While some believe addictions are completely fueled by circumstance and others claim they’re genetic, the truth may be found somewhere in the middle. The key to avoiding addiction may be found in a healthy lifestyle and awareness of your weaknesses or trigger points. While many people learn the tricks to prevent relapse while in rehab, having those skills initially may have prevented their addiction altogether. Included here are a few tips for staying healthy and avoiding an addiction.
Manage Stress
One of the biggest causes of an addictive lifestyle can be poorly managed stress. Everyone experiences stress on a daily basis, but how you deal with it can be the deciding factor between healthy living and falling into an addiction. While some believe drugs or alcohol are an escape from their daily stress, they really function as a crutch that creates more problems.
Healthy stress management can be found in many outlets other than substance abuse. Finding someone to vent to, exercising or practicing meditation and yoga can all help people reduce stress. While everyone is different, some people find that taking a day of solitude where they go out in nature can help them put life in perspective and reduce stress.
Seek Therapy
Additionally, some people can fall into addiction because they find themselves unable to cope with daily life sober. By seeking therapy, you may be able to resolve some of your problems without resorting to a numbing substance. Many issues with substance abuse can be traced back to a family addiction that affected the individual from a young age.
Genuine depression can affect as many as one-quarter of women at some point in their lives, and close to 15% of men. If you are experiencing genuine symptoms of depression, more than the occasional blues, it may be time for you to seek help. Building a trusting relationship with a therapist can help you cope with your depression and have fewer difficult days.
Live Your Life
While everyone will occasionally find themselves beaten down by the humdrum nature of daily life, it is another thing entirely to be completely dissatisfied with your life. Finding a job that keeps you content is important, and you may have won the lottery if your job genuinely makes you happy. Additionally, many people find altruistic acts like volunteering give their lives meaning.
If you are unable to find a new job that makes you happy, pursue passions and interests outside of work that bring you fulfillment. Websites like MeetUp.com allow people to come together for hobbies and activities they find interesting. Something as simple as a night playing board games or Saturdays spent kayaking can be found on this site and you may form lasting connections that give your life value.