Are Your Meds dulling down your life?

When you go through a traumatic experience like a bad drug overdose, or when you’re struggling to avoid certain addictive substances like alcohol or narcotics, you may be prescribed certain anti-depressants to alleviate the mood swings and withdrawal symptoms that are associated with drug recovery.  However, while these medications can dull the bad feelings, they can also dull the rest of your experience as well.    Sometimes it seems like ditching the meds and going back to hard drugs will at least make things more interesting so you can feel your life.

Stop right there!

Keep in mind that going back to hard drugs is a dead end and, if you’re in recovery, you know where it leads.   Instead, explore other options for bringing yourself to life.  Often the reason we turn to drugs and alcohol to spice up our lives is that we don’t have any other options at our disposal.  

Instead of glorifying the drug experience as a way to escape or spice up your life, consider a few alternatives.

Go somewhere new.

Getting out of your normal environment can stimulate a new sense of exploration and adventure that wouldn’t be possible if you stayed where you’ve always been.

Try something new.

Likewise if you’re stuck doing the same rote work day after day and your hobbies haven’t changed since sometime when New Kids on The Block were cool, you’re due for something different to stimulate your body and mind.   Pick up a new sport just for recreation, learn a different art form or musical instrument, or get involved in a community game or event that you’ve never done before.

Meet new people.

We live in an ever more interconnected world thanks to the web and mobile technology.   There are countless new meet-ups and tribes out there where you can connect with other like-minded people.   Take advantage of these options and surround yourself with new people that can get your life moving in a fresh new direction.

Variety is the spice of life after all, and you can get variety without the downward spiral of alcohol and narcotics.

Adjust Your Prescription

Lastly, it’s possible that if you’re on medication for your emotions, you could have too high a dosage and should consult your doctor about reducing the intake.  The goal is to improve your life, not kill it.  

Get out there and explore something new and you’ll see how insignificant the drugs will seem after a while