Signs That Confirm You Need Residential Rehab
You may realize that things in your life have gotten unmanageable but wonder if they are really bad enough that you need to seek inpatient treatment for addiction. It’s a decision that many people who have substance abuse problems struggle with. How bad is bad enough to need treatment? The reality is, in the U.S. there are nearly 23 million people who need treatment for alcohol and drug dependency and addiction, yet only about one percent actually receive it.
When you are considering inpatient treatment for your substance abuse issues, it’s likely that simply wondering about it means that you would benefit from treatment. If you think that you may have a problem, you likely do. Keep in mind that drug abuse and addiction affect each individual differently, you don’t have to be a 24/7 user to be an addict. If your drug or alcohol use is causing negative consequences in your life and the lives of your family and friends, it’s time to take a hard look at it.
To help you with your decision, here are some undeniable signs that you shouldn’t wait any longer for treatment.
You Drink or Use and Drive
It never seems like a big deal at the time, but driving while intoxicated is a real danger to yourself, your passengers, and everyone on the road near you. When you begin taking chances with your life and the lives of others because you cannot manage your behavior when using, it’s time to seek help.
Your Loved Ones Have Expressed Concern
It’s often difficult to see the negative changes that drug or alcohol use causes in ourselves – we’re too close to fully notice. However, those that are close to you don’t have such a hard time recognizing those changes. If your friends or family have expressed concern about your drinking or using, or asked you to stop, you should heed their concern.
You Have Drug or Alcohol Related Health Issues
Drug and alcohol abuse is harmful to the body when used for any extended amount of time. Alcoholism can cause extensive, and sometimes irreversible, damage to the heart, liver and brain. Opiate use can slow your respiratory system so much that you can suffer from permanent brain damage. Some stimulants can cause serious cardiovascular problems when used repeatedly. If you use drugs intravenously, you run the risk of contracting hepatitis C or HIV.
If your body (or your doctor) is telling you that you are suffering health problems related to your use, you need help before it’s too late.
You Lie About or Minimize Your Use
People who drink responsibly don’t feel the need to lie about it. If you find that you are lying or minimizing your drug or alcohol use to your friends and family, there is cause for concern. You may think that it is simply none of their business, but the truth is, people lie because they have something to hide.
You Have Withdrawal Symptoms When You Stop Using
When you use drugs or alcohol regularly, your body gets used to having them in your system – in fact, it becomes dependent on them. When you stop using, even for a short period of time, you may suffer headaches, nausea, trembling, cramps, insomnia, irritability and other withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms of withdrawal are uncomfortable and sometimes painful and they are one of the leading causes of continued use. If you suffer withdrawal symptoms when you stop using for a short period of time, you need to seek medically-supervised detox and an inpatient treatment program.
You’ve Tried to Stop on Your Own and Can’t
Maybe you are able to stop using for a day or two, or even a week. But you always begin using or drinking again. If you have tried to stop on your own, but haven’t been able to do it for an extended amount of time, you probably need professional help to do so. Inpatient rehab offers support, therapy, coping skills, relapse prevention and addiction education. You need those things to successfully stop using or drinking.
You Have Injured Yourself or Others While Using
Some drugs can cause anxiety, depression and even mental illness. If you have had suicidal thoughts or thoughts about hurting yourself or others, you need to seek inpatient treatment sooner rather than later. Sometimes, underlying psychological or psychiatric issues are exacerbated when drugs or alcohol are added into the equation. This can cause anger and rage and cause you to lash out physically at others. If you have done that, or are concerned that you might, treatment is right for you.
Your Freedom Has Been Threatened
If you have made choices while using that have resulted in the possibility of jail time, or you are on probation or parole, drug or alcohol use can endanger your freedom. Will spending time behind bars be better than a 30-day stay in rehab? Not likely.
You Have Lost Jobs or Schooling Due to Your Use
You probably started out by missing work or school occasionally due to your drug or alcohol use – not such a big deal. But if it has escalated to being disciplined at work or school, or if you have already lost a job or been kicked out of school, you need to take a close look at your drug or alcohol use.
You Want to Stop Using, but Don’t Know How
If you are worn out by your drug or alcohol use and want to stop but you don’t know how, it’s time to enlist the help of professionals. Addiction is a disease which means that it’s very hard for people to stop using on their own. Needing professional help is not a sign of weakness or failure. Get Help Now!
If you relate to any of the above signs, you should get help now. Addiction is a treatable medical disorder and the sooner you get help, the sooner you will stop suffering negative consequences and start living the life you want. At Serenity at Summit, we can help you make the best decision about how to get started with your recovery, and which treatment program is the most appropriate for your circumstances. Call us today at (855) 273-0658 for more information.
