Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to hit “rock bottom” in order to be ready for addiction treatment. Some people realize that they have a problem and want help before they reach their lowest point – they seek treatment because they don’t want things to become worse. Everyone has their own motivation for attending rehab, but what matters most is that you are ready to turn your life around for the better.
Here are just a few turning-point moments you may have where you realize it’s time to seek treatment and overcome addiction:
You’re tired of the ways drugs/alcohol make you feel. While the initial euphoria caused by substance use can be invigorating, it can soon wear off leaving you feeling tired, sick, lethargic, and just overall out of sorts. If you’ve been missing work or skipping out on things you used to enjoy because you just don’t feel well or up to it, you may realize addiction treatment is a good option.
Substance use is taking a toll on your health. Drug and alcohol use can take a serious toll on your physical and mental health. Continued use can contribute to cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, dental problems, and liver or kidney trouble, just to name a few. It can also exacerbate problems with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and insomnia. As your health starts to decline, this can be a wake-up call that something needs to change.
Your financial well-being is suffering. Has your bank account begun to dwindle? Are you spending more money on managing your addiction (or the problems it causes) than on paying bills? As addiction becomes worse, it can eat up more of your finances leaving you having trouble making ends meet. Plus, it can be an awkward and uncomfortable situation trying to explain to your loved one why you’re suddenly short on cash or the bills are overdue. It can be eye-opening to see how your finances change for the better when you no longer have expenses related to active addiction.
Family and friends are showing concern or pulling away. Have friends and family been more vocal about their concerns over your drinking, drug use, or overall well-being? Have they started spending less time with you because they don’t like the person you become when you’re under the influence? Addiction can put a great deal of strain on relationships and lead to you saying or doing things you don’t really mean. If your relationships are suffering, addiction treatment can help you to turn things around.
You’ve tried to quit before. If you have tried to cut back on your drinking or drug use on your own before but not had success, it could be a sign that you’re ready for professional addiction treatment. Many people are able to stay sober for a few days or weeks on their own before they shift back into active addiction. Entering rehab can provide you with the education, therapy, and support you need for lasting recovery.
You’re ready to take back control of your life. When you think about each day, is a majority of your time focused on when, how, and where you’ll be able to use drugs or alcohol again? Does the thought of going through withdrawal stress you out? Then it’s time to take back control of your life and start living how you want to live, rather than under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Some people are able to see how substance use has changed their lives, and they don’t like who they have become. Crossroads can help you to remember who you wanted to be and overcome addiction. With individualized treatment, you can feel confident that you are getting the help you need for recovery.
[cta]If you’re ready to make a change in your life and overcome addiction, call Crossroads today.[/cta]
