7 Shocking reasons youre failing to prevent substance Abuse

Drug Abuse is prevalent more than ever in modern day times. There could be a number of reasons why addiction is a possibility but identifying the risks and taking precautionary measures is important to prevent serious problems. This article discusses the 7 most effective ways to help you or your loved one get rid of drug abuse problems and prevent relapse.

What is Substance Abuse?

Substance Abuse is the misuse of illegal or prescription drugs. It does not only mean that a person is abusing illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine or heroin but it also means that legal drugs, prescribed by a doctor can be abused as well.

Substance Abuse differs from addiction in a way that the individual is able to quit or change their unhealthy habits in substance abuse, whereas in addiction the patient is not able to live without the drug.

How substance abuse affects families and friends

Substance abuse has devastating effects on the users family members and friends. It creates a ripple effect of emotional distress, lack of communication and hatred among loved ones. Children of such users are at an increased risk of developing emotional pain, neglect and substance abuse problems themselves. Seeing a loved one suffer from drug abuse may result in depression and anxiety among the family members which may prove to be suicidal in the long run.

Financial problems are another problem associated with substance abuse, as all the funds go into medical bills and therapist appointments leading to debts and unpaid bills.

Friends on the other hand may tend to stay away from the addict as they want to avoid being affected by the patient's behavior. A social stigma surrounds the drug user which creates shame and embarrassment in front of community members and may lead the user to stay away from seeking help.

How drugs affect teens

The average age of the first marijuana user is 14 years and the first alcohol user is less than 12. Such alarming statistics show that children can become addicted to drugs very early on. This affects their mental and physical health as well as their social circle, academics and career. Drug use often makes them violent and neglectful of others feelings. Oftentimes children start using drugs as an experiment or just for fun which leads them down a horrible path. There are certain countermeasures that parents can adopt to help their children recover or prevent the problem at hand.

7 ways to prevent Substance use problems

Educating the masses:

Substance abuse problems go on the rise when the people are not well educated on this subject. This leads innocent people into using drugs for fun and that eventually turns into a habit. Many people are not adequately informed about the dangers associated with various substances.

Educational data must include current addiction trends, charts and flow charts to prevent future problems. What may have worked 10 years ago may not work today so updating the data is substantial.

Seminars and lectures should be conducted on a regular basis in the community to make people aware of the dangers of drug abuse.

Timely intervention:

Ignoring early signs may be one of the most crucial reasons for substance abuse problems. Overlooking symptoms like changes in mood, withdrawal from social activities or neglect of responsibilities can lead to more severe consequences down the path.

Many people may think that intervention will lead to more problems, however it is completely opposite. Delaying intervention can cause a plethora of problems down the line. For instance, if a teenager shows signs of changes in behavior then timely intervention can prevent the problem from escalating.

Limited Access to Help: 

In most cases, individuals who are suffering from substance abuse and their families have a limited number of resources. Barriers to accessing treatment facilities and support resources play a significant role in the struggle against substance abuse.

Many communities face a shortage of support centers, psychologists and mental health professionals. Oftentimes the treatment price is far too much for the normal person to handle. Stigma surrounding substance abuse further complicates the problems. Many individuals feel ashamed to talk about or seek help from knowledgeable people regarding their addiction which keeps them stuck in an endless loop of problems. 

It is substantial that people have access to support resources that are friendly and welcoming.

One such support system is Doctor Brown's Home Drug testing System which is not just a drug test kit but a complete system for monitoring drug abuse. The most important feature for this system is anonymity, where the user remains anonymous while testing for drugs. 

Inadequate Support Systems:

Support systems are vital in improving the condition of the affected individual. Family and friends need to be more aware of the behavioural changes of the substance user and lend a friendly ear to the individual.

Lack of communication can lead to isolation and increased risk of substance abuse. Communities can strengthen support systems through outreach programs, family engagement activities, and open conversations about substance use.

Neglecting Mental Health:

Mental health problems play a significant role in the misuse of substances. Oftentimes people that have poor mental health or are suffering from an underlying mental health issue turn to drugs for coping up with their problems. 

For instance someone suffering from anxiety or depression may turn to alcohol or other illegal drugs to escape hopelessness. Psychiatrists and Psychologists can play a vital role in improving and identifying mental health issues in individuals which will help in timely intervention. By integrating mental health support into prevention initiatives, we can reach individuals before substance abuse becomes a coping mechanism.

Proper Nutrition:

Nutrition plays a vital role in keeping the mind and body healthy. The best meal for the body is a balanced one, which contains adequate amounts of proteins, healthy carbohydrates and good fats. A healthy diet plan increases the amount of serotonin in the body which makes the individual feel relaxed and active. Foods that are high in sugar can raise insulin sensitivity which may make you feel sluggish and lazy.

The gut brain connection also plays a vital role in maintaining the mental health of the person. Healthy gut bacteria thrive when the diet contains less processed foods which in turn prevents negative emotions. When a person is not at their best, they tend to use drugs even more, including Alcohol.

Examine Family History:

Recent studies suggest that if a close family member has a history of drug abuse then the immediate members can have a high chance of being affected. 

If a child grows up in a home where drugs are openly used then they pick up the habits and mimic them in their own style. Some children are even born addicted to drugs because their parents had drugs in their system when they were born.  

Policy and Enforcement Gaps:

While laws are used to prevent people from turning to drugs, oftentimes they may be inadequate through which individuals can seek substance abuse. For instance, a community may have strict laws against drug use but lack funding for education and prevention programs.

It is mandatory to enforce laws that prevent substance abuse and align with what can be achieved on a practical level in a community or group of people.  

Types of substance use

Substance use: This refers to the use of drugs like alcohol or prescription drugs

Substance abuse/misuse: Substance abuse or the misuse of substances refers to using the drug, whether illegal or legal in a way in which it was not meant to be used. This also refers to the use of prescription drugs in a manner that it was not prescribed for i.e it also includes taking someone else's medicine or taking the drug recreationally to get high.

Addiction: Using substances to the point where the user is addicted which severely affects their day to day lives is known as addiction.  It is a chronic substance use disorder and it takes time to heal.

Drug prevention tips for parents

Drug talks

Don't wait for your children where you have reached a point you need to do drug talks. Have meaningful drug conversations and make them a part of your life. Be clear about what is legally allowed and what is not. 

Be a good listener

Lend a friendly ear to your children or family members from the very start. Develop good bonding in your family to the point where your children share important details with you. Instead of giving long lectures, encourage conversations on the use of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana.

Help deal with peer pressure

Oftentimes children are pressured by other students to use drugs. Make them realize the true meaning of a real friend. Genuine friends and acquaintances accept their peers for who they are. No child needs to feel pressured to use drugs to gain acceptance in society. Make it a point to make your children hang out with friends that promote healthy activities like sports and academics. 

Conclusion

Battling substance abuse is an ongoing process. It takes time, effort and support from loved ones and understanding the affected person is crucial. By taking the right steps and using the right methodologies, substance abuse can be cured as well as prevented. Following these steps, the chances of a painful relapse would reduce significantly.