If you choose to drink or use drugs, stay alert to the signs of addiction, including withdrawal symptoms, losing control, changes in diet, sleep or behavior patterns, abandoning activities you used to enjoy, and negative consequences related to your drinking. When in doubt, ask a therapist, rehab center or healthcare provider for an assessment to determine whether your drug use has become a problem.

Set and Work toward Goals – People who set realistic goals and actively work toward them are less likely to get sidetracked by drugs or alcohol than people who feel they are not achieving their goals “Overcome Drug Addiction” or don’t have anything to work toward.

Get Treatment for Mental Illness – Substance abuse strongly correlated with mental illness. If you struggle with depression, anxiety, a personality disorder or another psychiatric condition. You could seek help from a mental health professional rather than self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.