Many people use drugs not intending to do themselves harm or to end up hooked. However, the types of drugs that most people want to alter their reality are most often addictive and dangerous. Still, some people can use addictive drugs and not get addicted, but many sadly will.
The reason people use drugs is to change how they feel or because of peer pressure, or as part of a medical condition with pain, or because they have already used other drugs and are not afraid to keep trying new ones. What all of these points have in common is that people use drugs to feel different or better. No one uses drugs to feel worse, but as we know, addictive drugs will eventually do just that.
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Why So Many People Are Using Drugs?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports why so many people are using drugs to alter their mood and let their minds escape. The Institute also emphasizes how after using drugs repeatedly, the drugs don’t affect the person the same leads to more use.
People use drugs for many reasons: they want to feel good, stop feeling bad, or perform better in school or at work, or they are curious because others are doing it, and they want to fit in. Drugs excite the parts of the brain that make you feel good. But after you take a drug for a while, the feel-good parts of your brain get used to it. Then you need to take more of the drug to get the same good feeling. Soon, your brain and body must have the drug just to feel normal. [And] You no longer have the good feelings that you had when you first used the drug. (NIDA)
What are Drug-Free Alternatives Instead of Taking Drugs?
Positive alternatives to drugs to feel better is plentiful. But it is first essential to mention that people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or another emotional or mental health challenge, or addiction, need professional care- and without help, most drug-free alternatives won’t be as effective. Long gone are the days of ineffective counseling and treatment for a variety of emotional or mental disorders.
The right course of action is never to use drugs to feel good or different; however, if you or a loved one is hurting and uses drugs, we have the answer at our premier drug detox center connected to evidence-based therapy rehab programs that will work.
Exercise, Music or Massage as a Dopamine Booster
The best drug free-alternatives to feel good begin with the ever-famous one- and that is to exercise! When someone exercises, they are giving themselves a super boost in the mood because of the endorphins and dopamine that are released when someone completes a vigorous workout. The following several items are also guaranteed to make someone feel really good. They include:
- Listing to Music
- Eating a Delicious Meal
- Engaging your Creativity (painting, drawing, beads, pottery, photography, writing, etc.)
- Drinking Herbal Teas to Improve Mood (Lavender, Chamomile, Ginseng, Turmeric, etc.)
- Getting a Massage
- Spending Time with Animals
- Helping Someone Less Fortunate (volunteering at a shelter, donating clothes, providing support to a cause)
- Sleeping in or Taking a Nap
- Going for a Therapeutic Walk or Drive
- Buying Yourself a Desired Object
- Spending Time in Nature
The list can continue very easily of things to do that are drug-free alternatives to drug use. The best thing to remember is that no one intends to use drugs to get addicted or ruin their lives. However, drugs and addiction take over with a flash of the eye, and most people who use drugs do not realize they are on the wrong path until it is too late.
How to Get Help for Drug Addiction?
The most important thing to understand when it comes to drugs is that if someone is using drugs, they risk getting addicted. Addiction cannot just ruin someone’s bank account or give them a criminal record, but it can lead to death. Most addictive drugs also damage the body and can cause permanent brain or other illnesses to occur.
Find The Best Treatment for Drug Abuse at Allure Detox!
Suppose you or someone you love is experimenting with drugs or has an addiction. In that case, it is vital to support them in getting professional help from a rehab and detox program. The first step to ending drug use and addiction is through detox at a professional treatment center tailored to their needs.
Allure Detox provides medically supervised detox and gets people off of drugs for good. Don’t let another day of life go by on drugs. We have beds available and can get you here today. Call, chat, or email with one of our addiction specialists at any time, they are here to help you and answer questions.