Take our free 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment if you think you or a loved one might be struggling with substance abuse. This assessment consists of 11 yes or no questions that are designed to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and likelihood of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential and no personal information is needed to receive the result. Please note that this evaluation is not a substitute for a doctor's advice.
According to a study, between 40 and 60 percent of the risk of developing an addiction is due to genetics. Other studies have indicated that the risk may be higher for strong substances such as nicotine or cocaine. If a close relative, such as a parent, has had drug abuse problems, your son or daughter is also a high-risk candidate for developing similar health problems. If you know someone who is struggling with substance abuse during National Recovery Month, call Fairwinds Treatment Center.
Founded 25 years ago by Dr. Kha El-Yousef, our team of full-time psychiatrists, nurses and licensed therapists, uses a dual diagnostic method to treat patients with alcoholism and other addictions. Treating families for more than 30 years, Fairwinds Treatment Center has helped thousands of individuals and families overcome addiction and alcoholism. Whether you are a parent who is worried about a child who abuses substances or someone who has addiction or alcoholism in their family, there are many ways to prevent addiction before it starts.
Prevention is important: we avoid hunger by going to the supermarket and eating. We prevent injuries through the use of helmets when riding a bicycle or motorcycle. We prevent diseases by treating our body with love and care. Without prevention, life may not be as easy and painless as we want it to be, because prevention protects us and our loved ones from harm.
This means that it has the ability to affect people from all walks of life. Addiction and alcoholism affect the rich, the poor, the young and the elderly at an astonishing rate. In fact, about 1 in 12 U. S.
adults suffers from substance use disorder. People abuse substances for various reasons, some to cope with trauma or emotions, others because of a genetic predisposition, and others are just curious. However, addiction doesn't have to be your story. There are practical steps you can take to prevent addiction before it starts.
The modern model of relapse prevention was developed in the 1980s by psychologists G. Alan Marlatt and Judith Gordon Since then, there has been a lot of research evidence supporting their basic ideas, including managing triggers to avoid relapse. The model also includes what are called global strategies, which make big changes in the long term to live a healthier and more substance-free life. This may sound like a topic too big to tackle, but it is nonetheless true: prevention is the best way to prevent people from becoming addicted to drugs.
When it comes to drug and alcohol use, holding the idea that “I will only do it once” can be very dangerous. And for those who do it the first time, it's just as dangerous to say “I can stop at any time” Many people can, but those unfortunate few who can't end up with a dependency that gets out of control. By updating the above tips on how to prevent drug abuse, you avoid not only addiction but also other risks that come with substance abuse. That's why we've listed 18 ways to prevent teen addiction to help you and your teen live a healthy and bright life: 1) Educate young people about the risks of drug and alcohol abuse; 2) Seek treatment for drugs and alcohol if addiction has already developed; 3) Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly; 4) Abstain from drugs and alcohol; 5) Understand why people become addicted to drugs in the first place; 6) Use dual diagnosis treatment methods; 7) Know how to cope with emotions in a healthy way; 8) Connect with others; 9) Avoid triggers; 10) Make lifestyle changes; 11) Practice mindfulness; 12) Get enough sleep; 13) Take care of your physical health; 14) Find healthy outlets for stress relief; 15) Participate in support groups; 16) Find activities that bring joy; 17) Seek professional help if needed; 18) Talk openly about addiction with family members or friends.
In fact, some people go so far as to say that addiction is the opposite of connection, and that human connection is a factor that helps prevent addiction. Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding addiction before it starts – but if you or someone you know already has an addiction problem, there are still ways to get help and start on the path towards recovery.
