What is a substance-free lifestyle?

A substance-free lifestyle is a lifestyle choice where a person lives their life without the use of substances that alter their mind in negative ways that are likely to harm them. Examples of substances are alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs, as well as prescription drugs (used in a way that is non-medical), gambling, and even too much caffeine.

According to Dr Christos Kouimtsidis, a leading addiction psychiatrist, ‘We are vulnerable to develop automatized behaviours/addictions. This is the price to pay for being able to learn. Choosing to change behavioural patterns requires courage, deserves respect and needs support,’ (Total Health).

Image by Валентин Симеонов from Pixabay

What are the benefits of living a substance-free lifestyle?

• It prevents further problems.

When you take substances, it creates more problems on top of the problems you already have. Then, you have to solve these problems and work on rehabilitation.

• Have control of your life.

When you stay away from substances, you are not numbing your feelings and are always present and grounded. You can deal with your emotions and have a positive outcome. You will think more clearly, have better overall health and sleep better.

• Reduces other mental health conditions.

Living a substance-free lifestyle reduces anxiety, depression and emotional instability to better manage stress.

• Self-respect and self-love.

You will value yourself and be less critical, have fewer negative thoughts and become more resilient. You will have a more positive mindset and heal from any problems you encounter for long-term stability.

• Grow and achieve goals.

Living a substance-free life improves job performance, and you are more likely to achieve your goals with a clear head.

• Reduces financial problems.

You will have money to save, and money to spend on the things that matter.

• Personal values.

Keeping a positive mindset and aligning with your personal values is a better lifestyle choice than taking substances. You will live a life that serves your choices and what matters to you.

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Build a Supportive Network

The best way is to surround yourself with people who hold the same values as you. This does not mean putting people out of your life who have different values but letting others know how you want to live.

Set Goals

Write what you want to achieve out of life. Keep them visible so you can reinforce them each day.

Create Positive Routines

Get regular exercise, eat healthy meals, explore your hobbies, keep a healthy sleep routine and seek support if you need help. Stay away from substances that are not prescribed by a doctor and reduce caffeinated drinks to replace some of them with the decaffeinated version. Create substance-free activities for you to take part in.

Conclusion

Life is hard for us all. It is easy to get into bad habits and explore substances we think will help us feel better. However, they only temporarily block the pain, and there has to be a solution that is sustainable for the future.

Sources:

Alcohol and mental health

Giving up alcohol may significantly boost mental health

Dr Christos Kouimtsidis | Total Health

Dr Christos Kouimtsidis, MBBS, MSc, FRCPsych, CCST, PhD is a Consultant in Mental Health and Addiction Psychiatry since 2002 at the National Health Service of the United Kingdom. He has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Patras, Greece (2022), the Gold CARE Leader Award (2016) and the prestigious UK 2015 HSJ Award for Clinical Research Impact with the Research and Development Department. He is currently the co-chair of the International Society of Addiction Medicine Practice and Policy Interest Group. He has published 3 books, and he has published over 60 peer-reviewed papers. He took part as a keynote speaker or symposium organiser in several UK and international conferences.