Admitting You Need Help
…and then seeking treatment.
It may be difficult in admitting you need help with an addiction. How would you make sense of the possibility that you might have a substance abuse problem? Firstly, you may notice basic indications of dependence like negative outcomes of your consumption in different settings, like at work, school, and at home. It tends to be difficult to acknowledge these realities to yourself, so you may converse with a confidant about these problems. Lastly, meeting with a certified professional can offer you more knowledge and answers.
As the saying goes, “The first step is admitting you have a problem.”
Denial is a large part of addiction and breaking through self-deception can be very difficult. Many addicts have to reach rock bottom before they can accept that their drug use is a serious problem in their life. Rock bottom may be different for different people, and it could be as simple as realizing you are neglecting other hobbies, or as serious as legal trouble or family trouble.
Maybe your friends have teased about your drinking or drug use, or every now and then you wonder if there could be an actual problem. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) reports that most people who fit the requirements for substance abuse or substance dependency don’t think they would benefit from getting help in a private addiction’s treatment facility.
Ask yourself the following questions to help determine if you have a problem with drugs or alcohol:
- Does my drug use stop me from exercising or eating a healthy diet?
- Is it common that I drink or use more than my friends or family?
- Has my drug use affected my school, work or other obligations?
- Does the idea of going without drugs or alcohol make me awkward?
- How often do I drink more than I planned?
- Do I continue to use large amounts of drugs or consume large amounts of alcohol despite legal trouble, such as a DUI or probation?
- Are drugs and alcohol my only form of relief?
- Has my drug use increased considerably since I began using?
- Have I ever blacked out from extreme drug or alcohol use?
- Do I need alcohol or drugs to have excitement?
Identifying Consequences
It’s easy to validate drug or alcohol use as something you want to do, even if others don’t approve and your using more than most. However, living life continuously under the influence of substances often leads to depression, anxiety and cognitive destruction. Drugs and alcohol actually affect brain chemistry after continual use, so even if you think you are fine with your current substance abuse, eventually your body may be damaged by their long-term effects.
Be Authentic with Yourself
Knowing you have a problem and accepting it are two different things. Accepting that your substance use is a problem means admitting to others that continuing to use is damaging to your health and safety, even if you are incapable of stopping on your own. You may not think you are worthy of being sober, or living a normal life, but everyone has the right to live a healthy life without substances. Even if there are other struggles to achieving the life you want, becoming sober makes every aspect of life easier. Addiction treatment can help you uncover all your possibilities.
Take the Next Stride
If your drug and alcohol use is causing problems at home or in your work life, it may be time to think about getting help. There is no disgrace in reaching out to learn how to manage your life without substances. While it seems like a lot to let go of, you will achieve so much more in the manner of a balanced, healthy life. If you would like to talk to someone about your substance use, or learn about options for treatment, call our helpline and we can get you on the right path to living your life to the fullest.
If your loved one needs addiction treatment, know that professional help is available and helpful. Here at iRecover Treatment Centers, we’re here around the clock to assist those in need any way we can. Addiction treatment in Canada can be just what your loved one needs to get free and begin creating the kind of life they truly desire.