Whether you are a recovering drug addict or you just want to steer clear of that lifestyle, finding ways to avoid the temptation can seem like a difficult task. For those who are getting out of rehab, getting back into old habits can be easier than it looks if they don’t take a few actions to make sure that they replace certain things in their lives. If you’re looking for ways on how to get off or stay off of drugs, we’ve got 10 of the top strategies that will help you in the long run.
Keep yourself occupied with hobbies and activities
This way when times get tough or boring your mind won’t wander back to drugs as an escape. This may involve finding a new hobby in your area. Depending on where you live, this can involve hiking, mountain and rock climbing, surfing, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
Stay away from people who do drugs
If you surround yourself with those who take drugs, there is a much higher chance that you will relapse and go back to your old ways. Therefore, it’s important that you distance yourself from the people you used drugs with. This can be a very difficult step to take, especially if these people are friends, family members, or co-workers. However, this step is necessary if you want to stay in recovery and avoid your old lifestyle. If these people haven’t stopped taking drugs, you cannot expect them to stop around you all the time.
Avoid triggers.
This may include parties where there’s drug use and dealing going on. If you know that there will be drugs and drug dealers at a party, it is best to stay away from these events. You cannot expect yourself to resist temptation if you continue going into the same settings where you typically took them before.
Stay active
Not only will physical activity keep you healthy and give you a good outlet for stress, but it can also keep your mind occupied and release the same type of positive bodily chemicals that drugs can. You can join a gym, go on runs, join a tennis league, or do other activities that will allow you to get the most out of your body.
Find others who are drug-free
Seek out others who live the same lifestyle that you want to live will make your reintegration into society much more smooth. Not only will you be able to lean on these people for support, but they can help keep you accountable and make sure that you live the life that you dream of living.
Rethink attitudes and perspectives that may be holding you back
You may have a lot of negative thoughts that are holding you back from being the best person and drug-free individual that you can be. If your attitude is more positive, it will help to keep those temptations away as well because your mind won’t wander in the same direction. This also pertains to attitudes towards drug use that may encourage you to start using again.
Accept your past and current situations
There’s nothing that you can do to change the past or what happened in your life before. You have to accept this and realize that it cannot be changed. Additionally, it’s important to recognize that your current life circumstances may be a result of your past, but also that you are making positive changes going forward.
Be open about your situation
It isn’t easy for an ex-addict to stay clean, but it’s even harder when you keep everything to yourself. If you’re struggling, it is best to be open about this with your family or friends. You can find people who are willing to help you through these situations and talk them out so that the temptation doesn’t become too much for you.
Prioritize yourself
When you make self-care your priority, you are setting yourself up for success. Having a support group of like-minded individuals will be advantageous, but you have to be your own number one fan and supporter in order to achieve all of the goals that you set out for yourself, whether they’re related to drugs or not.
Remember why you stopped
If you have a personal reason for not wanting to take drugs anymore, then it will be easier for you to stay away from them. You shouldn’t feel like an outcast or that there’s something wrong with you if other people around you are taking drugs and drinking alcohol. If they’re doing these things when they know the dangers behind their actions, that is their choice and you have no obligation to join them.
Looking for drug rehab near me? Find one through an online directory if you or a loved one is a victim of relapse or addiction.