Whether it’s on the heels of a successful addiction recovery or before ever encountering a drug, staying drug-free is an important facet of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Working to stay drug-free can be particularly trying for young people. High school dropouts ages 16 to 18 are more likely to use or abuse alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs than their peers. Parents and community leaders can do a lot to provide support, but for an adult suffering from temptation, discovering how to be drug-free may seem like a solitary struggle. The good news is that there are many ways to stay drug-free, and many of them can be used regardless of the age of the individual. In the event that additional help is desired or necessary, BetterAddictionCare’s nationwide recovery network is dedicated to helping you find alternative rehab programs and professional recovery support for yourself, a friend, or a family member.

Ways to Stay Drug-Free

Discovering how to stay drug-free is a different process for every individual and is often unique to their personal history and personality. The temptation to take drugs may be a strong impulse, but there are many methods available to combat this urge. One such method is to consider individual goals and how staying drug-free can contribute to the achievement of those future plans. Another is to seek out other ways of feeling happy or calm rather than pursuing the artificial high drugs produce. Exercising, spending time on a hobby, or visiting with friends are all healthy ways to feel good, as they encourage the natural release of dopamine, a chemical responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being. If offered drugs by another party, they should be firmly declined. Should the urge to use drugs persist, it may be beneficial to speak with a counselor to identify why drugs seem appealing and how to better cope with the temptation to use.

For those in recovery from a previous addiction, asking how to be drug-free may seem like a much more imposing question, especially if the individual is consistently presented with the same situations or people that first encouraged drug use. Take the time to learn about why people turn to drugs and what situational triggers may cause drug urges. These triggers might be a certain group of people, a specific place, or leftover items from previous drug use. Once the triggers are identified, they can be better avoided. Recovering individuals may need to come up with a strategy to control or wait out their drug urges. A good place to trade tips and encouragement can be found in a recovery group.

Finding Help to Stay Drug-Free

If you’re having trouble finding ways to stay drug-free without additional support, professional assistance may be required. Start the journey with BetterAddictionCare’s 100% confidential services and nationwide recovery network. We’ll help locate the best program for you after an individualized pre-screening to determine your specific needs and preferences. Once you’re in a program, you’ll be able to speak with a counselor to create a custom plan for how to stay drug-free, take advantage of a medically-assisted detox to make the transition to sobriety safe and comfortable, and after treatment ends, we’ll connect you with after-treatment support services to help you stay drug-free. Fill out our contact form or call today for more information on our services and how to find an addiction recovery facility near you.

Sources

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2020). Tips for Teens: The Truth about Club Drugs. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Tips-for-Teens-The-Truth-About-Club-Drugs/PEP20-05-08-003
3. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). DrugFacts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction
4. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Drug addiction: Treatment and medications. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365113
5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2020). Recovery and Recovery Support. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery
6. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Drug Facts: Understanding Drug Use and Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction
7. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Find Treatment for Substance Use Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/treatment/index.html
8. American Addiction Centers. (2021). Tips for Staying Sober and Clean. Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/staying-sober-clean