What's You Anti-Drug?

I'm sure you've all seen the ad campaign: What's Your Anti-Drug? The commercials show teens doing things that make them happy or challenge them and make them never want to try drugs. It's a little hoakie, but it stuck in my head.

Last night while I wasn't paying attention in class I posed the question to myself. Of course, in my case, the drugs are painkillers and narcotics legally prescribed by my physician.

I hate taking hardcore pain meds. I take them as a last resort or before going to bed in the homes of knocking out the pain signals. That might not be scientifically accurate, but it's helped me before.

I realized there are a number of things that I do to help reduce my pain or at least distract me from it.

-School is a big one. Even though those awful desks give me some grief, being so busy with school keeps me on track.

-Home improvements. When I hit a low, I usually pick myself up being doing something to improve my house. Even little things leave me so satisfied and content. Last weekend I got down on my hands and knees and scrubbed the bathroom floor. It looks great and it made me feel great. I may have inadvertently gotten high off the cleaning products, but I'm still going to count that as an anti-drug scenario.

-Being outside. Fall is my favorite time of year. You won't see bluer skies or prettier sunsets all year. The air is crisp and invigorating. I love being surrounded by nature. It makes me feel at peace and grateful for my life.

-A heavy movie. It doesn't even need to be even have to be a particularly good movie, as long as I find myself completely immersed in another world. Action, Fantasy, Thrillers, especially on the big screen. It's really nice to leave my life for a couple hours and be somewhere else.

-Lighting candles and opening the windows at night. This is something I used to do in my single days all the time. Now that I'm cohabitating, I don't have a lot of opportunities to light candles and relax. There isn't a lot of peace in my home. I've vowed to create a sanctuary for myself with candles, relaxation music and a fountain.

-A hot bath with lit candles. Can't get any better than that.

So, what's your anti-drug? What reduces or at least distracts you from your pain?

If you can't think of anything, you've got homework to do. Find something that beings you some peace and makes you happy. There's something out there for everyone. You just have to look.