This week is National Prevention Week which is aimed at raising awareness of substance use and mental health disorders. Through increased education and early detection, you can help to protect yourself and those you love, decreasing your risk of developing an addiction and seeking treatment for drug abuse, alcoholism, and mental health disorders if they already exist.
Not everyone who drinks or uses drugs develops an addiction, but the risk is there. There is not one factor that determines drug addiction or alcoholism, but rather it is a combination of factors. This is what makes everyone’s experience with addiction different and why personalized treatment at a Malibu drug rehab center is so important. Addiction is a treatable condition and you can achieve long-term recovery.
However, there are also ways to recognize and reduce your risk to help protect yourself and the ones you love:
Know your Family History
Genetics are a contributing factor in drug addiction and alcoholism. Though researchers have not pinpointed a specific gene that is responsible, they have been studying the role that various genes play and what makes some people more susceptible to substance use disorder and addiction than others.
Make sure you talk to your family about any history of substance use disorders. If you have a blood relative that has struggled with substance use, it can increase your risk or that of your children as well. However, just because it runs in your family does not necessarily mean that you will develop drug addiction or alcoholism – and just because it doesn’t run in your family doesn’t mean you won’t. You cannot control your genetics, but there are other risk factors that you do have some control over.
Be Aware of Your Environment
The places you go, things you do, and people you associate with can all play a role in your risk for addiction. If you frequently spend time with people who are heavy drinkers or use drugs, it can influence your decision to try these substances as well. Peer pressure can be a trigger for addiction because people want to fit in and want others to like them. If your friends are engaged in substance use, you may try it too because it’s the environment you’re enveloped in.
Likewise, boredom and opportunity can also give way to addiction. It’s important to keep yourself active in healthy activities, manage your stress, associate with generally positive people who are a good influence, and avoid tempting situations.
If you have children, remember that your actions and behaviors impact them. They are constantly watching and absorbing information from the world around them whether you realize it or not. If you drink frequently or misuse drugs, it can alter how they view these substances and increase their risk of engaging in use themselves. Try to set a positive example and talk to your children about the risks associated with drinking and drug use. Stay involved in their lives, know who their friends are, pay attention to what they’re doing, and try to get them active in activities that promote healthy decisions.
Pay Attention to Mental Health
Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder and other conditions can put you at greater risk for addiction. Some people self-medicate as a way of coping with the symptoms of mental illness, and this can lead to substance use disorder or addiction. Substance use may seem like a solution, but it is only a temporary fix and can actually make symptoms worse. If you or someone you love has a mental health disorder, make sure you are working with your doctor to keep it managed and under control. This can help you to reduce your risk of addiction by having healthier and more effective coping mechanisms.
Participate in an Alcohol Screening
Another way to assess your risk is to take an alcohol screening. The screening consists of a few simple questions that evaluate how much you drink, how frequently you drink, and the impact that it has on your life. You can do this with your doctor, or there are online versions available. The results can make you more aware of whether or not your drinking is problematic and if you should seek treatment at an alcohol rehab center.
Oftentimes people drink more than they realize or intend to because their drink exceeds the guidelines for a standard drink. A standard drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. Furthermore, low-risk guidelines for women are no more than three drinks in one day and no more than seven drinks per week, and for men, no more than four drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Exceeding these limits can increase your risk of addiction, but even those who are within these limits can still develop a substance use disorder that necessitates treatment.
Seeking Help
If you realize that your drinking or drug use is becoming problematic or putting you at higher risk for addiction, there is help available. Chapters Capistrano can work with you to create a customized treatment plan that meets your individual needs and helps you to establish healthier routines and thought patterns that support long-term recovery. There are also dual diagnosis programs available for clients struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Create a brighter future for yourself and set a positive example for those around you by showing them that change and recovery are possible. It’s not too late to turn your life around and start a new chapter in sobriety. Contact Chapters Capistrano today at 888-973-0230 to discuss your concerns and find out how we can help.
