No matter what the source of an individual’s addiction, all addicts must take the first step toward their recovery by admitting that they have a problem. While this may seem cliché, it is still the absolute truth.
The process of recovery has to start with the individual recognizing their addiction as a problem. All too often a person struggling with an addiction will not want to even consider looking into a rehabilitation center or rehab program because they do not believe that they have a problem.
So, how can you tell if you have an addiction problem? If you are asking yourself that question then here are five more very easy questions that you can ask yourself about your lifestyle and the choices you are making that may hold the answer.
Saying ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions could be a very distinct sign that you may need the help of an addiction recovery center or rehab program to help you get your life back on track.
- Is Your Health In Danger?
Have you found that you are in poor health from not eating properly, staying awake for too long, or from the side effects of the substance you are using? Do you black out or pass out with or without warning? Have you woken up laying on the ground and not know how you got there? All of these are signs that your addiction has taken over your life and you should seriously consider rehab to regain control of your life. - Are You taking Risks That Would Seem Very Foolish If Your Addiction Was Not Involved?
Are you participating in high risk behaviors so that you can have access to your preferred substance? Are you going into areas that would seem unsafe when you are sober? Are you sharing needles? Are you stealing to cover the costs of your habit? Risky behavior is one of the leading signs that you have an addiction and should seek help to conquer this problem. - Are You Placing Your Financial Well Being At Risk?
Are you missing work because you were drunk or high the night before and cannot function today? Are you using while you are at work? Have you lost your employment due to your substance abuse? Have you dropped out of school? Are you spending your savings, selling your assets or otherwise going through all of your money for your habit? Addictions can become all consuming, but they are not free. If you are spending every dollar you have on your habit, you have an addiction. - Do You Find Yourself Going A Shorter Period Of Time Between Each Drink or High?
If you are finding it harder and harder to stay sober at any time of the day or night, you are most likely suffering from an addiction. The brain chemistry naturally becomes immune to the ‘high’ effect from these substances over a period of time. When this happens, the person with an addiction has to use their preferred substance more and more often needing larger and larger amounts to achieve the same good feeling. - Are Your Friends And Family Telling You That You Need To Enter Rehab?
The ones we love the most usually have the hardest time admitting that their loved one has an addiction problem. If your friends and family are telling you that you may have a problem and should seek help, you should probably take the time to listen to what they have to say. These are the most important people in your life and they see something you may not be able to bring yourself to see.
Now The Really Good News
Facing an addiction is never easy. Taking that first step towards recovery can be very difficult. However, once you are ready, there is help available for you to make it through this difficult time. Rehabilitation centers for drug or alcohol use are the right solution to an addiction problem.
Drug rehab centers have advanced so much in the last decade. They are no longer the clinical and depressing places that many people still associate with this type of medical care. Advanced rehabilitation facilities are friendly and caring and made to allow the participants feel comfortable and happy.
When you enter into a quality drug rehab facility you are assigned a personal substance abuse counselor. This counselor is going to remain with you throughout your recovery period and help you address all the issues that come before you during the recovery process.
Your counselor will help change your eating habits to be healthier so that your body can physically recover. They will talk to you about stress and stress relief so that you learn how to manage issues that may cause you to turn to substance abuse again. They will help you regain your sense of dignity and pride that is often lost with addiction.
Your counselor is going to work with you to help you discover what led you down the road of addiction. They are going to help you face the problems of your past by showing you your bright future. They are going to help you find yourself and overcome this problem.
There Are Programs To Fit Your Needs
The one thing that holds many people back from seeking help with their recovery is they feel that there are no programs that would fit what they need. Addiction recovery is not a one-size-fits-all program. Every addiction is as unique as the person suffering from it and must be treated in a manner that meets the needs of the person with the addiction.
Many rehabilitation facilities offer in-house programs for people who feel that they need to be removed from the situation that has led to their addiction. Outpatient programs are also available for people who wish to remain at home. Some programs use a combination of both types of rehabilitation programs for the best success.
Whatever your needs are, there are quality programs available. You are not stuck with an addiction and you do not have to face the addiction, or your recovery alone. Recovery is possible for all people, regardless of their past or their substance of choice. Tomorrow is a new and wonderful day, and you have the ability to face it substance free if you desire.
