People use drugs and alcohol for many different reasons. In most cases, particularly with alcohol, people use them in social settings. Alcohol has long been used in a variety of celebrations spanning back thousands of years. Even Jesus drank wine with his apostles at the last supper. However, when drug and alcohol use goes beyond a social setting is when it becomes a problem. People may use drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with the stresses of everyday like after a long day at work. Having a drink can be a nice, relaxing way to kick back after a hard day at the office, but when that drink turns into three, four, five, six and so on then someone might have an issue with substance abuse. There are many different ways for someone to cope with stress if they are concerned about a blossoming substance abuse problem. Here are a few tips to help manage stress so you don’t have to turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.

The first step in managing your stress is realizing that you’re stressed out in the first place. You need to admit to yourself that anxiety is starting to have a negative effect on your life before you can begin to control it. Once you’ve identified the sources of your stress, then you can begin to make changes in your lifestyle. One of the best ways to manage stress is through exercise. Even if you don’t want to pump iron at the gym, just going for a run or walk around the block every other day can help keep your stress levels low while also keeping you physically fit. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain which make a person happier. Some people choose to exercise in the morning to set the mood for the rest of the day. Others like to hit the gym after work to blow off a little steam in a constructive way. Regardless of where and when you exercise, it still goes a long way in stress management.

It may seem like a no-brainer, but getting enough sleep is another really important stress relief technique. Doctors and sleep experts recommend seven to eight hours of sleep per night, but we all know getting those hours can be difficult. Allotting enough time to sleep can really reduce your overall stress levels. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol then contact the trained addiction specialists at Drug Rehab Help in Tucson, AZ when you get a moment. It can help a loved one live a healthy and prosperous life.