Most people know someone affected by addiction. Data from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that, of people living in the United States aged 12+, 16.8 percent have a substance use disorder. This translates to 48.4 million people. If you’re reading this, you might wonder how to prevent drug abuse in yourself or someone else, such as your children. Xplore Recovery is a trusted addiction treatment center in Tennessee. We’re here to spread awareness, prevent substance abuse, and help people get the care they need. This blog post will discuss 5 ways of preventing drug abuse and how our programs can help.
5 Ways of Preventing Drug Abuse
What are 5 ways of preventing drug abuse? Whether you’re looking for advice on preventing substance use in yourself or someone in your life, such as your child or teen, here are some of the things you can do.
- Learn About Mental Health and Coping Strategies
Having the coping strategies you need is critical for preventing drug abuse. In many cases, people turn to alcohol and other drugs to cope with stress. No matter who you are, it’s important that you learn about mental health and coping strategies you can use so that you know what to do when life’s challenges arise.
Parents can help by educating kids and teens on mental health and coping early on. Teach youth how to identify emotions (e.g., sad, nervous, angry) and what they can do when they notice these feelings (e.g., deep breathing, communicating how you feel, finding healthy distractions and outlets).
- Having a Strong Support System
Just as all of us have mental health to take care of, we all need a strong support system. If you’re in recovery, social support may reduce the likelihood that you’ll turn to substances for relief. And, although having a strong support system doesn’t guarantee that a person won’t develop addiction, it also means people have a safe space to turn to if they do start to struggle with substances or mental health at any point.
Everyone’s support system is different. Therapists, counselors, family members, psychiatrists, friends, romantic partners, and peers in support groups are some examples of what yours might entail.
- Recognize the Warning Signs of Drug Abuse
It’s essential that people can recognize the warning signs of drug abuse so that they can detect it quickly. Signs to look out for include, but aren’t limited to:
- Increased tolerance
- Difficulty keeping up with responsibilities due to drug and alcohol use
- Failed attempts to stop or reduce the amount of drugs or alcohol you use
- Spending a significant amount of time using, under the influence of, or recovering from the effects of substances
- Lying about or hiding substance use from others (e.g., lying about how much or how often you drink)
- Recurrent substance use in risky situations (e.g., unsafe sex, driving under the influence)
- Using prescription drugs for longer or in higher amounts than prescribed
- Continuing to use substances despite consequences
- Cravings for alcohol or other drugs
- Withdrawal
Similarly, people in addiction recovery can benefit from learning about the signs of relapse and the stages of relapse (emotional, mental, and physical) for relapse prevention.
- Early Intervention
If you do notice the signs of addiction, early intervention matters. Getting treatment early on can help people avoid increasingly severe substance use disorders, as well as new or worsened repercussions of drug and alcohol abuse. That said, it’s never too late to get help–if you notice the signs, talk to someone.
- Break the Stigma About Drug Abuse
Addiction starts in many different ways, whether it’s with a prescription, using substances in a social environment, or something else. Some people are at a higher risk of addiction than others. However, anyone can develop addiction, regardless of their background or life experiences.
Getting education on the realities of addiction can help break the stigma about drug abuse. Learning about how addiction works in the brain and the risks of substance abuse can reduce misunderstandings, make the topic less taboo, and encourage people to get help when they need it.
Tennessee Addiction Treatment
We’re a leader in Tennessee addiction treatment. Whether you’re looking for help for yourself or someone you care about, Xplore Recovery is here for you.
Partial Hospitalization Program Tennessee
Our partial hospitalization program in Tennessee consists of 30 hours of group therapy (meeting Sunday through Friday) per week. Clients also participate in once-weekly individual therapy sessions, family therapy (if appropriate), and other activities. The partial hospitalization program (PHP) at Xplore Recovery uses evidence-based treatments for drug abuse, with adventure therapy offered as an add-on to promote confidence, skill-building, and healthy sober hobbies for those who opt in.
Intensive Outpatient Program In Tennessee
Our intensive outpatient program in Tennessee is the next step down from PHP, but the same comprehensive approach is used. Clients in intensive outpatient treatment participate in therapy at Xplore Recovery for a few hours per day, a few days per week. This can serve as a starting level of care, or help you ease the transition from PHP to everyday life.
Call Xplore Recovery for Top-Rated Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Xplore Recovery provides personalized and effective addiction and co-occurring disorder treatment in Ocoee, TN. With unique programs covered by most insurances, we’re here to help you prevent and overcome drug abuse. Call Xplore Recovery for top-rated drug and alcohol addiction treatment today at (423) 522-1457
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I prevent drug abuse in addiction recovery?
Preventing drug abuse in addiction recovery is a primary focus of our programs, which use relapse prevention groups and a comprehensive blend of evidence-based therapies for addiction and co-occurring concerns. Here are some of the things that can help prevent drug abuse in addiction recovery:
– Drug and alcohol-free living spaces. Having a safe, supportive, and sober (no drugs or alcohol present) place to live reduces exposure to triggers.
– Reduced exposure to triggers: You may not be able to avoid every trigger in life, but reducing them where you can is often helpful and necessary.
– Coping skills: Having effective coping skills that help you say no to substances, work through triggers, and address life stressors is crucial for taking care of your sobriety and mental health.
– Community: Community plays a big role in recovery and prevention–we’re here to help you create yours.
Our treatment programs help people in addiction recovery find practical ways to prevent drug and alcohol use, not just while they’re in treatment, but once they return home. We stay in touch with alumni once their program(s) are over and are always here to talk to.
What are the risk factors for drug abuse?
Drug abuse is influenced by various risk factors, such as:
– Genetics and family history.
– Traumatic events and adverse life experiences.
– Using substances at a young age (e.g., adolescence).
– Mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression).
Addiction is something anyone can be affected by. Not everyone with these risk factors develops a substance use disorder.
What are the consequences of drug abuse?
Common consequences of drug abuse can include, but are not limited to:
– Legal or financial problems.
– New or worsened physical or mental health issues.
– Problems at work (e.g., job loss, absenteeism, reduced performance) or school.
Treatment can help you overcome and avoid future consequences of substance use.
Resources
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4553654/