There are many stages of drug and alcohol addiction. Whether you are in your adolescence, a recovering addict or an adult who has managed to avoid pressure situations that involve drugs and/or alcohol, it is very useful to have tools in place when such situations arise. Can-Am Interventions would like to bring awareness to these tools to help prevent you from making poor choices involving drugs and alcohol.
1.Be firm when addressing peer pressure
Finding a way to say “no” can be tricky, especially if the other person is being very persuasive. You’ll need to stand your ground, even if your internal resolve feels a bit shaky. Use a firm voice and look them in the eye when speaking.
In addition to saying no, you may also want to include a reason for your answer. Here are some things you can say to get your point across:
- “This is bad for my health.”
- “This could ruin my life.”
- “I am trying my best to stay clean.”
- “I don’t use anymore, so please stop asking.”
- “If I am caught, I will lose my housing.”
2. Relate the Statistics
Substance abuse disorders are like most other chronic illnesses—relapse rates are common. With substance abuse, about 40% to 60% relapse at some point. That’s compared to 50% to 70% of people with hypertension or asthma.It’s important that you make your peers understand this. Addiction is a disease, and if they keep pestering you to use, you’ll be more likely to relapse. If they truly care about you, this should hit home. But if they laugh or still keep asking, they’re not real friends and you should choose the people who respect your boundaries and goals.
3. Avoid Situations Where You Might Be Tempted
Did you have a place you used to use a lot? For example, maybe you always took drugs at a certain friend’s house. Or maybe you want to go to a concert or bar where drug use might be rampant. If so, definitely avoid these locations. If you still want to meet with your friends (which might not be a good idea if you used together), make sure to do it in a neutral place.These situations where you might be tempted to use are called triggers. They serve as a reminder of all the times you did drugs, and your brain will use these cues to remind you how good it felt.
4. Bring Along a Sober Buddy
If you know you’ll be tempted by peer pressure when heading out somewhere, it’s a good idea to bring along someone who can reign you in if you need help. Choose a trusted friend or confidant who can back you up if things get rough. Ideally, this will be a person who doesn’t use, that way they won’t be tempted either.
5. Offer to Be the Designated Driver
If you’ll be heading out with a group of people, one way to prevent them from offering you drugs is to be the designated driver. Instead of trying to make you feel bad for not using, they’ll really appreciate thisgesture. That way, everyone can get home safely, and you can keep on crushing your recovery.
Finding support
Not letting other people influence you to get back into your old habits is much easier said than done. With a little practice, this task proves to become easier the more consistently you apply it. Sometimes guidance is needed to help us with this problem. Can-Am Interventions has been working with addicts since 1991. We have a vast knowledge and experience with treating people in recovery to obtain these types of survival tools. We are here to council those involved (The addict, family, friends and co-workers etc.), to provide treatment plans best suited to your life and tobe a support system throughout the recovery process. If you or someone you care about is struggling with the disease of addiction, please call us today. We are here and ready to help you.
E: patti.pike@canaminterventions.com W:www.canaminterventions.com
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