3 Tips To Overcome Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is defined by the World Health Organization as the harmful use of psychoactive substances. This includes the use of alcohol and illicit drugs that can result in dependency that may result in the negative psychological, cognitive and behavioral responses. A person engaged in substance abuse is likely to manifest a repeated inclination of using illicit substances, while losing control in its use.

The adverse effects of substance abuse take varied forms. Health problems, such a compromised immune system, cardiovascular condition, liver damage or liver failure, seizure, strokes, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting are very common. Compulsive cravings occur after the brain's reward system is hijacked by the prolonged use of drugs with a resulting euphoric sensation that makes a person feel high, causing him to do harm or injuries to himself or to others, while engaging in maladaptive behaviors. Behavioral problems are also common, such as hallucinations, aggressiveness, paranoia, impulsiveness and the loss of self control.

Substance abuse is harmful and it can take a toll not only to the affected individual personally, but also to his family members, social circles, employment and the quality of life that the person can live. Getting help from substance abuse is always available at many rehab centers Getting help at the early stage of your addiction is recommended. Getting the right help and treatment, recovery is always possible.

If any of your loved ones are experiencing the challenge of overcoming substance abuse, here are 3 helpful tips that can help you fight substance abuse, recover a healthy mind and body, and regain your normal life back again.

1. Accept that you have a substance abuse problem 

Recognition of substance abuse is crucial in order to know that you need to get help. Many substance abuse victims fail to obtain an immediate help because they were in denial of their actual situation. Help is numerous for substance abuse victims, however, many of them fail to recognize that they need help thereby depriving themselves from taking the opportunity of using the assistance for substance abuse victims that are available for them. Thus, the first step to liberating yourself against the clutches of substance abuse is to overcome your denial.

It is possible that your friends may already notice something different in your behavior and activities. Try to listen on their feedbacks and assess yourself if you have been losing control of your life. There are many people who care about you and are willing to provide assistance, understanding and support, but it is important to recognize that you need their help. Do not hesitate to talk to your loved ones and friends about your substance abuse problems. In this most difficult time in your life, you need people who can help you take the challenge of getting well and overcome the negative effects of substance abuse.

2. Find a support group

To overcome substance abuse is indeed a difficult undertaking, but not impossible to accomplish with the help of others who are going through the similar challenges that you are going through and are determined to win the battle. Being around with support group will maintain sobriety and provides you an encouraging environment to open up and share your thoughts, experiences and difficulties. Being around to empathic individuals who actually understand what you are going through will make you feel safer and determined to overcome the challenges in number.

3. Understand your triggers and engage in a healthy lifestyle

Knowing what triggers your addiction to substance abuse will help you identify future risks that can compel you from going through the same harmful habit forming activities again. Use this as a way of avoiding potential situations that can encourage you to become addicted again. Diverting how you spend your time to more meaningful activities, such as exercising and joining a sports club, is good preventive measures that can help you keep your mind off from substance abuse activities.