Substance Abuse Prevention

Drug and Violence Prevention Article By, Dr.  Allecia McLeod/ Health Educator

The best way to prevent violence is to learn better ways to communicate when you are feeling angry and upset.  The reality is that you may have the best intentions, but still disagree with others.  This may lead to a situation where both of you feel misunderstood.  Its best to resolve conflicts without being under the influence of drugs and alcohol.    Try to find other ways to relieve stress aside from using drugs and alcohol.  These substances tend to accelerate stressful situations.  Mindfulness activities that incorporate counting to 10, meditation and breathing techniques help you to manage your emotions so that you can de-escalate conflicts in a productive manner.  Conflict resolution techniques help to settle misunderstandings peacefully between two or more people without the use of substances.

Conflicts Escalates or Get Worse When:

• Drugs and Alcohol are involved
• Random people become involved and take sides.
• One or more feels threatened by the other.
• There is no interest in maintaining the relationship.
• You feel anger, fear, or frustration.

Peaceful Suggestions on Ways to Resolve a Conflict:

• Focus on the problem instead of the person.
• Avoid Drugs and Alcohol during a conflict, it only makes things worse.
• Wait a few minutes before you express your emotions and feelings in order to keep the peace.
• Do not make threats to those involved, it might cause the situation to escalate.
• Acknowledge your part in the situation.
• Try to keep an open mind and show respect for each other.
• Do not get others involved unless they are interested in a peaceful outcome.
• Talk less and Listen More.

Conflicts waste a lot of time and energy which can eventually take a toll on your mental and physical health. There are so many ways to manage conflicts and come to a peaceful solution that works for both sides.  Therefore, it would be in your best interest to negotiate a satisfactory outcome.  At the end of the day, it’s not about who’s right or wrong.  It’s more important that everyone feels respected, heard, and valued. 

References:

• What is Conflict Resolution, and How Does It Work? - PON - Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School
• 5 Conflict Resolution Strategies - PON - Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School
• Conflict Resolution | Counseling Center (ncsu.edu)
• What Is Youth Conflict Resolution? | Matsh Youth Development