True friends won’t make you feel bad for staying away from drugs. True friends will respect you. They want to see you happy and successful. If one of your “friends” doesn’t understand that drugs aren’t right for you, you should probably reconsider whether they’re actually one of your friends.

Did you know that methamphetamine causes sores over the body, serious hallucinations, and a rotting of the teeth known as “meth mouth”?[1] X Research source Did you know that in America, 27% of HIV/AIDS carriers are heroin addicts?[2] X Research source People who shoot heroin with a needle are at a significantly higher risk to develop a host of diseases, such as AIDS. Did you know that after snorting or smoking cocaine, the user’s heart attack risk grows to almost 24 times the normal amount?[3] X Research source

Soft drugs are often talked about as “gateway drugs. " Gateway drugs are drugs that, when tried, cause users to experiment with and abuse other drugs as a result. What is clear is that alcohol, marijuana and tobacco can lead to abuse of other drugs. Although alcohol and tobacco may be legal and marijuana may not, be careful about using them so much that you start abusing other drugs.

“No, thanks. The way I’m going, I need all the brain cells I can get. “[5] X Research source “Actually, I was just heading home. My parents asked me to look after my little sister. I’ll see you guys tomorrow?” “I’m starving. Let’s go grab a bite to eat at my house instead. " “No thanks. I’m having a good time already. “[6] X Expert Source Natalie Feinblatt, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 30 July 2021. “I’m not really in the mood. “[7] X Expert Source Natalie Feinblatt, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 30 July 2021.

You might be concerned about how someone will react if you say “no,” but the odds are they won’t care very much![8] X Expert Source Natalie Feinblatt, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 30 July 2021.

In order to have self-respect, you need to know who you are. This is an incredibly liberating journey if you haven’t taken it before. It’s about loving yourself from the inside out. If you can achieve that, the most powerful drug in the world won’t compare to the love you have for yourself.

Participate in team sports. These sports include soccer, American football, rugby, lacrosse, baseball, basketball, hockey, field hockey, badminton, cricket, volleyball, water polo, and more. Team sports teach participants about mutual respect, the value of working together, and self-sacrifice. Participate in individual sports. These sports include: skiing, wrestling, skateboarding, bowling, golf, darts, chess, fencing, track and field, tennis, surfing, swimming, and more. Individual sports teach participants the value of grit, determination, and hard work.

Find time to take a hike. Many urban or suburban neighborhoods are close to parks or nature reserves where you can go to experience a bit of the great outdoors. If you can’t make it out of your urban area, go exploring in a safe place inside your city.

There are several different kinds of meditation. Maybe the simplest meditation exercise is closing your eyes, breathing in and out deeply, and trying to gain awareness of each part of your body — all at once. This is sometimes called awareness mediation. There are dozens upon dozens of kinds of yoga. There’s Hatha yoga, Bikram yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Vinyasa yoga, not to mention many more. Explore different practices with different teachers. Each has its unique set of poses and breathing practices. Pilates was developed by a German physical-culturist in the first half of the 20th century. It is a body condition routine that emphasizes core strength as well as spinal and pelvic alignment. Many Pilates enthusiasts report feeling much better after their workouts. When you feel good already, what’s the use in taking drugs?

Doctors recommend filling your diet with fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and plenty of fiber. A diet rich in these foods will give your body the energy and nutrition it needs to keep you happy and drug-free. Eat healthy fats instead of unhealthy ones. Healthy fats include omega-3 fatty acids (flax seed, salmon), as well as monounsaturated fats (avocados, pumpkin seeds). [11] X Research source Unhealthy fats include trans fats (partially-hydrogenated oils) and saturated fats (animal fat, such as lard). Drink water and unsweetened teas instead of colas and alcohol. There’s nothing wrong with a Diet Coke or a glass of red wine every now and then. In fact, researchers believe that red wine, in moderation, may actually be good for you. [12] X Research source But the majority of what you drink should be coming from water. Water will help you stay healthy and hydrated throughout the day.