When it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, it's hard to be objective and admit that you have a problem. If substance abuse is causing negative effects in your life, it's time to take a closer look at it and accept the fact that you might have an addiction. Once you can accept it, you'll already be on the road to recovery. The next step is to decide how to stay sober.
This can be confusing if you're wondering if your addiction is severe enough to require rehabilitation. Severity is determined by the number of criteria you meet. For example, if two or three of the criteria apply to you, you would have mild substance use disorder. But even if you have a mild diagnosis, you should seek help to stay sober. It's important to remember that addiction is a progressive illness, which means it will get worse. If you only have a mild case right now, it's likely to become moderate or severe in the future.
Addiction is a chronic illness, as are asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and many others. If you were diagnosed with stage 1 cancer, wouldn't you seek some type of treatment to prevent it from getting worse? You don't have to be hitting rock bottom to need treatment. Get help before it gets out of hand. If you're hitting rock bottom or have a serious diagnosis, it's never too late to get the help you need. If you keep up with your work, do your family duties, and maintain friendships while also having a drug or alcohol addiction, you're known as a high-functioning addict.
These types of addicts maintain a level of professional success and struggle with their addiction behind the scenes. One of the biggest problems faced by well-functioning addicts is denial. You feel like you're in control because your life is still quite normal, by all appearances. However, your addiction is likely to be worse than you think. Some people may struggle with addiction for years before the facade begins to crumble. For others, it may take a life-changing event, such as a DUI or an accidental overdose, to force them to address the problem.
Instead of waiting for one of these life-changing events to happen to you, it's best to seek help as soon as possible. If you have an addiction and want to stay sober, treatment may be your best option. Overcoming a drug or alcohol addiction requires not only eliminating physical dependence but also addressing behavioral problems. Simply quitting smoking won't change the psychological aspect of addiction. Recovering from addiction involves changing the way you think, feel, and behave. It's difficult to address the psychological side of addiction without the help of a professional.
To eliminate physical dependence, you'll need to detoxify or eliminate drugs or alcohol from your system. Physician-assisted detoxification is much safer than trying to detoxify on your own. If you detoxify in a medical setting, you'll have professionals to help you with any withdrawal symptoms, which can be life-threatening in some cases. Not all rehabilitation centers offer medically assisted detoxification, but it's important to find one that does if you're physically dependent on the substance. Going through the treatment process will teach you how to overcome it again and again. You'll also get a support network that will help you in the battle for years to come.
If you need help finding a treatment program and starting to build that network, contact a treatment provider today. Admitting yourself into a drug rehabilitation center is a big step - especially if it means that you may lose your current living conditions upon leaving the treatment center. Where you'll live after completing your recovery can be as worrying as getting the treatment itself. In fact, many struggling addicts delay seeking treatment out of fear of losing their home or job - but this shouldn't stop them from getting help. There are many options available for those who need help finding housing after rehab - from sober living homes and halfway houses to government assistance programs. The most important thing is that if you're struggling with an addiction and want help staying sober - don't wait until it's too late! Seek professional help today and start building your support network for long-term sobriety.