How to Know If You Need Help With Your Addiction
For some people, it’s easy to justify a bad habit because it feels good doing it. Even if the habit is bringing detrimental effects into their life, their judgment can be clouded with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Acknowledging that you have an addiction can be quite difficult, especially if it stems from alcohol/substance abuse. But if you can come to terms that you have a problem, then you’re one step closer to starting your journey of recovery.
Many people choose to forgo addiction treatment simply because their situation isn’t bad enough or they haven’t hit rock-bottom yet. The problem with this is that the longer they delay the treatment, the worse their situation progresses. If you’re suffering from any type of addiction and if you’re unsure whether you need help, this information is for you. You can also check men’s addiction treatment program online to further help aid you in recovery.
Understanding how addiction affects the brain
Addiction impacts the brain’s reward system by encouraging further use of drugs/alcohol. This is because these substances cause a powerful surge of dopamine release, particularly in the areas of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of pleasure and plays an important role in both memory and learning — two key factors in the transition of liking something to becoming addicted to it.
It only takes a quick look at your surroundings to determine how negatively your addiction has been impacting your life. Have you lost important relationships due to your addiction? Did you lose a job and neglect your career because of excessive alcohol/drug use? If the answers are yes, then you should be increasingly concerned about how your addiction has taken control of your life.
The criteria for addiction can help you determine the severity of your problem and find out where you stand in terms of a mild, moderate, or severe addiction. The eleven criteria are as follows:
- Lack of self-control
- Unable to quit despite the desire to
- Trying hard to acquire the substance/drugs
- Intense cravings
- Lack of responsibility/accountability
- Problems with families, friends, and other relationships
- Loss of interest in hobbies and passions
- Health dangers due to excessive alcohol/drug use
- Progressively worsening situation
- Increasing development of tolerance
- Signs of withdrawal symptoms
Fear of being judged or misunderstood
Most addicts tend to hide their addiction due to fear of being judged or misunderstood. For a long time, society has stigmatized addiction to the point where people often associate it with disgrace or shame. The label of being an “addict” is what makes it even more difficult for the person to reach out for help. During these vulnerable moments, it’s important to surround yourself with people who have your best interest and heart and will support you throughout your journey to recovery.
If you’ve been hiding your addiction for years, it’s a clear sign that you need help. Don’t let your fears hinder you from getting the help you actually need. It takes a lot of honesty and self-awareness to admit that you have a problem and the right people won’t mistake you for being weak or a coward.
Denial of your addiction
Denial is a powerful force that can take over an addicted person’s life. It’s what holds people back from seeking help by convincing themselves that the problem isn’t too big. When a person is in denial of their addiction, they are less likely to take responsibility with their actions and decisions.
You have to be honest with yourself. Take a long, hard look in the mirror and reflect on how much your life has changed since you’ve become addicted to drugs/alcohol. Do you often say statements such as:
- “It’s okay, I’m not harming anyone with my drug/alcohol use.”
- “I only drink and snort. I would never use needles.”
- “I’m not that addicted. I just use it to relieve stress and have a good time.”
- “I know what I’m doing and I’m not harming myself with my drug/alcohol use.”
The problem with these statements is that it masks the real problem which is the addiction itself. You can be mildly addicted to any substances, but once you keep using for prolonged periods, it’s only a matter of time before you develop a full-blown addiction
Getting the help that you really need
Once you’ve come to terms with your addiction, undergoing treatment is the best way to get your life back on the right track. Most rehabilitation programs like Drug rehab center in Bali address addiction by first eliminating the substances from your system to reduce physical dependence. There are a number of treatment programs available such as residential treatment, outpatient treatment, group counselling, and individual counseling. There are a number of treatment programs available such as residential treatment, outpatient treatment, group counselling, and individual counseling so make sure to choose the right program that you feel most comfortable adhering to.
With the help of experienced professionals, you can slowly rebuild your life and replace destructive habits with healthier, more life-changing ones. You’ll be guided throughout the way by compassionate people who share the same goals you have in beating addiction and regaining control of your life. They’ll monitor both your physical and psychological progress and help manage your withdrawal symptoms along the way. As long as you stick to the treatment plan and fully commit to it, the chances of ending your drug addiction are very high.
Addiction is a disease and much like any other conditions, it requires expert attention from medical professionals and experienced psychologists. Don’t let your addiction take hold of you and seek the help you actually need.