We are social beings, and it is in our nature to fit in with the rest of society. This innate nature of being sociable might be advantageous because it gives us more opportunities to acquire knowledge and increase our network.
That is, however, if you use it properly.
What if you lost your way and you mixed with a group of people who didn’t seem to care about what’s right or wrong? Would you let yourself be influenced by them? Most probably yes. In fact, statistics state that 55% of teenagers use drugs because of peer pressure and this is another reason for the growth and importance of drug rehab centres.
However, that’s not the only reason why the number of drug incidents are increasing. There are also other factors that cause this serious issue — lack of guidance from family and personal problems being the two biggest reasons.
Spend time with the right people.
Surround yourself with the right people. Before making close friends with someone, make sure that you know who they are, where they’re from, and what kind of friends they have. Stay away from them if you think they’re into drugs or other vices.
Be with people who can be role models. Those who can help you make right decisions in life. Not only will they influence you to do good things, but they’ll also give you a better outlook on life. As they say, the birds of a feather flock together. In this case, it’s you with the right people.
Build up self-confidence.
People who usually give into drugs are those who have low self-esteem — people who have a hard time accepting their failures. Drugs are a quick getaway because it makes them feel good, although temporarily.
People who have serious problems are the ones who are the most likely to use drugs because they need them to cope with their life issues. They enjoy temporary comfort even if that means permanently damaging their health.
On the other hand, this wouldn’t be a problem if you have high self-esteem because then you have a positive outlook on life. Self-confidence gives you hope even in your darkest hour. You don’t need to use drugs just to keep afloat because you know that there are better ways to solve your problems.
Gain knowledge.
Knowledge about drugs and their effects plays a major role in fighting drug addiction. It’s important for the media to propagate information about the real dangers of using illegal drugs. These should also not be sugar-coated or exaggerated.
When a person understands the negative consequences of taking such substances, they are more likely to avoid using them, even if their friends try to persuade them otherwise.
Seek Professional Help
All the mentioned tips are effective. However, you can always ask for professional help if you feel you need it. Drug rehab centers have specially-made facilities that deal with drug addiction. There are also professional therapists and counselors that advise and mentor you so that you stay on the right path.