What is Substance abuse
Substance abuse is the excessive and harmful use of substances, such as alcohol and drugs, for recreational or non-medical purposes. It can lead to physical, mental, and social health problems, and can even lead to addiction.
Who has Substance abuse
It is difficult to provide an exact percentage, as this varies depending on the population being studied. However, according to the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, in 2019, 10.1% of Australians aged 14 and over reported using illicit drugs in the last 12 months. This is an increase from 9.1% reported in 2016. Substance abuse is a problem affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. It can be a problem for anyone who uses drugs or alcohol in a way that is harmful to themselves or to others. Substance abuse can lead to physical and mental health problems, financial trouble, and legal trouble.
How to naturally treat Substance abuse
- Get Support: Reach out to supportive family and friends who can provide emotional support and help you stay accountable.
- Identify Triggers: Identify and avoid environments, people and situations that may trigger your urge to use.
- Develop Healthy Coping Skills: Find healthy ways to manage stress and cope with cravings, such as deep breathing, exercise, journaling or talking to a supportive person.
- Learn About Substance Abuse: Educate yourself about substance abuse to gain insight into the problem and how to prevent relapse.
- Seek Professional Help: Consider seeking professional help from a therapist, support group or addiction specialist.
- Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Change unhealthy behaviors, such as poor nutrition, lack of sleep and sedentary activities.
- Practice Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness and meditation to stay in the present moment and gain insight into your thoughts and feelings.
- Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors and connect with nature to feel more grounded and peaceful.
- Engage in Healthy Activities: Participate in activities that bring you joy and help you focus on your recovery, such as art or music and fitness.
- Yoga: Yoga can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression associated with substance use disorders.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a therapy used to help individuals identify and change maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with substance use disorders.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that is used to reduce stress, anxiety, and cravings associated with substance use disorders.
- Exercise: Exercise can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression associated with substance use disorders.
Natural Supplements or medications for Substance abuse
- L-Glutamine: L-glutamine is an amino acid that has been used to help reduce substance cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): NAC is an amino acid supplement that has been used to treat substance use disorders and reduce cravings.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that help reduce inflammation in the body and can help reduce substance cravings.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B-6 and zinc can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Herbal Supplements: Herbal supplements such as milk thistle, ginkgo biloba, and kava kava can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression associated with substance use disorders.
- Kratom: Kratom is a plant-based supplement that is used to help reduce cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and anxiety associated with substance use disorders.
Nutrition for Substance abuse
Nutrition plays an important role in the recovery process for individuals with substance abuse disorders. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet can help individuals manage their cravings and provide them with sustained energy throughout the day. It can also help to minimize the effects of withdrawal symptoms and improve overall health and wellbeing.
Good nutrition is important to replenish the body’s essential nutrients that may have been depleted from the effects of substance abuse. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is the best way to get these nutrients. It can also help to reduce cravings and improve mood.
It is also essential to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydration is important for maintaining good health and can help to flush toxins from the body. Drinking alcohol or other substances can also lead to dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids and avoid these substances.
It is also important to limit foods that are high in sugar and fat. Eating these types of foods can lead to cravings and can make it more difficult to stay sober.
Finally, it is important to get enough rest and exercise. Exercise can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase energy. Getting enough sleep can also help to reduce cravings and improve overall health.
Nutrition is an important part of the recovery process for individuals with substance abuse disorders. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet can help to reduce cravings, improve mood, and improve overall health and wellbeing.
How does Exercise help with Substance abuse?
Exercise can help with substance abuse in a variety of ways. It can help to reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol, improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase self-esteem. Exercise releases endorphins that can help to reduce the physical and psychological effects of substance abuse. It can also provide an alternative to engaging in activities that may have been associated with substance abuse in the past. Regular exercise can help to build a positive routine and provide a distraction from thoughts and cravings associated with substance abuse.
What resources are most helpful for dealing with Substance abuse?
- ReachOut: ReachOut is an online mental health organisation for young Australians, providing information and support for issues such as mental health, drug and alcohol use, and suicide prevention.
- Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS): ADIS is a free, 24-hour telephone counselling service for alcohol and drug related issues.
- Australian Drug Foundation: The Australian Drug Foundation is a non-profit organisation that provides information and resources about drug and alcohol prevention and treatment.
- National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: This hotline is a free, confidential telephone counselling service. It provides information and support for people affected by drug and alcohol issues.
- Smart Recovery Australia: Smart Recovery Australia is a free, self-help program designed to help people struggling with substance abuse. It offers face-to-face and online support groups, as well as an online forum.
What advice would you give to someone who has recently been diagnosed with Substance abuse?
- Seek professional help as soon as possible. Substance abuse is a serious condition and it is important to get help as soon as you can.
- Make sure to be honest with your doctor or therapist about your substance abuse. It is important to be open and honest about your situation so you can get the most effective treatment.
- Reach out for support from family and friends. Substance abuse can be a difficult journey, so it is important to have a strong support system.
- Avoid any triggers that may cause you to relapse. It is important to identify any situations or people that may lead to a relapse and try to avoid them.
- Make a plan for how you will cope with cravings. Having a plan for how to respond to cravings can help you stay on track with your recovery.
- Take care of your physical health. Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising can help you stay healthy while in recovery.