When it comes to alcohol and substance abuse and addiction, it can be hard for someone to be objective enough and admit that they are addicted. If drug and alcohol consumption and use have already been affecting your life, work, and relationships, it’s time you took a closer look at your situation. It’s time to stop denying and blocking the idea that you might have an addiction. Take advantage of the fact that you’re wondering whether or not you have a problem and use that as a stepping stone towards change.
Once you can accept that you have a problem with addiction, you can continue on your path to recovery. The next step is to decide and develop the desire to get sober. However, this begs the question, how?
Many people having a problem with addiction forgo professional counselling and treatment thinking that their case is not that bad, that they haven’t hit rock bottom. As a result, they don’t explore rehab and treatment options. Little do they know that wondering if they need help to get sober itself is already a sign that they likely do. This is particularly true and important if you’re using opioids, heroin, or meth.
Understanding the Severity of One’s Addiction
If your life is already going wayward and you are aware that it might be because of your alcohol and substance consumption, then you’re probably struggling with addiction. There are 11 criteria that help determine whether an addiction is mild, moderate, or severe:
- Lack of control in consuming the substance
- Wanting to quit but not able to
- Spend much time trying to get a dose of the substance
- Craving for the substance
- Lack of responsibility
- Having problems with relationships
- Loss of interest in life, family, and work
- Dangerous usage of substances
- Worsening situations in different aspects of life
- Tolerance to substance
- Withdrawal symptoms
The severity of the addiction is based on how many of the criteria can be applied to one’s situation. If two to three apply to you, you have a mild addiction. However, no matter how mild you think your addiction is, it’s still vital to seek professional help to get sober.
What to Do When Others Tell You You’re Not Addicted
You probably have some friends, and you’ve tried to tell them about your addiction. However, because you’re still able to function normally, for the most part, they dismiss the idea that you’re addicted and say that you’re fine.
When you find yourself in such a situation, you might feel helpless, or you might give in and choose to believe them. However, if you really want to change and recover, you have to ask the following:
- Are these friends also addicted?
- Do they even know of your substance consumption and abuse?
- Would you yourself be comfortable enough to tell them that they have a problem?
These questions determine whether the friend/s you chose to talk to is capable of providing you with objective and genuine guidance. Whether or not you have an addiction, but you feel as though you are addicted, anyone who claims to be concerned about you should not dismiss your addiction so quickly. They should encourage you to see a professional who can accurately assess your situation.
Addiction Can Get Worse
No matter how mild your addiction could be, if you do not treat it, it can get worse. Seek professional help now before it worsens, even if none of your friends or family think that you have a problem. If you’re looking for a rehab facility to treat your addiction, Addiction Resource is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.