Five Elements of Prevention
I know the pain that echoes sorrowfully in the hearts and souls of everyone who has ever had to deal with the crisis of addiction. The initial stage of drug experimentation needs to be prevented. The old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” has never been more true than when it comes to preventing the devastation of drug abuse.
Because of what our family has had to endure while dealing with the issues of addiction, I have pondered a great deal about how to teach the subject of prevention. I came to understand that the five elements needed for recovery could also be modified and used proactively for prevention.
The Five Elements of Prevention can be used to help people avoid the use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. If you implement these five elements into your life when you are young, you will grow up with a strong, internal fence to keep you far away from the dangerous cliffs of drug and alcohol use.
1. Faith in God
Everyone needs to believe that there is a real purpose to life and that you are not alone in this world. There is a spiritual power that you can tap into each day as you turn to God during your personal trials. As you learn to pray, study the scriptures, listen to songs about Jesus Christ, and write your feelings in a journal, you will receive the spiritual guidance that you need to deal with the challenges in your life.
2. Desire for Change
Assume full responsibility for all your choices by avoiding people, places, and things that could lead to addiction. Read and discuss books about drug prevention with your family and friends, and take time to enjoy life’s natural highs. Get help from others when dealing with the stresses and pressures around you instead of substituting a quick, temporary, addictive relief that always brings you down in the end.
3. Accountability
The best way to keep free of all addictions is to be completely involved in other worthwhile activities that you really enjoy doing. Counsel with a mentor, who can be a trusted family member, reliable friend, or professional advisor to set personal goals and report back on your progress to someone who can help you achieve your goals in life.
4. Family Love
A family is made up of imperfect people bound together with fragile strings of love. Be sensitive to each other’s feelings. Everyone needs to feel a sense of belonging and know that they are accepted and appreciated for who they are. Help each family member feel needed, cared for, and cherished so family bonding can grow and deepen.
5. Friends with Integrity
Friends who are strong and loyal are important because everyone likes feeling included in a good group. Friends who share similar interests and moral values will help you keep your commitments to yourself. If you have concerns about some of your friends, talk to someone you can trust and figure out a way to leave bad friends behind as you find good friends you can trust and make a fresh start in life.