The Benefits of Learning How to Help People Overcome an Urge to Use Substances

If you're anything like the vast majority of the people in the world today, you have a problem with an urge to use substances to help manage your emotions. For most people this means an addiction to alcohol or drugs. This is understandable. Most of us are trying to find a way to make our lives easier and less stressful. When we find that we have an urge to use substances in an effort to do so, it can be tempting to simply say "no" and move on.


Unfortunately, moving on is not always easy. Our lives are filled with activities and events that cause us stress and anxiety. In many cases, we may feel that we have no real options to handle these issues on our own. However, for others, substance abuse can actually represent a more serious problem.

Although alcoholism and drug addiction can certainly present serious physical issues, the mental components of these problems can be just as problematic. Unfortunately, when a person is suffering from a problem with an urge to use substances to help manage your emotions, it's likely that underlying issues are also causing the problem. Because of this, when you try to quit drinking or go through treatment for a drug addiction, you need to address both the physical issue and the psychological component.

Physical symptoms associated with these problems range from loss of appetite and weight to insomnia and depression. Although these symptoms are usually temporary, they can interfere with your ability to live a normal life. Because these cravings can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, it's important to address them head-on.

One of the most effective ways to help manage your emotions is to find a way to release negative thoughts. The way you release these thoughts is going to vary from person to person. For some people, talk therapy can be very helpful. Others may turn to yoga or meditation. Others may even choose to enlist the help of professionals such as a counselor or therapist.

If counseling doesn't work, there are many options for those who wish to help manage their emotions. One of the first steps is to work on identifying the negative thoughts and replacing them with more positive and realistic thoughts. It's important to realize that this isn't an emotional cure; it's more of an intellectual fix. While this won't solve all of your problems, it will help you get into the mindset required to live emotionally healthy lives.

Another option for help managing your emotions is to seek support. There are many support groups for substance abuse recovery including support groups for alcoholics and drug addicts, among others. These groups can be very therapeutic and have been proven to help people manage their issues. Unfortunately, not everyone who needs help will find it in one of these programs. If you need help managing your use of substances, then make sure to seek out groups that specifically deal with substance abuse.

Helping those who have an urge to use substances to help manage their addiction is something that is admirable. Those who suffer from addiction problems deserve the best help possible. Seek out the advice of those who have suffered from your problem and ask them for advice regarding how to go about overcoming your addiction and living an addiction-free life.

If you know someone who has overcome addiction, offer your assistance. People who have overcome serious addiction and now lead healthy and productive lives are those who would appreciate your help. Do not simply stand by and let them suffer. You may not be able to help them but you can give them the encouragement they need to continue their journey toward recovery. This can only help those struggling with substance abuse problems to find the strength and hope they need to fight the battle over addiction.

In order to help people overcome their addiction to substances, encourage them in their quest. The motivation they need to continue their journey may come from knowing that you are there to support them. Offer to do whatever you can to assist them along this journey so they don't feel alone and so they do not think that they are on their own.


Substance abuse is a serious illness for many people. It can lead to serious disease and even death if not treated properly. You may be proud to know that you can help others to recover from this disease. Offer your assistance by assisting them with their recovery and help them live a better life. You can help people overcome their addiction to substances and help them lead a healthy lifestyle.