Knowing when it's time to find addiction help

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The problem all substance abusers have is they eventually have to face the progressive nature of their substance abuse. Over time, things will continue getting worse until something happens to change the course of their substance abuse disorder. Here's to hoping you can find a way off the runaway train of substance abuse before real tragedy befalls you.

As you contemplate your life in the cycle of substance abuse, you will eventually hit a moment of clarity when you start to wonder if in fact, you have a problem. From the outside, your imminent demise might be clear to loved ones and friends. For you, it might be difficult for your to step outside yourself and look objectively. What you need is a way to tell you do indeed have a serious problem.

In the sections below, we will guide you through the process of self-realization in terms of your substance abuse. We offer you this as a means of allowing you to see the truth so you can get help.

The Signs of Addiction

While the signs of a substance abuse problem might vary slightly from one substance to the next, there is a general way we can tell if we or someone we know has a problem with drugs or alcohol. It really starts us being able to see and admit that something is not right.

The truth is we can break the signs of substance abuse down into two categories: the physical signs and the behavioral signs. In all honesty, it's the physical signs that usually differ based on the substance someone is abusing. People who are abusing drugs like heroin, painkillers, or alcohol will usually show physical signs of weariness. People who abuse substances like meth or cocaine tend to look frayed.

What we want to focus on are the behavioral signs of substance abuse. We choose this path because these are things most addicts have in common. Without further delay, here are some signs of a significant substance abuse problem:

• Difficulty developing and maintaining important relationships
• Struggles at work or school due to being late, absent, or preoccupied
• Trouble handling basic personal responsibilities like cleaning the house or paying bills
• Confrontations with law enforcement because of DUI violations or criminal activity
• Financial problems due to the pursuit of money for drugs or alcohol
• Inability to take care of personal hygiene issues

These are but a few signs of substance abuse. As you can see, addicts tend to live in a world of turmoil. And yes, things do get progressively worse as time goes on. Do you have to hit rock bottom before you decide to get help? Clearly, the answer is no. When you get sick and tired of being sick and tired, you can ask for help.

Choosing Addiction Rehabilitation and Recovery

While your addictive behavior tends to be progressive in nature, so too is the recovery process. We can tell you by our experiences that nothing gets done right until you are able and willing to admit you have a substance abuse problem. Using the information we provided above as a guide, you now have the means to tell if you indeed have a problem.

Addiction rehabilitation is the solution for anyone who wants sobriety. In fact, it's the only solution because all of those internet self-help suggestions fail to deliver real sobriety.

You know it is time to ask for help when you have nowhere else to go but up. If you show the physical and behavioral signs of substance abuse, you should accept them as warning signs. In time, you could be risking your life if you don't stop using.

The good news is you do have access to top treatment facilities. Even better, you can get help long before you have no other choice. The moment you know you have a problem is the moment you become eligible for treatment.

The truth is you have an incredible life that lies before you. Your addiction is just a boulder in the middle of the road you are traveling. You can remove that boulder with 30 to 90 days of treatment.

The Addiction Rehabilitation Process

Sometimes, we find that people are reluctant to seek help out of fear of the unknown. To alleviate any concerns you might have, we thought it would be useful to briefly describe the treatment process.

When you go in for treatment, rehab administrators would want an opportunity to talk to you about the circumstances surrounding your substance abuse. They would be looking for information like:

• Length of time you have been abusing your substance of choice
• Your actual substance or substances of choice
• The frequency of your substance abuse
• The amount you use in a day
• Whether or not you might have emotional/mental problems tied to the substance abuse
• Discussions about collateral damage that might exist

All of this information would help them create a custom treatment program that would best meet your needs.

Right upfront, you should know that you will face withdrawal symptoms when you stop using or drinking. We would strongly suggest you take part in a medical detox program. Such a program will allow you to deal with your withdrawal issues in a safe and secure environment. If you were to show signs of pain or discomfort, medical professionals would be standing by to intervene with medication if necessary.

After clearing your body and head, you would start working with a therapist. At this point, your goal would be self-discovery. You are looking for the truth as it relates to why you feel the need to abuse any substance. For most people, the driving force behind addictive behavior is usually some form of emotional/mental pain. To recover from your substance abuse illness, you need to know the truth. Can you be open and honest with your therapist?

By the way, rehab is a good place to start addressing your overall wellbeing. Holistic therapies are becoming the rage within the treatment community. The holistic treatments you would encounter are things you can use outside of rehab to improve your wellness. Common holistic treatment option in rehab might include:

• Massage therapy
• Yoga and meditation
• Art and music therapy
• Equine therapy (caring for horses)
• Acupuncture
• Recreational therapy and crafts

Once you start to see the whys, you can begin to position yourself to deal with your problems. For the most part, your problems are probably tied to triggers that set you off. To deal with those triggers and future temptation, you would need to work on your coping skills. If you can learn to cope better in your life, the need to hide behind substance abuse diminishes.

No matter how significant your substance abuse has become, you always have time and a way to recovery. If you are seeing the signs of substance abuse within yourself or perhaps a loved one, no time is better for treatment than now.

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