Is Addiction a Chronic Disease?
Have you ever thought about your reactions to your actions? What you are doing now may impact things in your future, like your health. For instance, nicotine, drug, and alcohol usage costs the United States more than $740 billion a year in healthcare, crime, and lost productivity. Addiction is a chronic disease similar to other chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Substance abuse and addiction typically start by using addictive drugs for recreational purposes, whether they are over-the-counter or prescribed; abusing prescription medication; seeking out intoxication every time you use them.
Mental illness and substance abuse often go hand in hand. If you think you may have a mental illness, seek help immediately. Professionals like a licensed therapist or counselor will provide you with healthy coping skills to alleviate your symptoms without turning to nicotine, drugs, or alcohol.
Your mental health affects how you feel and act towards other people. It can also affect your physical health, so being healthy emotionally can help you live a balanced life, reduce the risk of depression, and improve self-esteem.
Peer pressure and temptation are large factors in substance abuse. Prevent these bad habits by removing yourself from people or situations where you feel pressured and tempted. If you surround yourself with people who abuse substances, you are at risk of also abusing substances.
Bad habits are choices that hurt your physical or mental health. Overeating, smoking, substance abuse can cause heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Having healthy habits can increase your lifespan, boost your energy, and improve your memory.
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Living It Up Anywhere
The idea of living your best life can be done anywhere, at any time, and all it really takes is a mindset shift. Take it one core lifestyle habit at a time, whether that is eating healthy and less, daily exercise, quitting bad habits, getting a routine checkup, or being positive. Take a chance today to Live It Up!