Substance abuse is a serious condition that affects both the person who is abusing the substance and their family. It can lead to devastating consequences if not treated early.

People who have a substance abuse problem may become depressed, anxious or agitated. They may spend more time and money on their addiction than they do on other necessary things. They might steal or run up debt to finance their habit.

Preventing Addiction

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing and often recurrent disorder that affects millions of people. It is considered to be the “most important public health issue of our time.”

There are many ways to prevent addiction, but one of the best is to avoid substance abuse in the first place. This can be done by examining all your risk factors, including genetics, life stressors, and a history of drug abuse in your family.

Then, work to reduce these factors by practicing stress management techniques, keeping a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. This will keep you feeling good and help you deal with life stressors without resorting to drugs and alcohol.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, reach out to a professional who can provide you with treatment services. They understand your situation and want to help you recover from your addiction. They also can help you find affordable resources and treatment options.

Understanding Addiction

Substance abuse can cause a lot of harm to one's health and well-being, as well as their relationships with others. It can also wreak havoc on their careers and financial stability.

People who are addicted to substances typically begin using them as a way to distract themselves from feelings of pain, anxiety or trauma. In addition, they can use these addictive behaviors as a means of feeling a sense of control and validation.

Addiction is a chronic disorder, and it's not something that's easy to overcome. It requires long-term commitment and dedication to treatment, which may include both counseling and behavioral therapy.

Getting Help

If you are struggling with substance abuse, it is essential to get help as soon as possible. Substance use can seriously impact your life in a number of ways, including your health and your relationships.

When you seek treatment for your addiction, you will receive counseling to talk through your feelings and learn ways to cope with stress without drugs or alcohol. You may also take medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.

In addition to talking with a health care professional, you can also seek support from friends and family. Letting them know about your struggles can help you feel less alone and may even provide motivation to stay sober.

Often, people struggle with depression and anxiety, which can lead to thoughts of relapse. These thoughts are commonly called “triggers.” Triggers are social, environmental or emotional events or situations that remind an addict of their past drug and alcohol use.

Dealing With Triggers

During drug and alcohol recovery, triggers are an inevitable part of the journey. Fortunately, learning how to manage them can help you maintain abstinence.

Triggers can be emotional, social or physical in nature. These triggers can cause a person to think about their past substance abuse problems and the desire to use drugs and/or alcohol again.

Some triggers are easy to identify. For example, going to a bar or party may remind a person of their previous drug use and lead to cravings.

Others are more difficult to identify. These include a person who has been using or selling drugs and/or a former partner who used drugs with a user.

The good news is that most triggers are short-lived and can be easily dealt with by distracting yourself. For example, taking a walk, calling a friend or going to the gym will provide an opportunity for you to focus on something other than your cravings.