How to Handle Prescription Drug Use if You are in Recovery
If you or a loved one are on the path to recovery from drug addiction, there will be many challenges you face along the way and it’s important to know how to overcome them. With the right mindset and lifestyle changes, you can create a new future for yourself free from drug addiction and the secondary effects that it causes on your life.
Find a Support Network to Hold You Accountable
Family and friends are important during this time, but there is also the fact that they may not know exactly what you are experiencing. It can make all the difference to find a support group of individuals who know what you have gone through and are still going through, and can encourage you through it.
You will be able to talk to them about any temptations or cravings you have had for the drugs, and they can celebrate your victories with you, as well as offer advice for the next time those cravings come around.
Your family, friends, and even the people you may barely know from your support group all care about your recovery, so let them encourage you through this and help keep you accountable. According to NIDA, improving personal relationships is a major step towards recovery.
Limit Exposure to Triggers
A support group will provide you with a social network of people who will encourage your recovery.
This often means making drastic changes to your old lifestyle, such as avoiding old hangout spots or distancing yourself from harmful friendships. By limiting your exposure to these triggers, you can mentally prepare yourself for the few occasions that you may face temptation or cravings.
If you don’t make lifestyle changes, however, then the temptations will be more consistent and draining on your energy. Once you have eliminated many sources of temptation, you can focus your willpower on the few scenarios that you can’t always avoid, such as using prescription drugs to treat pain or similar situations.
It will take a lot of focus and energy to not give in if you are again exposed to the drugs that you have abused in the past, but it is possible.
Combat the Cravings with Other Coping Methods
To figure out what works for you specifically, you may need to talk through it with a friend or therapist. If the reason you turned to substance abuse was as a de-stressor, it may benefit you to find calming activities or hobbies that you enjoy and can engage in whenever you feel cravings for the substance.
According to SAMHSA, it is important to find your sense of purpose among the community, whether that be through volunteering, creative endeavors, your job, or other avenues. Having these other priorities and activities can help take your mind off of the temptations and focus on the healthy lifestyle that you can now maintain.
If you are a loved one are going through recovery, or are interested in starting on that path, just call 800-487-1890 (Who Answers?) to speak with a caring specialist about any questions or concerns you may have. We can help you get the treatment you deserve.