Drugs have become more commonplace in society over the last few years and more people across the country are developing addiction and abuse disorders as a result. The likes of the pandemic, economic situation and political unrest around the world have all helped drive that, as well as the stresses of everyday life.
It’s often our lifestyles that can be drivers as well as key to change too, though, and making serious lifestyle changes can have a profound effect on our relationship with substances, encouraging us to go through a drug detox, remaining sober and reducing the stressors that often leads to drug abuse in the first place.
Across our lifestyle there are many changes that can be made to help ditch the drugs, get the help you need, as well as being instrumental in the treatment and recovery process. So, if you’re looking to ditch the drugs, here are five lifestyle changes you should make…
Adopt a Healthy Diet
One of the easiest and most influential changes you can make is to begin to adopt a healthy diet. Nutrition plays an incredibly important role in repairing the damage caused by drug abuse across our body, both physically and mentally.
By adding the likes of fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains into meals you can help detoxify the body, boost brain functioning and improve your immune system, all of which are affected by abusing the body with substances.
The antioxidants, vitamins and minerals found in such foods can be hugely beneficial to your mood, energy levels and commitment to giving up drugs.
Regular Physical Exercise
Of course, regular exercise is also a positive lifestyle change that can not only improve your health but also add structure to your life. You can reduce stress, anxiety and depression through the endorphins released by exercise, while it’s also a much more positive outlet for expending the energy you have.
Importantly, exercise such as running, swimming, yoga or even walking daily can improve and regulate sleep patterns and increase your overall sense of wellbeing, which can improve focus and determination on your pathway to sobriety.
Build a Strong Support Network
You may find that your friendship groups are among the problems as to why you’ve become dependent on drugs. Whatever your situation, making the move to surround yourself with more positive influences is key. That may be friends, family, it could be a support group.
Sharing your struggles and progress can help with emotional support, accountability and encouragement, all of which can provide you with the confidence you need to succeed, as well as plenty of motivation and love along the way.
Develop New Hobbies and Interests
Looking to healthier alternatives to keeping you occupied and filling your time with hobbies and interests can be a much more constructive use of your time, as well as being good for your mental health and building new friendships.
Whether it be art, music, cooking, sports, gardening or any other hobby, finding new passions, or reconnecting with old ones can be a real effective change in your life, reducing boredom, stress and replacing periods you may once have used to take drugs.
Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management
Stress is one of the most common trigger points for drug use, so an effective lifestyle chane can be learning to manage stress and practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises regularly.
This will help you regulate your emotions more efficiently, reduce anxiety and help you cope with life’s daily challenges in a much healthier way.
