Acknowledging that you have an alcohol or drug problem can be very difficult. However, what’s even harder is admitting to yourself that you need professional help and let others know about it. And to do that, you need to be courageous enough in taking the first step toward your long-term recovery. If you don’t want to self-destruct due to alcohol or drug addiction continuously, here are 12 signs you need rehab as soon as possible.
1. Having health problems caused by alcohol or drug use
Whether you believe it or not – alcohol or drugs of all kinds are indeed harmful to your body. This is especially true when you’ve been taking it for an extended period of time. For instance, drunkenness can cause severe damage to your liver, heart, and brain. Repeated use of drugs, on the other hand, can result in slowing down of breathing, permanent brain damage, psychosis, and cardiovascular problems. Moreover, injecting drugs through needles can also increase the possibility of getting deadly diseases such as hepatitis C or HIV. So, if your alcohol or drug use has started to cause you serious health problems, then your body might be telling you not to take these signs for granted and seek rehab right away.
2. Driving a vehicle while intoxicated
While it doesn’t seem to be a big deal, driving a car under the influence of alcohol or a drug is dangerous to you and anyone on the road. Even if you’re an experienced driver, it doesn’t erase the fact that you might meet an accident if you keep driving while intoxicated or high. If you find this driving behavior of yours unmanageable, it’s best to look for a rehabilitation center that can help in your recovery from alcohol or drug use.
3. Harming yourself or others while intoxicated or high
Certain drugs can cause depression or other mental illnesses. Having suicidal thoughts and harming yourself or others can be signs that you need professional assistance as early as possible. Even if you feel so helpless or hopeless, you have to remember that feeling depressed caused by drug use can be subject to treatment. By taking rehabilitation programs, you can free yourself from the cycle and start to live a good life again.
4. Losing a job or being kicked out of school due to alcoholism or drug addiction
If you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs over an extended period of time, the risk of losing your job or being kicked out of school is very high. While it might start with a missed class, arriving late, or a late-submitted assignment, the offenses committed over time can grow and result in significant consequences. If you don’t want to lose your job or stop from schooling, think about re-assessing your alcohol or drug use. For instance, asking for help might be the best thing to do to prevent yourself from losing the job you want or the future that awaits you.
5. Lying about your drinking or drug use
Typically, you don’t have to lie if you don’t hide something. Unfortunately, this doesn’t apply to people who are suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction. They usually feel the need to lie or be secretive about their drinking or using. And the fact that you’re willing to do the activity over and over again is an indicator that something is really wrong with you. Even if you think you have this situation under your control, there’s no need for you to lie about it anymore. The good thing to do is to accept that you need help in order to live a fulfilling life again.
6. Trying to quit but unable to do so for an extended period
Maybe you’ve acknowledged that you need to stop. You’ve tried to quit, but you failed because your body is dependent on the substance to the point that you find yourself wanting to use more. Having this kind of situation, you need to ask for help right now. Always keep in mind that rehabilitation can be useful. So, get the treatment now to prevent addiction from getting worse.
7. Threatened freedom due to decisions made under the influence
Due to alcohol or drug use, you’ve been charged with driving while intoxicated or under the influence, illegal possession of controlled substances, or even violence. These violations are somehow enough to put yourself behind bars for a few years. If you believe your ability to live freely is at stake because of the choices you make under the influence, taking a treatment program might be more worth doing than prison time.
8. Family and friends ask you to stop
The people around you might ask you to stop drinking or using drugs. They usually express concern because they have your best interests and they don’t like seeing you taking the path of self-destruction. Although you find their concerns out of proportion, consider taking it positively as they might be right after all. So, if some of your family members and friends are concerned about you, take it as a sign that you need help right away.
9. Using alcohol or drugs to cope with stress or other painful feelings.
While alcohol or drug use can be a means of coping with stress and other painful feelings it, however, turns into a cycle that will more likely be out of control. On top of that, drinking or using drugs over time can cause serious life issues. Every time you have problems, you might find the need to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs even more which results in an increased desire to use. If you think you need a drink or a drug whenever you’re stressed, it’s a sign that you have a problem that needs to be treated as soon as possible.
10. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you quit
Wanting to stop drinking or taking a drug isn’t easy. It takes a lot of time before you can successfully get through with the withdrawal period. The first few tries to stop can cause you cramps, headaches, nausea, irritability, and paranoia and they’re getting worse within a couple of hours after your last drink or use. During this period, the need for alcohol or drug use continues to strengthen, making it harder for you to quit for good. If you’re having a hard time dealing with the withdrawal symptoms, it’s best to seek a treatment program that will help keep you sober for a long time.
11. Wanting to stop but don’t know how
You’re tired of dealing with everything that’s happening to you. From your hangovers to repeatedly thinking about where you can get your next drug or drink, the cycle seems to be very exhausting. However, even if you have quitting in mind, you don’t know how you can actually escape from it long-term. Remember, addiction is a disorder that is difficult to handle on your own, which is why needing rehab can be the best thing to do.
12. Showing additional signs
Aside from the signs listed above, alcohol or drug use also poses some other symptoms which also requires the need for rehab treatment. If you feel like you’ve experienced these signs now, never hesitate to seek help right away. The other signs include:
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Mood swings
- No longer enjoying the activities you once enjoyed
- Selling possessions to buy alcohol or drugs
- Taking your personal hygiene for granted
- Avoiding responsibilities
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Memory problems
Benefits of Rehab
Seeking professional help for addiction comes with several advantages. There’s rehabilitation programs that don’t only help an individual stop drinking or using but also stay sober for a long time. Below are some benefits of going into treatment for alcohol or drug use:
1. You learn how to conquer your drinking or drug dependence and live a life without these substances.
2. You get your needed peer support to assist you throughout the phases of your addiction recovery.
3. Rehab gives you the opportunity to take part in daily routine fitness and improve your nutrition in the long run.
4. Rehab helps you achieve a zero tolerance policy which means you’re not allowed to bring alcohol or drugs to the rehabilitation center.
5. Rehab provides counselors who are the best ones to help you overcome your dependence and have a better life.
6. Rehab offers you a secured and safe environment that will keep you away from all sorts of alcohol or drug temptations.
Conclusion
Dealing with an alcohol or drug problem isn’t really a bad thing. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a terrible person, undisciplined, or weak. However, no matter how hard it is, you need to acknowledge that you need help and support. As long as you’re willing to recognize these signs and submit yourself to a rehab treatment, you can start living a life free from alcohol or drug temptations.
