Faith Medicals
RCCG Mauritius holds free medical crusade on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at the New Church premises at 6 Lugard road, Cupipe, Mauritius. All are invited.
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Anchor: Dr Ettah Arikpo,
Principal Medical Officer 1
Nigeria & HOLYNET Medical Consultant
Dangerous Effects of Hard Drugs
How to Reduce or Quit drugs
WHY QUIT DRUGS
It’s never too late to quit using drugs.
Reducing or quitting drugs can improve your life in many ways. It can:
· improve your physical and mental wellbeing
· reduce your risk of permanent damage to vital organs and death
· improve your relationships with friends and family
· help you reconnect with your emotions
· increase your energy
· help you sleep better
· improve your appearance
· save you money.
Recovered addicts say that they’ve never felt better after quitting drugs, although this can take time. Knowing why you want to quit drugs can help you to stay motivated during the withdrawal process.
What quitting drugs feels like
When you reduce or quit using drugs your body goes through a detoxification process (detox) or withdrawal.
Symptoms vary between people, and between drugs, and range from mild to serious. They can last from a few days to a few weeks — it’s different for every person — but they are temporary. Cravings for the drug will sometimes be weak and at other times very strong. Learning how to manage them is important for staying drug-free.
PREPARING TO QUIT DRUGS
Preparing to quit drugs
Reducing or quitting drugs can be hard – you may have become dependent or addicted. It’s a good idea to be prepared for what’s involved.
Admit you have a problem
The first step in quitting drugs is to admit that you have a problem. If you’re not sure, ask yourself the following questions:
· Are you taking drugs first thing in the morning or to get through the day?
· Do friends or family worry or complain about your drug use?
· Do you lie about how much you’re using?
· Have you sold possessions or stolen to pay for your drug habit?
· Have you participated in dangerous or risky activities, such as driving under the influence, having unprotected sex, or using dirty needles?
· Do you feel that you’ve lost control of your drug taking?
· Are you having problems with relationships?
If you answered yes to any of these questions it might be time to accept that you have a problem and ask for help.
WHAT TRIGGERS?
Know your triggers
Keeping track of your drug use can help you identify habits, emotions, and social situations that trigger the desire to take drugs.
It can be hard to completely avoid all those situations, but steps you can take include:
· avoiding places where you know drugs and alcohol will be available
· surrounding yourself with friends who don’t use drugs
· knowing how to resist temptation
· learning how to cope with stress and relax without drugs
· distracting yourself with activities like exercise or listening to music.
Make a plan
Making a plan and writing it down can help you commit to quitting.
Setting goals for your recovery helps you stay motivated and can make the process less stressful. It’s important to set realistic goals – both short and long-term. Be specific and make them measurable.
Some examples of realistic, short-term goals are:
· I will see my doctor this week.
· I’m going to walk for half an hour 3 times this week.
· I want to be drug free for 2 weeks straight.
Long-term goals might include:
· being drug-free for a year
· having friends that are healthy and sober and provide support
· rebuilding family relationships by having regular get-togethers.
Reward yourself for success – with an enjoyable, drug-free activity such as going to a movie, or planning a holiday – and take it easy on yourself if you mess up.
It’s OK to fail, just don’t give up trying.
WHAT IF I RELAPSE
If you have a relapse and start using again, remember that recovery doesn’t happen overnight. Take the opportunity to remind yourself why you are quitting, forgive yourself and refocus on your plan.
Talk to your doctor. They can work out how to best resume treatment, or they may suggest a different type of treatment.
When you’re back on track, learn from what happened:
· What triggered the relapse?
· What went wrong?
· What could you have done differently?
Medical FAQ
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding medicine focuses on safety, administration, and managing side effects.
Here is an example of an FAQ on medicine:
General Information About the Medicine
· What is the name of the medicine and why am I taking it? (It is helpful to know both the brand and generic name).
· What is the goal of this treatment? (e.g., curing an infection, managing blood pressure, or relieving pain).
· How long will it take before I notice it working?.
· Is there a less expensive generic version available?.
Taking the Medication
· How do I take it? (e.g., orally, via patch, in the morning, at bedtime).
· Should I take this with food or on an empty stomach?.
· What should I do if I miss a dose? (Do not double the next dose).
· How long will I have to take this medicine? (Is it short-term or for life?).
Side Effects and Interactions
· What are the common side effects, and how can I manage them?.
· When should I call my doctor about side effects?.
· Does this medicine interact with other drugs, vitamins, or herbs I am taking?.
· Should I avoid any specific foods or alcoholic beverages?.
Storage and Safety
· How do I store this medicine? (Avoid bathroom cabinets due to humidity; some may require refrigeration).
· How should I dispose of unused or expired medicine?.
· If I have trouble swallowing, can I crush the pill or open the capsule?.
Top 3 Questions to Ask
According to the National Patient Safety Foundation:
1. What is my main problem?
2. What do I need to do?
3. Why is it important for me to do this?
Note:
Always consult a doctor or pharmacist for specific information regarding your personal health and medications.