How to Stop Substance Abuse

Substance abuse usually leads to addiction, which is a chronic, progressive disease. Scientists know that substance abuse physically changes the brain and perpetuates the cycle of addiction. When people become addicted to substances such as drugs, nicotine, caffeine and alcohol, their brain changes and affects their behavior. Life soon revolves around using the addictive substance. Substance abuse becomes a problem when a person who finds pleasure using the substance knows it is unhealthy and still continues to abuse the substance anyway. Many times a person might try to quit on her own only to find that the addiction is too powerful. Relapses occur often. Even though there is no cure for substance abuse, people can find recovery and eliminate substance abuse from their lives.

Instructions

1. Admit you have a problem with substance abuse and cannot quit on your own. Admitting you have a problem is the first step toward stopping substance abuse.

2. Join the appropriate 12-step program. There are 12-step programs for almost every substance-abuse problem from Alcoholics Anonymous to Nicotine Anonymous.

3. Work with a therapist to address underlying psychological issues you have been avoiding by engaging in substance abuse. Most people who abuse substances are trying to avoid previous trauma or avoid recognizing other types of dysfunctional behavior in themselves and others.

4. Find a healthy activity such as exercise or a hobby to replace the old unhealthy behavior. Giving up an addiction creates a vacuum, so it's important to find another outlet to fill empty emotional needs and physical withdrawal symptoms that accompany stopping substance abuse.

5. Improve your diet. Eat mostly vegetables, fruit, high-fiber grains and low-fat protein. People who stop substance abuse have a tendency to gain weight. Eating better will help you feel better.

6. Avoid people and friends who are still using the substance you're trying to quit. Avoid places where you have engaged in substance abuse.

7. Educate yourself about substance abuse and help others who are trying to quit.

Tips & Warnings

• Seeing a therapist and joining group therapy sessions with others who are quitting the same or similar abusive substance increases your odds of recovery.

• Always check with your doctor if you suspect you have a substance abuse problem.

References

• MayoClinic.com - Drug Addiction
• FamilyDoctor.org - Substance Abuse: What It Is and How to Quit

Resources

• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Narcotics Anonymous