Jim Rohn often said that people often tread in the direction that they were trained either by deliberate choice or by coincidence. For example, an adult man who was asked to take oxycodone after surgery soon developed a level of dependence and addiction to the pill. This is the same scenario with teenagers who were introduced to certain substances and alcohol. It takes more energy and resources to break away from these type of addiction because the brain of the end users has undergone a level of modification.

Do you know that the risk of drug use increases during moments of transition? This change may include the loss of a job or a close relative. It could also be when teenagers are moving from one educational institution to another or when someone has a new peer group. Nevertheless, the consequence of drug addiction can be devastating and expensive. A recent report by National Institutes of Drug Abuse (NIDA) stated that the national cost of drug addiction and treatment is over $600 billion per year. Hence, can you imagine how much a family will save if relevant steps are taken to prevent drug addiction? The approach to preventing drug addiction include:

(1)    Learn to deal with life pressures

A lot of people choose to use drugs and alcohol because of a life-changing experience. It could be the loss of something valuable or a precious person. Everyone will experience one of these life-changing moments. That is why we need to rehearse on how to prevent it and also handle these moments when they come our way.

(2)    Build an active community or family ties

Do you know we can achieve more if we work together in teams and communities? We need a trusted individual to share our grief with and also plan the next step to take. This support system can help us in dealing with life challenges and pressures when they arise.

(3)    Develop healthy habits

Our body functions better if it has the right amount of nutrients. This ratio can easily be obtained in a balanced diet. Have you heard that fruits and vegetables such as apples can restore some anomalies within our chemical balance? This pattern of eating is the basis of the famous cliché that an apple a day will drive the doctor away. Likewise, the importance of exercise in healthy living is overwhelmingly apparent. Do you know that regular aerobic exercise helps almost all of your body organs to function at optimum levels?

(4)    Have visual cues that prevent addiction

Often time, what we see most of the time programs our brain to think in a certain manner. That is why it is needful to have visual reminders for important tasks that can go out of hand. For example, if someone is on an anti-depressant, he/she may be tempted to take more pills because of an aggravated social experience or worsening depressive symptoms. Over time, this individual can become addicted to anti-depressants, and the aftermath effect can be devastating and expensive. A simple visual cue can help re-train the brain to take only the quantity necessary for good health.

If for any reason someone is already addicted to drugs, alcohol or something else, help is close-by. Nevertheless, remember, prevention is better than cure. Click to receive a FREE guide that can help you.