Health Tip: Medication and Substance Abuse Recovery

(HealthDay News) — Deciding to stop abusing drugs and alcohol is important to your health, says the American Academy of Family Physicians.

But learning to live without these substances can be difficult, and some medicines can actually trigger a relapse.

To take medicine safely after substance abuse recovery, the AAFP encourages former abusers to:

  • Read the list of ingredients.
  • Follow dosage and instructions.
  • Choose products that are alcohol-free.
  • Avoid herbal supplements and weight-loss products.
  • Avoid nasal sprays.
  • Ask someone you trust to manage and dispense your medication.

The AAFP urges people in recovery to work closely with a doctor.