When Should You Seek Help with Addiction?

One of the most challenging symptoms of addiction is denial. Most people trapped in substance use disorder often don’t accept that they have a problem that needs help. According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health by SAMHSA in 2021, only 10% of those struggling with addiction typically seek treatment. The rest often deny that they have a problem or fight it personally, which may not succeed. This article discusses critical indicators that you need help with. You may also consider consulting an expert to help you diagnose the ordeal. Click on http://oceansrecovery.com/ for quick and reliable professional service.

Related: 5 Approaches to Drug Addiction Recovery

How severe is Your Addiction?

Understanding the severity of your addiction is your first stab at beating it and knowing the right approach to use. Of course, a professional physician is in a better place to diagnose your situation. However, there are also several signs that you can spot in yourself, your child, or your friend to help you establish the need for addiction treatment. Here are a few indicators.

• Inability to stop or reduce substance use even when you’re willing
• If you find it hard to keep relationships, with friends, or family
• Spending so much time using the substance
• Intensive cravings
• Loss of interest in hobbies and things you valued initially
• Personal neglect, in terms of grooming, hygiene, etc.
• Lack of control
• Using the substance even in hazardous situations
• When you face withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, hand tremor, and more.
• Missing on important social events, both at home and work-related, due to your substance use

The severity of your substance use disorder depends on how many of the signs you identify with. If, for instance, you’re familiar with two to three of the symptoms, it could be an indication of mild addiction. The more signs you have, the more intense your condition is likely to be, and the more urgent you need help. However, mild symptoms don’t mean you should assume the problem.

The American Medical Association recognized addiction as a chronic brain disorder in 1956. According to experts, you should treat your addiction like cancer which means the soonest you realize the problem, the soonest you should seek treatment to prevent the condition from getting worse.

However, most people struggling with addiction are typically slow on taking action, especially if they have a functioning career and life. It’s easy to feel you’re in control simply because you can still provide for your family or get your life in order. However, addiction is a progressive condition, and sooner or later, it will catch up with you.

Related: 7 Signs You’re Depressed (and Why It Matters)

Where to Find Help with Your Addiction

There are several avenues, groups, and ways you can use to regain your life from addiction. However, visiting a rehabilitation center is the most effective way to start your recovery journey.

Addiction treatment involves addressing behavioral issues arising from substance use, as well as eliminating its physical dependence. That means you need to kill the substance out of your system, necessitating your treatment regimen to include both medication and professional counseling. Of course, you can use available detoxing methods. However, medical detox is more effective and safer, considering the dangers of withdrawal symptoms.

Similarly, addiction is a lifelong condition, meaning the fight never ends, and you’ll, at some points in your life, need to face the problem again and again. A rehab connects you with professionals who support you at every step of your recovery journey and help you stay sober, despite the temptations.

Noticing when you need help with your addictions can be challenging since it may seem like a weakness. However, it’s essential to remember that addiction is neither a moral fail nor a defect. Accept when you realize you need help, and reach out to get yourself out of the trap. Remember, like any other chronic disease, not treating your addiction can be life-threatening in the long run.