Addiction can creep up on people over time, often without them even recognizing that it is happening. They may start off feeling as if they are in control of it, only to later find that they can’t seem to cut back and quit even if they want to. Many people keep their problems with substance misuse private and choose not to seek treatment for it. This may be because they are ashamed, worried about what others will think, or simply don’t think that treatment will really help. The truth is, the longer this goes on, the worse a substance use disorder can get. If you are currently struggling with a substance use disorder, know that there is help available to you and you can take your life back.

Identifying the Signs of a Substance Use Disorder

If you suspect that you have a substance use disorder but aren’t sure or don’t feel as if it is severe enough to warrant treatment, there are some questions that you can ask yourself. It is important that you answer them as honestly as possible.

• Have you tried to cut back or quit engaging in substance use, but have failed?
• Do you hide how much or how often you engage in substance use from others?
• Do you find yourself consistently thinking about engaging in substance use?
• Do you continue to engage in substance use even if it causes problems within your relationships?
• Do you continue to engage in substance use even if it is causing you to struggle to keep up with work or school?
• Do you spend a lot of your time obtaining a substance, using it, and recovering from its effects?
• Has your substance use affected you financially?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have a substance use disorder and require treatment.

The First Few Steps

Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step in getting help. If you think that you’re struggling with addiction, your first step is to speak honestly with your primary care provider. They will be able to provide you with a diagnosis and determine whether in-patient or out-patient treatment is necessary. They will also be able to provide you with any referrals necessary. You will then go through the detox process, during which time it is likely that you will experience some unpleasant withdrawal effects. The effects can be managed through medication either at home or in a treatment center to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible.

Once you have gone through the detox process, your recovery journey isn’t over. In fact, it is just beginning. Being in recovery means that you must continue to make the decision each day of your life to stay sober. To do this, long-term treatment is necessary. Long-term treatment may look different from person to person. For many people, this involves going to regular recovery meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. At these meetings, you will have the support of other people who know what you’re going through because they’ve been through it themselves. They will be able to offer non-judgemental advice and can help in difficult times when you feel tempted to relapse. By attending these meetings regularly, you’ll be kept on track and accountable.

If these types of group meetings aren’t really for you, you may consider individual therapy. During these therapy sessions you can talk to a counselor about any struggles you may have and they can help you productively work through your emotions.

Finding the Root Cause

One of the most important key aspects of your recovery journey is finding out what the root cause of your substance use problem is. This is the reason that you felt like you needed to engage in substance use in the first place. The reason is different from person to person. Some common examples include:

• Financial worries
• Unhealthy relationships
• Unhealthy amounts of stress
• Being the victim of abuse
• Struggling with an undiagnosed mental health disorder 
• Losing a loved one
• Suffering from job loss
• Being bullied or harassed
• Experiencing a traumatic event
• Loneliness or isolation

While some people may be well aware of what their root cause is, it may take others some time and soul searching to find it. It may be helpful to speak with a counselor that specializes in addiction to help pinpoint the cause. Once you have identified it, you can take the necessary steps to begin to heal.

If you think that you are struggling with a substance use disorder, you are not alone. Addiction affects many families all across the country. While you may be hiding your substance use disorder from others, the problem will only get worse over time if you don’t seek treatment. The first step in getting the help you need is recognizing that there is a problem. The next step is speaking with your doctor who can provide a diagnosis and any necessary referrals. After going through the detox process it is important to ensure you’re seeking out long-term treatment either through counseling or by attending group meetings. If you are struggling, know that there is help available to you and you can begin to live your best life again. Don’t wait, get help today. At Achieve Concierge, we want to make sure you’re living the life that you deserve. Call (858) 221-0344 today to learn more about how we can help.