Allowing yourself to become addicted to drugs or alcohol can be very costly. In addition to possible legal troubles, addiction to these substances can cost you your job, friends and family. If not prevented, addiction to these substances can even lead to death.
Instructions
Prevent Alcohol Addiction
1. Analyze why you are drinking. Alcohol should never be used to relieve stress or for other emotional reasons. Never drink in order to "cope" with a situation. Drinking for emotional reasons can lead to a psychological dependence on alcohol.
2. Drink in moderation. Over-consumption of alcohol on a daily basis can lead to physical dependence. This is a state where your body literally needs alcohol to function. Physical dependence is especially dangerous, because your body can experience severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms when your consumption decreases.
3. Pay attention to your drinking habits. Decide on when and where you will allow yourself to consume alcohol. For example, you may decide to only drink on Saturdays. Additionally, you should set predetermined limits on how much you will allow yourself to drink.
4. Do not bring alcohol home. If you have alcohol readily available, you may be tempted to over-indulge. If you must leave home to drink, you will be less likely to over-indulge and become dependent on alcohol.
5. Seek help. If you feel that you are becoming dependent on alcohol, do not try to deal with it yourself. Talk to a friend or family member about the situation; also, seek the advice of your physician. It is important that you do not try to handle the situation alone.
Prevent Drug Addiction
6. Say no to illegal drugs. Many illegal drugs are so powerful that you can become addicted or even die after trying them just once. Never take an illegal drug under any circumstances.
7. Do not take more than you are directed to. In regards to pain medicine and other prescription drugs that have a propensity for addiction, it is important to follow your provider's directions. Do not increase your dose or frequency unless instructed to by your physician.
8. Communicate with your doctor. If you are experiencing what you feel may be symptoms of addiction to a particular medication, speak to your physician immediately. Many commonly prescribed pain medications contain opioids, which can be physically addictive. If you are beginning to experience symptoms of addiction, your doctor can adjust your dose or change your medication entirely.
9. Do not "finish" pain medications. If you are prescribed a narcotic for pain, only take it when and while you are experiencing pain. Once your symptoms have subsided, notify your physician and discontinue the medication. Continuing to take pain medications unnecessarily can cause you to become addicted to them.
10. Never take pills for fun. If you do not have a prescription, it is illegal to take non over-the-counter medications. Taking prescription pills recreationally, either yours or someone else's, can lead to addiction.
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