Did you know that only about 13% of people with addiction get treatment? There are many reasons for this, including stigma and lack of education. However, one of the biggest issues is that people often don’t realize they have a substance use disorder.
The fact is that addiction does not always look the same. Furthermore, it is possible to continue functioning to some degree while already dependent on substances, even as the consequences begin to cause havoc in your life.
So, what are the signs of addiction? And how bad do they need to be to get help for addiction?
Here are 10 signs it’s time to get help for substance use.
1. Your Tolerance is Increasing
In the context of substance use, tolerance refers to the phenomenon where you have to take more of the substance to feel its effects. Your body becomes more tolerant to alcohol or drugs the more you use. This leads to a vicious cycle, in which you use higher and higher volumes.
If you find that you need to use more than you used to in order to get drunk or high, this means your body is already accustomed to having the substance present. Even if addiction is not derailing your life just yet, now is the best time to get treatment as your problem is likely to get worse.
2. You Go Through Withdrawals
Connected to your body’s tolerance of substances is the presence of withdrawals when you’re not using them. Since your body expects the substances to take over certain functions, it has to overcompensate when you are not drunk or high. You may have started noticing that you experience anxiety, irritability, nausea, or even tremors during these periods.
3. You’re Neglecting Responsibilities
Most substance problems are not recognized or diagnosed until they start to have serious consequences on the person’s life. These consequences come about because the person begins to prioritize drug or alcohol use over their daily responsibilities. You miss deadlines at work or come in late every day. You skip grocery shopping. Maybe you neglect to pick up your kids from school.
If you are not keeping up with your responsibilities due to substance use, it is time to seek addiction treatment. Doing so now, before the consequences have become too serious, will save you significant pain in the future.
4. You’re No Longer Interested in Activities You Used to Enjoy
One of the common substance abuse symptoms is that everything else falls by the wayside. Not only do you neglect responsibilities which may seem burdensome, but you’re not even interested in enjoying yourself in ways that don’t include substances. Your hobbies go out the window and you might find that you don’t seem to care.
Not only does this worsen the addiction cycle, but it also has an emotional toll as your mind is no longer stimulated.
5. You Ignore the Consequences
A person who is not addicted to substances is unlikely to continue using them if they are causing damage to themselves or others. If, however, you have already suffered consequences but keep on using, you are likely to have an addiction problem.
6. You Keep Secrets or Deceive Loved Ones
If despite generally being open and honest with your loved ones, you find that you’re keeping secrets or actively lying to them, you may have an addiction problem. Firstly, it indicates that, consciously or unconsciously, you know that your drinking or drug use is excessive. Secondly, it is a sign that you’re prioritizing your substance use over the most important people in your life.
It is due to these secrets, lies, and manipulation that addiction destroys so many relationships. Get help now while it is still possible to make amends for the damage caused.
7. You’re Suddenly Struggling to Make Ends Meet
Maybe you have not had financial issues in the past. Suddenly, you are finding that you’re waiting for the next paycheck just to cover the necessities. This is an indication that you are spending more than you can afford on substances. When you acquire drugs or alcohol, you don’t think about the cost because the addiction makes them seem like your most fundamental need.
If you have been avoiding seeking treatment due to the financial commitment involved, think about how addiction will lay waste to your finances in the long run.
8. You’re in Trouble With the Law
Addiction causes people to act recklessly, even if they have been risk-averse in the past. You may have started engaging in risky sexual encounters or driving under the influence. Maybe you have even gotten in trouble with the law.
Inebriation can cause anyone to act recklessly, whether or not they are addicted. But, if this is becoming a pattern, get treatment before things get worse.
9. You’re Getting Sick
In addition to the myriad ways that addiction affects your mood and overall mental health, it also has a severe impact on your body. Depending on the substance, it strains specific parts of your body, leading to health issues that can become long term. Frequent substance use also compromises your immune system, making you more likely to fall ill.
10. You’ve Tried to Stop
One of the surest signs that you are addicted to substances is that you have already tried to stop using them and failed. It indicates an awareness that you have a problem and that you keep using despite knowing there are consequences. Substances can be tempting to anyone, but someone who is not addicted will stop if they decide it’s best. Not being able to stop means you need professional help.
Conclusion
Knowing when to seek addiction treatment is not always easy. If you have noticed any of the above signs, it is time to get help for substance use. They are all early signs of addiction and should be taken seriously.
Addiction professionals can explain to you how to get help for substance use. Call Seasons in Malibu today for the best luxury rehab treatment.
Sources
Public Health Review: Substance Use and Associated Health Conditions throughout the Lifespan
Virginia Tech: Researchers ask how many attempts it takes to quit substance abuse
The post 10 Signs It’s Time to Get Help for Substance Use appeared first on Seasons In Malibu.
