence you to be more likely to use drugs. [15] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source If you notice a lot of photos about drug use on your social media, consider blocking those sources of influence too.
If it’s because you think everyone else is doing it and you want to connect with your buddies, remind yourself that not everyone is doing drugs. In fact, drug use in general is down among young people. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source There are plenty of great, healthy ways to connect with your friends, such as taking up a hobby or sport together. If it’s because you’re feeling stressed or pressured, recognize that drug use is a common way to handle stress, but it’s very unhealthy. There are great ways to handle stress, such as exercise, yoga, and meditation. If you feel really stressed out, talking to a therapist could help too. Remember that your decision-making skills haven’t fully matured if you’re a teen. [18] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source Choosing to use drugs is a decision that could haunt you for the rest of your life. Will your 50-year-old self thank you for deciding to try drugs?
If someone who offers you drugs asks you why you do not want to do them you do not need to give any reasons. Just say that you don’t do drugs. If you provide reasons you leave the door open for further conversation, where the person can then try to persuade you to try the drugs. You may have people try to change your mind by saying things such as “But everyone’s doing it” or “Just once won’t hurt you. " Remain firm. You can tell the person that in fact, drug use has gone down among young people, so clearly not everyone is doing it, and you won’t be either. [19] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source Or you can say “Nope, not even once. I don’t need that in my life. "
Learn a new language. Pick up a hobby. Teach yourself a musical instrument. Volunteer in your community. You will enrich your life (and boost your resume) and help yourself stay away from drugs.
Make a list of everything that makes you happy. Pick a few that are easily attainable, such as experiences like cooking an inexpensive meal, or going to the movies, and be sure to engage in those activities regularly.
People who use drugs are not “bad” or “immoral” people. People who use drugs often cannot simply “knock it off. ” Drug addictions change your brain in ways that make it difficult – but not impossible – to quit.
If there are certain triggers that you know may cause a problem and lead to drug use, throw them away. Delete that song from your ipod or throw out those rolling papers; if your triggers are permanently gone you will be less likely to use drugs. You may also need to not go to places you used to go when you used drugs. Staying away may be difficult, but it will help you kick your drug use.
To find one, talk to your doctor, counselor or other healthcare provider, check your phone book for a list of local support groups, consult with your religious or secular community groups, or speak with local or national groups who are devoted to helping people get past addictions.
Remind yourself that this probably is not the first time you have experienced the urge to do drugs. Has that urge passed before? The answer is almost certainly yes. Remind yourself that it will pass this time too. The urge exists, but you do not have to act on it. [25] X Research source Notice the thoughts and sensations that you experience during the urge. For example, you might feel a strong feeling that you want to use your drug of choice. You might feel sweaty or itchy, or feel restless. Acknowledge these as existing. Remind yourself that they are just thoughts; they do not truly have power over you. [26] X Research source Focus on deep breathing as you surf your urges. Breathe slowly and evenly, in and out. This will help keep your attention on the present moment rather than focusing on your craving.
Eat whole foods such as lean meats, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Who knows, you might even develop a passion for cooking that builds your self-esteem and turns into a hobby that helps to keep you drug free. [29] X Research source
Try visualization. This technique involves forming peaceful and relaxing mental images. For example, picture a calm ocean and try to imagine it with all of your senses; think about how it would smell, how the wind and sun would feel against your skin. Fully immerse yourself in the experience. [35] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Try a soothing exercise, such as yoga or tai chi.
Find a comfortable and quiet spot to sit for 10-15 minutes. Focus on your breath, inhaling deeply and steadily. As thoughts pass through your mind, release them without judgment. Turn your attention back to your breath.
Begin with your toes. Clench them as hard as you can for 5 seconds, and then relax for 5 seconds. Notice the sensation of relaxation. Move up your body from your calves, thighs, buttocks, abs, chest, shoulders, arms, neck, and face. [39] X Research source
Behavioral treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, is very effective in helping people who use drugs manage their urges and stop their drug use. Family therapy can also be helpful, particularly if your family dysfunction is contributing to your drug use. Contingency management uses positive reinforcement, such as rewards, for staying off drugs.
To find a detox center, search here: https://findtreatment. samhsa. gov/ People with serious drug use problems, a long history of drug use, involvement in criminal activity, or trouble with social functioning due to drugs are often helped by residential treatment at a detox facility. [42] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source
help you to grow, to become more productive, by your definition. help you become more autonomous, more loving of yourself, more excited, less sensitive, more free to become the authority for your own living. not be a crutch or be around you if you fail to make progress.
