Let’s face facts. With all the tests, projects, games, and bouts of peer pressure, an average day at school can be quite an ordeal. However, there are better ways to cope with severe stress than resorting to drugs, despite the false facts someone will tell you. Once you take the first puff of marijuana or swallow that first opioid, you are putting yourself at an incredibly high risk of abuse or addiction. Taking drugs will aggravate your stress, not alleviate it. Let’s take a closer look at the mechanics of addiction and see how you can avoid the temptation of using drugs (or prevent your friends from taking these).
The Dangers of Addiction
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recognizes addiction as a dangerous brain disorder that takes place when a person continuously seeks drugs, despite potentially hazardous side effects. As a result of long-term or short-term use, victims can build up a resistance to these substances (chemical dependency) and suffer from detrimental physical and mental effects (e.g. mood swings, raised blood pressure, or even cancer).
Researchers reinforce that a person can and will eventually lose control over their decisions about using drugs, once addiction begins to take effect. Often, people will turn to these substances to cope with stress, anxiety, or sadness. In fact, stress is one of the most severe contributors to developing an addiction.
Ways to Cope with Stress
Here are some ways you can cope with school stress without turning to the ugly reality of drugs.
- Changes in Your Diet: Eating specific foods can boost positivity and happiness. For example, research has proven that leafy greens, salmon, and oranges can ease stress.
- Exercise: If you’ve been confined to a classroom for hours, you have not been getting enough fresh air. Go outside and have a brisk walk. Plus, you will receive the added benefit of sunlight, filled with the mood-boosting Vitamin D.
- Music: Listen to your favorite tunes as you unwind or while you are completing homework. Classical music, in particular, has been proven to be an excellent relaxant.
- Conversation: Share your stressful situations with your friends and ask them for advice. Speaking with people who are close to you and who may share similar problems is a great way to alleviate your anxiety.
- Breathe: Our bodies rely on oxygen. When in doubt, inhale for five seconds and exhale on the same count. Meditation is an especially effective way to reduce stress after a cramped day.
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance abuse disorder or addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Out counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug addiction troubles today.