Isaac C.
Across the world, millions of people struggle with drug and alcohol addictions every day. However, most people will deny this due to internal and external shame, stigma, judgment, and consequences that may arise.
Even if you are honest with yourself, it can be hard to admit you have a problem with drugs or alcohol. This is because you may be in denial. Likewise, you may not think you fit the stereotypical perception of someone who suffers from a substance use disorder (SUD). However, it would be best to remember that addiction does not discriminate.
Though we recommend seeking professional support as soon as you come to appreciate that your relationship with substances has taken a turn for the worse, here are some signs that indicate when the right time to reach out for help is.
What was once a bit of fun with friends and gave you a hit of endorphins may now be causing you to experience mood swings, which leave you irritable and even paranoid. In addition, your sleep patterns may be all over the place, leaving you feeling somewhat restless. When combined, these factors will start to affect your work and social life. In turn, you may find yourself using a larger quantity of substances in a bid to cope.
Furthermore, when substance use begins to take over your life, you may experience problems concentrating on anything but using again. This could leave you worrying about how much control you have over your life.
If this sounds like you, reach out for help. You might not realize it, but this is textbook addiction. People have common misconceptions about those with addictions and their lives, but they are usually false. Many people suffer from addiction and manage to keep their heads just above the water in plain sight. However, this is not ideal, nor is it beneficial.
If you have unsuccessfully tried overcoming a SUD but have relapsed, you must reach out for help rather than attempt to recover alone again. Recovering from substance abuse is hard and requires both medical and psychological intervention.
Asking for professional support is not a sign of weakness or failure. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It takes great strength to admit that you need help. Furthermore, quitting cold turkey can be dangerous and even fatal. By asking for help, you are essentially preserving your life.
Remember that addiction is a disease. You wouldn’t try to cure a traditional illness on your own without medical treatment, so why addiction?
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If you take drugs or consume alcohol and find yourself losing control, you need to seek help. A medical professional will determine the severity of your addiction and act accordingly.
Likewise, just wondering if you should reach out for help is a sign that you should reach out. The sooner you can access treatment and support, the better chance you have of recovering and achieving sobriety.
Although you may not believe it, addiction is much more common than people think. In fact, a survey found that ten percent of US adults have a drug use disorder at some point in their lives. Misusing can happen without realizing it before it’s too late, especially if you are in denial about what is happening or are reluctant to ask for support.
If you think you have an addiction, trust your instincts and get help. The longer you wait to contact a rehab center, the more severe your addiction will become. For this very reason, the right time to reach out for help is now.
